CASPER, Wyo. — A Yellowstone National Park guide is facing criminal charges for violating park rules.
A National Park Service officer alleges in a criminal complaint that he found evidence that Theodore “Ted” Garland gave an unauthorized guided tour, trespassed on a thermal ground, led a person to a closed area and got too close to a black bear that was feeding.
Each of the 17 misdemeanor counts can be punishable by up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $5,000 and up to five years of probation, according to the complaint filed on Aug. 17.
Garland’s attorney, Alexander Freeburg, said he intends to fight the charges and has pleaded not guilty. He was released on a $1,000 bond, on conditions that he does not travel within the Yellowstone or Grand Teton national parks and that he does not post on his Facebook page while the case is ongoing.
Garland has a popular Facebook page, book and podcast named “Explore Yellowstone Like a Local,” KTWO-TV reported.