Additional Coverage:
A harrowing bear attack on Monday in Yellowstone National Park left two hikers injured, with chilling footage capturing the scene in its aftermath.
Craig Lerman, a fellow hiker, recorded video of one of the victims lying on the ground, visibly injured with facial wounds and a bloodstained shirt. Lerman recounted hearing cries for help and discovering the man covered in cuts and blood. He promptly called 911 and stayed by the injured hiker’s side until rescue teams arrived.
The National Park Service confirmed that the injuries were caused by “one or more bears,” marking the first bear-related injury in Yellowstone this year. Following the incident, several trails and park areas were temporarily closed as authorities assessed the situation.
Lerman shared details of his encounter near Mystic Falls Trail, close to the park’s famous Old Faithful Geyser. He noticed fresh bear tracks in the mud and soon found the wounded hiker alongside a bloodied hat and torn watch. “At first, I thought it was a prank,” Lerman said, “but when I got closer, I knew it was serious.”
Additional footage shows emergency crews airlifting a victim to a helicopter, highlighting the severity of the attack.
Yellowstone is home to both black bears and grizzly bears, the latter known for their larger size and more aggressive behavior. While the park has seen bear incidents before, it has been over a decade since a fatal bear attack occurred. The last fatality was in August 2015, when Lance Crosby, 63, was killed by a female grizzly.
In response to the attack, Wyoming Representative Harriet Hageman expressed her concern and support for the injured hikers. She emphasized the challenges posed by the growing bear population in the region and urged visitors to heed all park safety guidelines related to wildlife encounters.
“Incidents like these are far too common in the region with an overflowing bear population,” Hageman said. “I pray for a full recovery for the hikers and encourage all visitors to closely follow Park recommendations surrounding wildlife.”