Two women are facing widespread criticism and potential repercussions after being filmed walking dangerously close to the scalding waters of Yellowstone National Park's Grand Prismatic Spring.
The incident, captured by visitor Tanya Saueressig on Sunday evening, showed the women veering off the designated path and walking directly on the spring's colorful microbial mats. Grand Prismatic Spring reaches a depth of 160 feet and its waters can be as hot as 188° F.
Saueressig described the women as appearing "oblivious to what was right under their feet," noting that they were taking photos and seemed unconcerned about the extreme heat and fragility of the ground. "You're causing so much damage with every step you take, and you don't care," she stated.
The National Park Service (NPS) has long warned visitors about the dangers of Yellowstone's thermal areas. The ground around hot springs can appear solid but may be a thin crust over superheated water. The NPS has reported that over 20 people have died from burns sustained after entering or falling into Yellowstone's hot springs.
Walking off boardwalks or designated trails in Yellowstone is illegal and can result in penalties. In March, one individual was sentenced to five days in jail for walking on hydrothermal features. Yellowstone's thermal areas are described by officials as "among the most dangerous natural features in the world."
Saueressig attempted to report the incident to a park ranger but was unable to find one immediately and had no cell reception. She decided to film the encounter hoping the women would be identified and held accountable for their actions, which she feared could lead to serious injury or death, and permanent damage to the delicate microbial mats.
The women had not been identified as of Tuesday night. Yellowstone National Park and the National Park Service have not yet publicly commented on the specific incident. Last year, a bison died after reportedly falling into the Grand Prismatic Spring.