Bear attack in Yellowstone injures two hikers and shuts down Mystic Falls Trail

Bear Attack Injures Two Hikers in Yellowstone

On Monday, two hikers were injured in a bear attack on a popular trail not far from the Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park, leading to the temporary closure of several areas within the park while a thorough investigation unfolds.

The incident took place on the Mystic Falls Trail, which is well-frequented and features a stunning 70-foot waterfall close to the Midway Geyser Basin, according to park officials. Emergency responders from the National Park Service arrived quickly, describing the event as a single encounter that may have involved one or more bears. However, the specific species involved remains unidentified.

In light of the attack, park authorities closed off the area, including multiple trails and some remote campgrounds, as they continue to gather information.

This marks the first bear-related injury in Yellowstone in 2026. The last known occurrence took place in September 2025, when a different hiker was injured on a trail northeast of Yellowstone Lake. Although Yellowstone attracts over four million visitors each year, incidents involving bear attacks are quite rare. Interestingly, the last fatal encounter recorded occurred in 2015.

While the specifics of the hikers’ injuries haven’t been disclosed, it’s unclear whether they were hiking together at the time of the attack.

Yellowstone is home to both grizzly and black bears, with grizzlies typically being larger and more aggressive. Determining the type of bear involved in this incident will be a part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities have emphasized the importance of taking precautions when hiking in bear habitats—suggesting that individuals remain at least 100 meters away from bears, carry bear spray, generate noise to alert wildlife, and, whenever possible, hike in groups.