Yellowstone grizzly introduces two hikers to the “find out” phase of wildlife tourism
Yellowstone’s wildlife brochure probably mentions the geysers first, but this week a mother grizzly reminded two hikers that the park’s unofficial mascot still has claws, teeth, and very strong opinions about strangers approaching her cubs.
The incident occurred on the Mystic Falls Trail, where officials believe a female grizzly with two or three cubs-of-the-year was involved in the attack. Cubs-of-the-year are bear cubs in their first year of life.
Emergency responders, including law enforcement and EMS crews, provided aid at the scene before the hikers were airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. The hikers were two brothers – a 15-year-old boy and a 28-year-old man. The extent of their injuries has not been released.
As a precaution, several backcountry areas northwest of Old Faithful are temporarily closed.
The hiker who responded to their cries for help while the riled-up momma bear was still in the area is a true hero.
Also every year: tourists who want to get pictures of themselves petting the nice buffalo.