When a 39-year-old hiker set off on a morning hike on one of the most popular loop trails in the Mammoth Hot Springs area on Friday, May 28, he had no idea he’d be in the hospital just a few hours later. His encounter with a couple of bears resulted in the first bear mauling in Yellowstone National Park in 2021.
Bear Attacks Solo Hiker near Mammoth Hot Springs: First Bear Mauling in Yellowstone in 2021
According to a Yellowstone National Park press release, the attack occurred about 1.5 miles up the Beaver Ponds Trail from the trailhead on the Old Gardiner Road.
The unnamed man, age 39, was hiking by himself when he encountered two bears, which he believed to be grizzly bears. One of the bears attacked the hiker and severely injured his “lower extremities.” He was, however, able to hike out on his own, after which he was transported by park ambulance to Livingston Hospital.
The National Park Service closed off the Beaver Ponds Trail until further notice.
One of the most popular longer trails near Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins, the 5-mile Beaver Ponds Trail loops through stands of trees, across sagebrush meadows and around the Beaver Ponds.
The trail description on the Yellowstone National Park website mentions that “you might see beavers and their sign, but you are more likely to see muskrats and water birds. Along the way, look for bears, elk, mule deer, pronghorn and moose.”
A warning in bold says that “grizzly bears and black bears frequent this area.”
This is yet another reminder to be careful, alert and vigilant when hiking in Yellowstone National Park, which is famous for its abundant and large wildlife.
As this upcoming summer is expected to be busier than ever in the national parks, animal encounters like this will most likely increase as well.
Staying Safe in Grizzly Country
To keep yourself safe while recreating or hiking among the bears of Yellowstone, follow these guidelines:
- Stay at least 100 yards away from bears.
- Be alert while hiking. Watch for signs of bear presence, including scat, tracks and feeding sites (rolled rocks, torn-up logs, dug holes, disturbed ant hills,…)
- Make noise while hiking. Make your own presence now to avoid a surprise encounter.
- Hike in groups of three or more people, if possible. Avoid hiking alone!
- Don’t hike at dawn or dusk, which is when grizzly bears are most active.
- NEVER RUN FROM A BEAR.
- Always carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Please read this blog post for more information about grizzly bear safety.