Surprising Yellowstone Bear Attack: First Attack In 4 Years

It’s the kind of story that reminds you, Yellowstone is wild, and sometimes that wild gets up close and personal. On Tuesday afternoon, September 16, a 29-year-old hiker was out on the Turbid Lake Trail (North East side of Yellowstone Lake) when things took a scary turn. He came face-to-face with a bear about 2.5 miles from the Pelican Valley Trailhead. He pulled out his bear spray, but before he could fully deploy it, the animal made contact, leaving him with significant injuries to his chest and arm. Thankfully, those injuries were not life-threatening.

This is the FIRST BEAR ATTACK since MAY 2021 in Yellowstone National Park.

credit: Canva

National Park Service medics responded fast, walking the hiker back to the trailhead before he was flown to a nearby hospital. He’s already been treated and released, which is the best outcome you can hope for after an encounter like that.

At first, the hiker thought it was a black bear, but park officials aren’t so sure. Based on the size, behavior, and location, it might have been a grizzly. NPS says bear management staff will try to confirm the species through DNA analysis. And here’s a big one: “The Turbid Lake Trail (Lake Butte Trailhead to the intersection of Pelican Valley Trail) will remain closed until further notice.”

credit: Canva

During their investigation, rangers even found a carcass near the trail along with grizzly tracks, which could explain why the bear was in defensive mode. Officials stressed this was a surprise encounter, so no management action will be taken against the bear.

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This marks the first bear-related injury in Yellowstone for 2025. Consider it your reminder to always hike prepared: carry bear spray, make noise, and maybe skip the solo adventures.

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Source: Surprising Yellowstone Bear Attack: First Attack In 4 Years

Filed Under: Yellowstone National Park