Bear Attack In Yellowstone: What You Need To Know

First Bear Attack Of 2025 In Yellowstone National Park

On September 16, 2025, a 29 year old man was hiking the Turbid Lake Trail in Yellowstone National Park, when he came upon a grizzly bear.

The man and the grizzly tussled while the hiker tried bear spray on his attacker. The hiker received considerable wounds to his chest and left arm while trying to deploy the spray. Even though injured, the hiker could still walk.

READ MORE: First Thermal Injury Of The Year In Yellowstone

National Parks medics helped him get to the trailhead where he was taken to a clinic by ambulance, then later flown to a hospital. The hiker was released from the hospital on September 17, 2025

What Will Happen To The Grizzly Bear Who Attacked The Hiker?

Most likely, nothing will happen to the grizzly. There was a carcass found near the attack site. Park officials think the bear was surprised by the hiker and was acting in self defense. The trail has been closed indefinitely, and park rangers made sure no other hikers were in the area.

How Many People Have Been Killed In Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872. Since the opening,

• 125 people have drowned
• 23 people have died from burns sustained from falling into a hot springs
• 8 people have been killed in bear attacks

How Can You Protect Yourself From Bears?

• Carry bear spray
• Hike in groups of 3 or more
• Stay on the trail
• Don't hike at dawn, dusk or night
• Stay 100 yards away
• Do not run from a bear