Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Sept. 18 to include the hiker's status and grizzly confirmation.
This story is part of our Quick Hits series. This series will bring you breaking news and short updates from throughout the state.
A bear injured a man in Yellowstone National Park on Sept. 16. A 29-year-old male was hiking solo near Yellowstone Lake when he surprised a bear and it acted out in defense. The hiker was released from the hospital following treatment.
The Turbid Lake Trail is closed until further notice. Staff are clearing hikers from the area. The last human-bear injury in the park was in May 2021 when a grizzly injured a solo hiker in the Mammoth Hot Springs area.
The hiker thought it was a black bear; however, officials confirmed grizzly bear tracks near the incident. The park won’t take any action against the bear since it was a defensive reaction.
Staff reminds visitors to bring bear spray and to not hike at dawn or dusk or at night when bears are most active.
