Bear attack injures two hikers on Yellowstone trail near Old Faithful

Two hikers were injured in a bear attack Monday afternoon on the Mystic Falls Trail at Yellowstone National Park, near the Old Faithful geyser area, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

The attack is a stark reminder of the risks in one of America's most-visited wilderness destinations, which draws more than 4 million visitors each year and is home to populations of both grizzly and black bears. The incident prompted officials to temporarily close the Midway Geyser Basin area and at least five surrounding trails while an investigation got underway.

Park officials did not immediately release the names or hospitalization status of the two injured hikers, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. The attack was described as a single event; the species — and number — of bears involved was not specified.

In response, Yellowstone officials temporarily closed the Midway Geyser Basin area, including at least five trails and several backcountry campsites, while investigators assessed the situation.

The Mystic Falls Trail sits roughly two miles northwest of Old Faithful and leads to a 70-foot waterfall — one of the park's more popular day hikes. Yellowstone is home to both grizzly bears and black bears, with grizzly bears capable of growing to nearly twice the size of their black bear counterparts.

Bear attacks inside the park remain infrequent relative to its massive visitor volume. The last fatal mauling recorded within park boundaries occurred in 2015, when a 63-year-old man from Billings, Montana, was killed. In 2023, a grizzly bear killed a woman in an area west of the park.

Park policy on bears involved in attacks depends on the nature of the encounter, according to ABC7. Bears acting out of normal defensive behavior typically face no consequences, but those displaying predatory conduct may be relocated or euthanized.

Yellowstone officials had not released further details about the condition of the two hikers or the fate of the bears involved as of Monday evening.