Yellowstone Bear Attack Injures Two Hikers, Sparks Trail Closures Near Old Faithful
Yellowstone National Park officials confirm two hikers were injured in a rare bear attack on May 4 along the Mystic Falls Trail, prompting immediate closures of several popular areas near the park’s iconic Old Faithful.
The National Park Service announced the attack involved one or more bears, though details remain under active investigation. This marks the first reported bear-related injury in the park so far this year, raising concerns about visitor safety and wildlife encounters in critical backcountry zones.
Park Closes Key Trails and Zones After Attack
Authorities swiftly shut down several hiking trails and backcountry areas to protect visitors and allow for a thorough response. Closed zones include:
- The area west of Grand Loop Road from the 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
- Several backcountry campsites and fishing access points along the Firehole River and its tributaries
These closures are designed to reduce human-bear interactions while officials assess the situation.
Open Areas and Visitor Precautions
Despite the closures, some areas remain accessible to visitors, including:
- Midway Geyser Basin
- The Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail from Fairy Falls Trailhead to the overlook (note: trail beyond is closed)
- Black Sand Basin
- Portions of the Firehole River outside closure boundaries remain open for fishing
Park officials remind all visitors to:
- Keep at least 100 yards away from bears at all times
- Carry and know how to use bear spray
- Stay alert and hike in groups while making noise
- Avoid hiking during peak grizzly activity
- Never run if you encounter a bear
“Safety is our top priority as we investigate this incident and manage the park’s wildlife-human interface,” the National Park Service said in a release.
Context and Safety History
Bear attacks in Yellowstone are rare but serious. The last known fatal bear incident in the park occurred in 2015 near the Lake Village area. The most recent bear-related injury before this one happened in September of last year.
This attack underscores the ongoing need for vigilance by park visitors, especially as warmer months bring more hikers into bear habitats.
What’s Next
Officials continue investigating the attack circumstances and will update trail access based on safety assessments. Hikers planning trips to Yellowstone should check park alerts regularly and follow official guidelines to minimize risk.
This incident is a stark reminder of the powerful wildlife that south Carolina residents and tourists may encounter nationwide, reaffirming the importance of preparedness and respect for nature when hiking anywhere in the United States.
