Two hikers were seriously injured in a bear attack in Yellowstone National Park near Old Faithful, prompting temporary closures in the area.
According to a National Park Service, the attack happened near Mystic Falls Trail on the afternoon of May 4. Emergency responders, including Yellowstone law enforcement and EMS personnel, reached the hikers and provided aid before both were transported from the area by helicopter.
Grizzly With Cubs Believed to Be Involved
Park officials said the hikers were two brothers, ages 15 and 28. Park officials believe the encounter involved a female grizzly bear with two or three cubs, suggesting it was likely a defensive attack after the hikers surprised the animal.
Several Trails and Campsites Are Closed
Following the attack, Yellowstone closed several trails, backcountry campsites and fishing areas west of Grand Loop Road, from the north end of Fountain Flat Drive to Black Sand Basin.
The closure includes Fairy Falls Trail north of the Grand Prismatic Overlook, Sentinel Meadows Trail, Imperial Meadows Trail, Fairy Creek Trail and Summit Lake Trail. Six backcountry campsites are also closed, along with fishing on the Firehole River and associated tributaries within the closure area.
Several popular nearby areas remain open, however, including Midway Geyser Basin, Black Sand Basin, and the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail from the Fairy Falls Trailhead to the overlook. Yellowstone’s geyser basin boardwalks also remain open.
Mystic Falls Area Was Recently Reopened
The Mystic Falls area had previously been part of the Firehole Bear Management Area, a 20,670-acre section of the park that was closed seasonally to reduce bear-human conflicts.
Yellowstone decommissioned that bear management area in 2024, citing fewer ungulate carcasses and fewer wildlife conflicts in the area. The change reopened access to trails including Fairy Falls and Mystic Falls.
Previous Bear Incidents in Yellowstone
Yellowstone says this was the first reported incident of a bear injuring a person in the park in 2026.
The previous visitor injury happened in September 2025, when a solo hiker surprised a grizzly feeding on a carcass. The 29-year-old man was able to deploy bear spray but still suffered significant injuries.
Yellowstone’s last fatal bear attack happened near Lake Village in 2015.
Bear Safety in Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park is bear country, and in spring, bears become more active.
The park urges visitors to carry bear spray and know how to use it. Hike in groups of three or more, make plenty of noise while on the trail, and stay at least 100 yards from bears. Avoid hiking at dawn, dusk, or at night when grizzlies are most active. Visitors should also watch for fresh tracks, scat, and feeding sites. Rolled rocks and torn-up logs can also be signs of recent bear activity in the area.
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