YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) — On Monday afternoon, two hikers sustained injuries in a bear attack that occurred along the Mystic Falls Trail, a popular hiking route near the renowned Old Faithful geyser. Park officials reported the incident on Tuesday, noting that it was a singular event within the park's expansive wilderness.
In response to the attack, a large section of the park surrounding the Midway Geyser Basin was temporarily shut down for an ongoing investigation. This area encompasses at least five trails and several backcountry campsites, emphasizing the potential risk to other hikers and campers.
Officials confirmed the involvement of one or more bears but did not disclose the specific species implicated in the attack. Yellowstone National Park hosts both grizzly bears and black bears, which can sometimes be challenging to distinguish. Grizzly bears tend to be larger and more aggressive, potentially weighing up to twice as much as their black bear counterparts, which typically have darker fur.
Details regarding the condition of the injured hikers, including whether they were hiking together or their hospitalization status, have not been released. Yellowstone spokesperson Ashton Hooker stated that more information would be provided as the situation developed.
The park, which attracts over 4 million visitors each year, typically sees few incidents involving grizzly or black bears. In September, another hiker was injured in a separate bear attack on the Turbid Lake Trail located northeast of Yellowstone Lake. Additionally, in the same year, a tragic incident occurred when a grizzly bear killed a woman just west of the park. The last fatal attack within Yellowstone dates back to 2015, when a 63-year-old man from Billings, Montana, lost his life while hiking alone in the Lake Village area of the park.
The fate of bears that engage in attacks on humans is commonly determined by the specifics surrounding each encounter. Following the 2015 incident, officials captured and euthanized an adult female grizzly that had exhibited abnormal behavior by consuming part of its victim. In contrast, the bear involved in last year's Turbid Lake Trail attack was not relocated or killed. This bear's actions were deemed instinctual, occurring during a surprise interaction with the hiker.
The Mystic Falls Trail, where Monday's unfortunate incident transpired, is heavily frequented by visitors. This scenic route features a loop that culminates in a stunning 70-foot (21-meter) waterfall. The trailhead is situated about two miles (three kilometers) northwest of Old Faithful, making it a popular spot for both novice and experienced hikers. Park officials urge all visitors to remain vigilant when hiking in bear country and to follow safety guidelines to minimize the risk of bear encounters.
