YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — The 29-year-old man injured by a bear in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) on Tuesday has been released from the hospital, YNP announced Wednesday evening.
The park shared that the hiker had been treated for his injuries, which were deemed “significant but non-life-threatening injuries to his chest and left arm” in the original attack report. The park did not specify which hospital it was.
YNP shared an additional noteworthy update on the situation: Investigators at the site of the attack discovered a carcass near Turbid Lake Trail, along with “confirmed grizzly tracks.” The hiker had initially stated that he thought a black bear had attacked him.
Yellowstone’s webpage dedicated to park safety encourages hikers to avoid animal carcasses when possible.
“Bears will guard and defend carcasses against other scavengers or humans,” YNP’s website states. “Dead ungulates will attract and hold many bears near the carcass site. If you find a fresh carcass, leave the area immediately by the same route you approached. Report all carcasses to the nearest ranger station or visitor center.”
That webpage also includes the following statistic: “Since 1970, 91% of the people injured by bears in Yellowstone were hiking alone or with only one hiking partner.”
Turbid Lake Trail (from Lake Butte Trailhead to the intersection of Pelican Valley Trail) will remain closed until further notice, YNP shared.
