Officials reported on Tuesday that two hikers were involved in a bear attack at Yellowstone National Park, marking the first incident of bear-related injuries to visitors this year.

The National Park Service indicated that emergency responders were dispatched following the attack, which took place on Monday afternoon along the Mystic Falls Trail, close to the famous Old Faithful geyser. The specifics of the hikers’ injuries have not been disclosed as the investigation into the matter continues.

The last recorded bear attack in the park occurred in September, when a 29-year-old hiker sustained serious injuries due to an unexpected encounter on the Turbid Lake Trail.

Since 2015, there have been no fatalities caused by bears within Yellowstone National Park; however, a woman was killed by a grizzly bear just outside the park in 2023.

In response to Monday’s incident, authorities have closed at least five trails and several campsites within the park. Officials urged visitors to maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears, carry bear spray, and remain vigilant for signs of bear activity.

The park advised, “It is essential to see the bear before surprising it. Look for fresh tracks, scat, and feeding areas.”

Earlier in March, researchers identified the first grizzly bear of the year in Yellowstone, signaling the conclusion of the hibernation period for these animals.

The greater Yellowstone ecosystem, which spans parts of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, is home to over 1,000 grizzly bears. These bears are currently classified as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, following a successful recovery from near extinction in the contiguous United States over the past fifty years. In 1975, the estimated population of grizzly bears in the region had plummeted to just 136, but thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, scientists now report a healthy population that occupies more than 27,000 square miles and continues to expand its territory.

Emily Mae Czachor contributed to this report.