Yellowstone National Park officials confirm two hikers were injured in a bear attack on May 4, triggering immediate closures of several popular trails and fishing areas near Old Faithful.
The incident occurred along the Mystic Falls Trail, close to Yellowstone’s iconic Old Faithful geyser. The National Park Service said the attack was carried out by one or more bears and remains under active investigation, with no further details yet released.
Major Area Closures Follow Bear Attack
Authorities promptly closed multiple high-traffic zones to protect visitors and manage safety risks. The closed regions include the area west of Grand Loop Road from the north end of Fountain Flat Drive to Black Sand Basin, and trails such as Fairy Falls north of the Grand Prismatic Overlook, Sentinel Meadows, Imperial Meadows, Fairy Creek, and Summit Lake.
Additionally, several backcountry campsites and fishing spots on the Firehole River and its tributaries within the closure zones are off-limits.
Some Areas Remain Open Amid Safety Efforts
Visitors can still access the Midway Geyser Basin, Black Sand Basin, and parts of the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail (up to the overlook itself). Fishing outside the closed sections of the Firehole River is also permitted.
First Bear-Related Injury This Year in Yellowstone
This marks the first bear-caused injury in Yellowstone this year. The last recorded injury involving a bear was in September of last year, while the most recent fatality occurred in 2015 near Lake Village. Yellowstone officials emphasize the importance of visitor vigilance when wildlife is active.
“Visitors must maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears, carry bear spray, and know how to use it,” the National Park Service warned. “Stay alert, hike in groups, make noise, and never run if you encounter a bear.”
What Visitors Should Know Moving Forward
Park staff are monitoring the situation closely, with additional updates expected as the investigation progresses. Experts remind hikers and tourists that bear encounters can quickly become dangerous without proper precautions.
For Alabama residents and travelers nationwide, this incident underscores the importance of bear safety in wilderness areas, especially during spring and summer seasons when bear activity tends to increase.
The closures affect some of Yellowstone’s most popular nature and hiking destinations, meaning visitors planning trips should check park alerts frequently before heading out.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and trail status changes from Yellowstone National Park.
