Two hikers sustained injuries following a bear attack on Monday, just a few miles from the renowned Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park. This incident has led park authorities to temporarily close a significant portion of the area as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The confrontation occurred in the afternoon on the Mystic Falls Trail, a popular path near the Midway Geyser Basin. This trail is well-frequented, offering a scenic loop that leads to a striking 70-foot waterfall, according to park officials.
Responding swiftly, the National Park Service’s emergency teams arrived at the scene soon after the encounter. Officials have described the event as an isolated incident, involving one or more bears, though the specific species involved has yet to be determined.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities have temporarily restricted access to the nearby area, which includes several trails and backcountry campsites.
An entrance sign to Yellowstone National Park stands with majestic mountains in the background, captured on May 7, 2018. (Photo by Jacob W. Frank/National Park Service)
Details regarding the hikers’ injuries or whether they were part of the same group have not been disclosed by officials.
The incident marks the first bear attack resulting in injuries in Yellowstone in 2026. The last similar incident occurred in September 2025, when a hiker was injured on a trail northeast of Yellowstone Lake.
Bear attacks in Yellowstone are rare despite the popularity of the park, which draws more than 4 million visitors each year. The last fatal attack inside the park occurred in 2015.
A black bear forages for food near a stream in Yellowstone National Park, Wyo., on May 18, 2024. (Jonathan Newton/Getty Images)
Yellowstone is home to both grizzly and black bears, with grizzlies generally larger and more aggressive. Officials said determining the type of bear involved will be part of the investigation.
A grizzly bear is seen in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. (Karen Bleier/AFP)
The fate of the animal or animals involved will depend on the circumstances of the attack, including whether it was a defensive encounter or something more unusual.
Park officials are reminding visitors to take precautions when hiking in bear country, including staying at least 100 yards away from bears, carrying bear spray, making noise and hiking in groups.
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