Bears Attack Two Hikers on Yellowstone Trail Near Old Faithful

Two hikers were attacked by one or more bears at Yellowstone National Park, officials said Tuesday. The assault marked the first time this year that a bear has injured people at the popular tourist attraction.

The National Park Service said emergency personnel responded to the attack, which took place Monday afternoon on the Mystic Falls Trail near the Old Faithful geyser. Park officials said the incident remains under investigation and did not disclose the extent of the hikers' injuries.

The most recent bear attack in the park occurred in September, when officials reported a 29-year-old hiker suffered serious injuries in a surprise encounter on the Turbid Lake Trail.

The last human fatality from a bear inside Yellowstone National Park happened in 2015. A grizzly killed a woman just west of the park in 2023.

Following Monday's attack, officials closed at least five trails and multiple campsites. The park advised visitors to stay at least 100 yards from bears, carry bear spray and watch for signs of the animals.

"See the bear before you surprise it," the park said. "Watch for fresh tracks, scat, and feeding sites."

In March, scientists observed the first grizzly bear of 2026 at Yellowstone, signaling the close of hibernation season for the animals.

More than 1,000 grizzlies inhabit the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, an area that spans parts of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming beyond the park's boundaries.