First Bear Attack of 2026 Injures Two in Yellowstone

Two hikers were injured in an encounter with at least one bear in Yellowstone National Park. It is the first report of a bear injuring a person in 2026.

In a news release, park officials say that two hikers sustained injuries in an encounter with at least one bear on the Mystic Falls Trail near Old Faithful on the afternoon of May 4, 2026. National Park Service emergency personnel responded to the incident, which is currently under investigation. The identity of the hikers has not been released.

This is the first incident of a bear injuring a person in Yellowstone in 2026. The last time a visitor was injured by a bear in the park was in September 2025. The last human fatality caused by a bear occurred in 2015 in the Lake Village area of the park.

 

Temporary Closures During Ongoing Investigation

Areas that are closed:

• Fairy Falls Trail north of the Grand Prismatic Overlook
• Sentinel Meadows Trail
• Imperial Meadows Trail
• Fairy Creek Trail
• Summit Lake Trail
• Backcountry campsites OG1, OD1, OD2, OD3, OD4, OD5
• Fishing along the Firehole River and associated tributaries within the closure area

Areas that are open:

• Midway Geyser Basin
• Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail from Fairy Falls Trailhead to the Grand Prismatic Overlook (trail is CLOSED beyond the overlook).
• Black Sand Basin
• Portions of the Firehole River outside of the closure are open to fishing

Bears are active during the spring, and your chances of an encounter are higher. It's important to stay safe in bear country. Always stay 100 yards away from bears, and carry bear spray. Be aware of your surroundings and watch for signs of bear activity. Never hike alone, and don't hike at dawn, dusk, or night when grizzlies are most active.

Click here to view the full news release.