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Yellowstone Bear Encounter Injures Two, Triggers Trail and River Closures

Spring bear activity in the park raises risks for visitors.

Overview

  • Two hikers were injured Monday on the Mystic Falls Trail near Old Faithful in an encounter captured in video that shows an airlift.
  • Park officials say one or more bears were involved, with the species still unconfirmed as the investigation continues.
  • Yellowstone closed several popular trails, six backcountry campsites, and fishing along parts of the Firehole River during the inquiry.
  • The closure zone sits west of Grand Loop Road between Fountain Flat Drive and Black Sand Basin as rangers work the scene.
  • This is the first bear-related injury in the park in 2026, and the Mystic Falls area lost springtime access limits in 2024 that had restricted use during peak bear activity.