Two hikers sustained injuries during a bear encounter on a well-known hiking path close to Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful geyser, as confirmed by park authorities on Tuesday.
Incident Details
Officials characterized the event as a singular occurrence that unfolded on Monday afternoon along the Mystic Falls Trail. In response, a substantial section of the park adjacent to the Midway Geyser Basin was temporarily shut down to facilitate an inquiry. This closure encompasses at least five trails and several backcountry campsites.
Bear Involvement
Park representatives indicated that one or more bears were implicated in the attack, though they refrained from identifying the specific species. Yellowstone is home to both grizzly bears and black bears, which can occasionally be challenging to differentiate. Grizzlies are generally more aggressive and can grow significantly larger—up to twice the size of black bears. Black bears typically exhibit darker fur.
Additional details, including the ages and medical conditions of the two victims, have not been disclosed. The Associated Press has left messages with park officials seeking further information.
Rarity of Attacks
Encounters leading to injuries from grizzlies or black bears among the millions of annual Yellowstone visitors are infrequent. Last year, a hiker sustained chest and arm injuries from an attack on the Turbid Lake Trail northeast of Yellowstone Lake. In 2023, a grizzly bear fatally attacked a woman just west of Yellowstone. The most recent fatal bear incident within the park boundaries occurred in 2015.
The heavily trafficked Mystic Falls trail features a loop that culminates at a 70-foot waterfall. The trailhead is situated approximately two miles northwest of Old Faithful.
