Two hikers were attacked by bears at Yellowstone National Park, marking the first such incident this year. The attack occurred on the Mystic Falls Trail near Old Faithful, and emergency personnel responded promptly. The extent of the hikers’ injuries remains undisclosed, but one witness, Craig Lerman, described finding an injured hiker with severe cuts. Lerman called 911 and stayed with the hiker until help arrived. Following the attack, several trails and campsites were closed, and visitors were reminded to maintain a safe distance from bears and carry bear spray. The park emphasized the importance of being vigilant for signs of bears, such as tracks and scat. Grizzly bears, once near extinction, have rebounded due to conservation efforts, with over 1,000 now living in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. These bears are still listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
QUESTION: How might increased human activity in natural habitats like Yellowstone impact the behavior and safety of wildlife and visitors?
2 hikers injured in bear attack at Yellowstone National Park
