A hiker was mauled during a bear attack in Yellowstone National Park on the Turbid Lake Trail, forcing officials to close the area this past week. The incident marks the first bear encounter in more than four years at America’s most iconic national park.
According to the National Park Service, a 29-year-old man encountered the bear Tuesday afternoon and used bear spray to defend himself. Despite that, the animal left him with “significant injuries to his chest and left arm.” Park medics treated him before he was airlifted to a hospital. His injuries are serious but not life-threatening.
Officials are still working to determine whether the attacker was a black bear or a grizzly. The hiker believed it was a black bear, but investigators noted its “behavior, size and location” suggest it could have been a grizzly. DNA testing may provide a final answer.
Despite the danger, NPS officials said the attack was likely a defensive response during a surprise encounter. As a result, “management action will not be taken against the bear.”
Still, the event serves as a reminder that nature is unforgiving. As officials warned, “all bears are potentially dangerous.” Tourists must take precautions, stay alert, and never assume safety is guaranteed in the wild.
