Hiker recovers from bear attack in Yellowstone Park

CODY (WNE) — The hiker who encountered a grizzly in Yellowstone National Park on Friday, Sept. 16,  has been treated for his injuries and released from the hospital.

In the attack, a male, age 29, sustained injuries from a bear while hiking alone on the Turbid Lake Trail, located northeast of Mary Bay in Yellowstone Lake. He initially thought it was a black bear. 

However, when a National Park Service team investigated the site, they discovered a carcass near the trail and confirmed grizzly tracks. 

Because the incident was a defensive reaction by the bear during a surprise encounter, the park will not be taking any management action against the grizzly. The Turbid Lake Trail – from Lake Butte Trailhead to the intersection of Pelican Valley Trail – will remain closed until further notice. 

The incident occurred about 2.5 miles from the Pelican Valley Trailhead in the Pelican Valley Bear Management Area. After the grizzly made contact, the hiker began to deploy bear spray. He sustained significant but non-life-threatening injuries to his chest and left arm. NPS medics responded to the incident and walked out with the hiker.

Once at the trailhead, NPS transported the hiker in a park ambulance to the Lake Medical Clinic. He was then flown to a nearby hospital for treatment.