Two hikers sustained injuries in a bear attack Monday afternoon near Yellowstone National Park’s Old Faithful geyser, park officials reported Tuesday. The incident occurred along the Mystic Falls Trail, a popular route within the park.

In response to the attack, authorities temporarily closed a significant portion of the park surrounding the Midway Geyser Basin. This closure affected at least five hiking trails and several backcountry campsites to facilitate a thorough investigation. Park officials confirmed that one or more bears were involved in the incident but did not specify the species.

Details regarding the victims’ relationship or whether they were hiking together, as well as information about the severity of their injuries and hospitalization status, were not immediately available. Yellowstone spokesperson Ashton Hooker emphasized that these details were still being reviewed.

Yellowstone National Park, which receives over four million visitors annually, rarely experiences bear attacks. Both grizzly and black bear encounters are typically uncommon, underscoring the unusual nature of this event. Park authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack to enhance visitor safety measures.