Two Hikers Injured in Yellowstone Bear Attack on Mystic Falls Trail
Two hikers were injured in a bear attack on May 4 while hiking near Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park, park officials confirmed today. The incident on the Mystic Falls Trail has triggered immediate closures of several popular trails and backcountry sites as authorities investigate the attack.
The National Park Service (NPS) released a statement identifying the bear attack involving one or more bears as the first reported injury from bear encounters at Yellowstone this year. The attack marks a serious escalation following the last injury recorded in September and the last fatal bear attack in the park, which occurred in 2015 near Lake Village.
Park Responds with Trail and Area Closures
Effective immediately, Yellowstone officials have closed multiple trail sections and sensitive backcountry zones to protect visitor safety. Affected areas include:
- Area west of Grand Loop Road from north end of Fountain Flat Drive to Black Sand Basin
- Fairy Falls Trail north of the Grand Prismatic Overlook
- Sentinel Meadows Trail
- Imperial Meadows Trail
- Fairy Creek Trail
- Summit Lake Trail
Additional closures affect backcountry campsites and fishing along the Firehole River and its tributaries.
Some popular areas remain open, including the Midway Geyser Basin, the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail from Fairy Falls Trailhead to the overlook (though the trail beyond is closed), Black Sand Basin, and parts of the Firehole River outside of closed fishing zones.
Officials Urge Vigilance and Safety Measures
Yellowstone park rangers are urging visitors to maintain at least 100 yards distance from bears, carry and know how to use bear spray, make noise when hiking, travel in groups, and avoid hiking during times when grizzlies are most active. Visitors are also warned not to run if encountering a bear, to reduce risk of provoking attacks.
National Park Service: “Visitors must stay alert and respect wildlife to ensure their safety and the protection of Yellowstone’s fragile ecosystem.”
Why This Matters Now
This bear attack comes at the start of the busy summer hiking season when Yellowstone sees thousands of visitors. The closures and heightened danger are expected to impact outdoor plans across the park, emphasizing the continuing risks from wildlife encounters in wilderness areas.
Hikers and anglers planning trips to Yellowstone should check the park’s official website for the latest trail and area status updates before traveling. Park officials will provide further information and updates as the investigation into the attack develops and safety measures evolve.
This latest incident highlights the ongoing dangers posed by wildlife in America’s national parks and serves as a reminder for all outdoor enthusiasts to remain cautious and prepared in bear country, especially in Montana’s neighboring Yellowstone.
