Eight people have been killed in bear attacks at Yellowstone since the national park was established in 1872, data shows.

Since Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, only eight people have been killed by grizzly bears within the park's boundaries. The most recent confirmed fatality occurred in 2015, involving a lone hiker on the Elephant Back Loop Trail. Statistically, the chance of being injured by a grizzly in Yellowstone is approximately 1 in 2.7 million visitors. While these incidents are tragic and receive significant media attention, they are remarkably rare considering that millions of people visit the park's bear-heavy backcountry every year. Most deaths involving wildlife in the park are actually caused by bison or elk (due to goring) or from people approaching animals too closely. For 2026 visitors, the "Gold Standard" for safety is to carry bear spray, hike in groups of three or more, and maintain a mandatory distance of at least 100 yards from any bear or wolf.