News Release

UPDATE: Boy injured by bear

Date: August 24, 2018
Contact: Morgan Warthin, 307-344-2015

• Law enforcement and bear management staff investigated the incident and determined that an adult female grizzly bear injured the 10-year-old boy from Washington.
• Tracks observed by staff indicated the grizzly bear was with at least one cub-of-the-year or yearling bear.
• The bears were likely foraging next to the trail when the encounter occurred.
• Park rangers do not intend to search for the bear since this incident was a surprise encounter with a female grizzly bear defending its cub.
• “This incident could have been more serious. We applaud the family for traveling in a group, carrying bear spray, and knowing how to effectively use it during their emergency,” said Yellowstone National Park Deputy Superintendent Pat Kenney. “We wish their son a full recovery from his injuries.”
• The Divide and Spring Creek trails remain temporarily closed. They will reopen after the trails have been inspected for recent bear activity.