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Two hikers sustained injuries after a bear attacked them on a well-known trail close to Yellowstone National Park’s famous Old Faithful geyser this Monday. In response, officials have temporarily closed a significant portion of the park as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The attack occurred in the afternoon on the Mystic Falls Trail, a popular path near the Midway Geyser Basin, known for its scenic loop leading to a 70-foot waterfall, according to park authorities.
Emergency teams from the National Park Service arrived promptly to handle the situation, which involved one or possibly more bears. At this time, the specific species of bear involved remains unidentified by the officials.
As the investigation proceeds, park officials have closed off the affected area, including several trails and backcountry campsites, to ensure visitor safety.
A sign marks the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park with mountains visible behind it on May 7, 2018. (Jacob W. Frank/National Park Service)
Officials have not released details about the hikers’ conditions or whether they were traveling together.
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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