Yellowstone National Park officials confirm two hikers were seriously injured in a bear attack on May 4, sparking immediate closures of multiple trails and backcountry areas near Old Faithful. The attack occurred on the Mystic Falls Trail, a popular route close to the iconic geyser, according to the National Park Service.
This incident marks the first recorded bear-related injury in the park for 2026, with the previous person-bear injury reported last September, and the last fatal bear attack dating back to 2015 in the Lake Village area. Park management is conducting an ongoing investigation to determine whether one or more bears were involved in the assault.
Trail Closures Affect Popular Hiking and Fishing Areas
In response to the attack, authorities shut down several critical recreational areas to ensure visitor safety. Closed sections include the zone west of Grand Loop Road from the north end of Fountain Flat Drive to Black Sand Basin, along with trails such as Fairy Falls north of the Grand Prismatic Overlook, Sentinel Meadows, Imperial Meadows, Fairy Creek, and Summit Lake Trails.
Backcountry campsites in these areas and fishing access along the Firehole River and its tributaries have also been temporarily closed. Visitors are advised to check current park conditions as some areas remain accessible, including Midway Geyser Basin, Black Sand Basin, and certain stretches of the Firehole River not under closure.
Park Officials Stress Bear Safety Protocols Amid Rising Risks
Yellowstone officials are urging all visitors to maintain a minimum distance of 100 yards from bears, carry and know how to use bear spray, stay alert, hike in groups, and avoid hiking during times when grizzly bears are most active. Importantly, visitors are cautioned never to run if they encounter a bear.
“We are committed to protecting both visitors and wildlife while fully investigating this incident,” said a National Park Service spokesperson. “Everyone needs to adhere strictly to bear safety guidelines to prevent further injuries or fatalities.”
This bear attack serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers posed by wildlife encounters in national parks. It underscores the urgent need for vigilance, especially in regions like Yellowstone, where bear activity is common and encounters can become life-threatening.
What to Expect Next
Authorities say the closures will remain in place until a thorough risk assessment confirms it is safe to reopen the affected zones. Visitors and local businesses dependent on tourism should monitor updates closely, as trail and river access will impact recreational plans and local economies.
This incident resonates beyond Yellowstone, highlighting the importance of wildlife management and visitor safety protocols nationwide, including in Alaska’s vast wilderness areas where bear encounters are also a serious concern.
Stay with The Alaska Insider for continuous updates on this developing story and safety notices affecting outdoor recreation nationwide.
