First Grizzly Attack of 2026!

Unfortunately May 4th, 2026 saw the first grizzly mauling of what has become a regular “season” for those of us living in grizzly country. 

A pair of hikers were attacked by a grizzly in Yellowstone National Park on the Mystic Falls Trail adjacent to Biscuit Basin. The victims were discovered by another hiker, Craig Lerman, who stumbled onto the grisly scene and heard one of the victims pleading for help. Lerman took over contacting 911 from the injured hiker and YNP personnel arrived shortly thereafter. The injured hikers were airlifted to a medical facility in Idaho where they are undergoing treatment. 

While this has become an all too frequent occurrence in our neck of the woods, our prayers go out for the two young men and their family. We tip our hat to Mr. Lerman and the first responders who aided in extraction and treatment as well. 

YNP personnel are still investigating the mauling to determine what, if anything, can or should be done. 

Yellowstone National Park is off limits to predator control so even if a delisting of the grizzly bear, which is long overdue, where to happen, grizzly bears in the “Park” would remain unaffected. That said, attacks like this occur with alarming frequency outside the boundaries of our National Parks (Yellowstone, Glacier, Teton) and beg the question; when will grizzlies be delisted? The populations in the Lower 48 have recovered beyond target goals and the time has long since passed when delisting should have become a reality. 

Setting aside the delisting argument, this most recent grizzly attack is yet another stark reminder that if you’re going to recreate in grizzly country you must be aware of the possible consequences. Be mindful of your surroundings at all times, make noise, avoid heavy cover, carry bear spray at the minimum but better yet, a firearm that you are highly proficient with, and remember, it’s not IF you’ll encounter a grizzly, it’s when. 

Be safe out there! 

Cowboy State Daily