Yellowstone Reports First Bear Injuries of 2026 Near Old Faithful

Yellowstone National Park is reporting its first bear-related injuries of 2026 after an incident involving two hikers on the afternoon of May 4. 

Emergency Response and Investigation Underway

According to park officials, the hikers were injured by one or more bears along the Mystic Falls Trail near Old Faithful. Emergency crews responded, and the incident remains under investigation. At this time, no additional details have been released. 

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This marks the first bear-related injury in the park this year. The last reported incident involving a visitor occurred in September 2025, while the last fatal bear encounter in the park dates back to 2015 in the Lake Village area. 

Safety Precautions: Temporary Trail Closures

As a precaution, several areas have been temporarily closed, including: 

• 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

Visitors are urged to check the current trail and Backcountry conditions status before heading out. 

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Areas that remain 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

Essential Bear Safety Tips for Visitors

With spring in full swing, bears are becoming more active after hibernation. If you are heading into bear country, keep these things in mind from the National Park Service: 

• Stay 100 yards away from bears at all times
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it
• Be alert. See the bear before you surprise it. Watch for fresh tracks, scat, and feeding sites (signs of digging, rolled rocks, torn up logs, ripped open anthills)
• Make noise
• Hike in groups of three or more people
• Don't hike at dawn, dusk, or at night, when grizzlies are most active
• Don’t run from a bear  

As more people get outdoors this time of year, especially across Montana and the Greater Yellowstone area, being prepared and aware can make all the difference.