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Boy attacked by bear in Yellowstone Park

Posted at 6:00 PM, Aug 23, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-23 20:00:55-04

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo.- A 10-year-old boy from Washington state was injured by a bear Thursday morning near Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park.

A family of four was about a half mile up the Divide Trail southeast of Old Faithful at 10 a.m. when the bear charged them from nearby vegetation, park officials said in a news release.

It’s the first bear attack of a visitor since 2015, park officials said.

The bear chased the boy and knocked him down. His parents sprayed the bear’s face with bear spray from about five feet away, which forced the animal from the area.

Park officials did not say what species of bear was involved.

The family walked back to the trailhead, drove to the Old Faithful Ranger Station and were directed to a nearby clinic.

The boy suffered an injured wrist and puncture wounds to his back and buttocks, park staff said. He was transferred to Big Sky Medical Center.

Park staff have closed the Spring Creek and Divide trails as they investigate the incident.

All of Yellowstone Park is considered bear country, and park officials warned all visitors to be cautious. If charged by a bear, stand your ground and make a lot of noise, they advise.

Learn more at go.nps.gov/yellbearsafety.