Aug. 23, 2018 — Yellowstone National Park A 10-year-old boy from Redmond, Washington, was hospitalized following a bear attack on the Divide Trail southeast of Old Faithful, where the animal charged his family, knocked him down, and inflicted injuries.
The incident occurred on Thursday while the boy was hiking with his parents and another family member. Park officials reported that the bear emerged from vegetation, chased the boy, and bit him before the parents deployed bear spray from about five feet away, causing the animal to retreat.
The boy sustained puncture wounds to his back, injuries around his buttocks, and an injured wrist. The family walked out to the trailhead, drove to the Old Faithful ranger station, received initial treatment at a nearby clinic, and was then transferred to a hospital in Big Sky, Montana. The severity of the boy’s injuries remained unclear at the time.
Yellowstone officials, including wildlife and law enforcement rangers, are investigating to determine if the bear was a grizzly or black bear. One report indicated it was a grizzly accompanied by a cub, defending its young during a surprise encounter.
“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,” Yellowstone National Park Deputy Superintendent Pat Kenney said.
Park spokeswoman Morgan Warthin noted the uncertainty about injury severity. Rangers do not plan to pursue the bear, as it was a non-predatory defensive action.
This marks the first reported bear attack in the park since 2015. Yellowstone, home to both grizzly and black bears, sees about one such incident annually. Officials recommend hiking in groups, carrying bear spray, making noise, and avoiding areas with cubs.
