Yellowstone National Park has released new details about a bear attack that injured two hikers on the Mystic Falls Trail near Old Faithful on May 4th, and temporary closures in the area northwest of Old Faithful remain in effect.
Park staff now believe a female grizzly bear with two or three cubs-of-the-year was responsible for the encounter. Cubs-of-the-year are bears in their first year of life, and a mother grizzly with young cubs is widely considered among the most dangerous wildlife situations a hiker can encounter in the backcountry.
Emergency responders, including law enforcement, EMS personnel, and interagency partners, airlifted both victims from the scene by helicopter. The two injured hikers were identified as males aged 15 and 28. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and park officials say there are no additional details to release at this time.
Trail, backcountry campsite, and fishing closures remain active throughout the affected zone. Park officials confirmed there are no known visitors currently within the closed backcountry areas. Geyser basin boardwalk areas remain open to the public.
Visitors are required to comply with all posted closures. Park officials warned that entering closed areas puts both visitors and search and rescue personnel at risk. A full list of current closures is available on the park’s situation report page at nps.gov.
Park officials urge all visitors to carry bear spray, travel in groups of three or more, and maintain a minimum distance of 100 yards from bears at all times.
