Two Hikers Injured in Yellowstone Bear Encounter, Airlifted to Idaho Falls Hospital
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Two hikers were injured Monday afternoon following an encounter with at least one bear near the Mystic Falls Trail in Yellowstone National Park, marking the first bear-related injuries recorded inside the park for the 2026 season.
National Park Service emergency personnel responded to the scene, and both victims were airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. Officials have not publicly disclosed the conditions of either individual as of this report.
The NPS has opened a full investigation into the incident and, in order to protect public safety and preserve the integrity of that investigation, has enacted a temporary closure covering portions of the park west of Grand Loop Road, stretching from the northern end of Fountain Flat Drive south to Black Sand Basin.
First Bear Injury of the 2026 Season
While Yellowstone is widely recognized as prime grizzly and black bear habitat, serious bear encounters remain relatively uncommon. The previous recorded bear injury inside the park occurred in September 2025, and no bear-related fatality has been documented within Yellowstone since 2015. Park officials have consistently emphasized that fatal or serious maulings represent a small fraction of the millions of annual visits the park receives.
The proximity of this incident to East Idaho is a reminder of the close ties between Yellowstone and the region’s communities. Idaho Falls and surrounding Bonneville County serve as a frequent base for travelers headed to the park each summer, and Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center regularly serves as the nearest major trauma facility for serious injuries occurring in and around the Yellowstone area.
Bear Safety Guidelines for Park Visitors
In the wake of Monday’s encounter, the National Park Service reiterated its standard guidance for visitors traveling through bear country. Recommended precautions include:
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it before entering backcountry or wooded trail areas.
- Hike in groups and make noise to avoid surprising bears on the trail.
- Never approach, feed, or attempt to photograph bears at close range.
- Store food, garbage, and scented items in bear-proof containers or designated facilities at all times.
- If a bear is encountered, do not run — back away slowly and deploy bear spray if the animal charges.
Yellowstone visitors are also advised to check current trail and closure information with park rangers before departing for any hike, as conditions and restricted areas can change rapidly following wildlife incidents.
Investigation Ongoing
The NPS has not yet released details on the species of bear involved, the number of animals present during the encounter, or the specific circumstances that led to the injuries. Investigators are expected to examine physical evidence from the scene before drawing conclusions. The temporary closure of the affected trail corridor will remain in effect until officials determine it is safe to reopen.
Park officials did not indicate a timeline for when the investigation might be concluded or when the closed areas would be accessible to the public again.
As summer visitation season ramps up across the greater Yellowstone region, park officials urge all visitors to remain vigilant. Bear activity typically increases in spring and early summer as animals emerge from dens and begin foraging actively. Mystic Falls, a popular destination along the Firehole River drainage, draws significant foot traffic throughout the warm-weather months.
Residents of East Idaho planning Yellowstone visits are encouraged to review NPS bear safety materials and monitor park closure updates before heading out. For broader Idaho outdoors and public lands news, additional coverage is available at Idaho News.
What Comes Next
NPS investigators will continue their assessment of the scene and are expected to release additional findings as the inquiry progresses. The conditions of the two injured hikers have not yet been made public. The temporary trail and area closure west of Grand Loop Road remains in effect pending further notice. Bonneville County News will update this story as new information becomes available from park authorities or Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.