A hiker in Yellowstone National Park was attacked by one of two grizzly bears he encountered Friday morning near Mammoth Hot Springs.
The unidentified 39-year-old male sustained “significant injuries” to his lower extremities but managed to hike out, according to a news release. The man was transported to Livingston Hospital in Montana.
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Beaver Ponds Trail, where the incident occurred, has been closed until further notice. The man, who was hiking alone, encountered the bears 1.5 miles from the trailhead at Old Gardiner Road.
The park, which did not disclose further details, reminds visitors to always have bear spray close at hand, to hike with others, and to make noise while on trails to help prevent surprise encounters.
–Grizzly bear image is generic