Safety Closures Follow Bear Attack On Hikers In Yellowstone Park

Yellowstone National Park is in the early stages of fully reopening, and there's already been a bear attack on hikers. The attack was on Monday afternoon on the Mystic Falls Trail near Old Faithful, and is still under investigation.

Get our free mobile app

Areas that are closed due to the attack:

• Area west of Grand Loop Road from the north end of Fountain Flat Drive to Black Sand Basin.
• Trails:
  • 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

The attack comes just 4 days after the east entrance opened, and 4 days before the south entrance opens. It's a reminder to everyone planning to head into the park, or bear country in general, to always be prepared for an encounter with a bear.

Just last week, we reported that a grizzly had to be relocated to the Lander Region after he was causing issues on a ranch, and now this attack. It shows that bears are out, active, and it's time to get Bear-Wise, Wyoming. 

READ MORE: Wyoming Bear Relocated Already In 2026

Stay safe in bear country

• 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 ant hills)
• 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