A woman from New Hampshire sustained burns on her leg while hiking off trail in Yellowstone National Park near the Old Faithful geyser, according to park officials. The 60-year-old, accompanied by her husband and dog, ventured off a designated pathway near the Mallard Lake Trailhead when she fell into scalding water, causing second and third-degree burns on her lower leg. Only the woman was injured in the incident, while her husband and dog escaped unharmed. The injured woman was airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls for medical attention.

Park authorities emphasize the importance of sticking to designated boardwalks and trails in hydrothermal areas and exercising great caution, as the ground in these regions is delicate and the water just beneath the surface is scorching. While pets are permitted in certain developed areas of Yellowstone National Park, they are not allowed on boardwalks, hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in thermal zones.

The identity of the woman involved in the incident has not been disclosed, and an investigation into the matter is currently ongoing. Yellowstone officials reported that this event marks the first thermal injury in the park in 2024, with over 3.5 million visitors recorded through August of this year.

According to the National Park Service, hot springs have been responsible for more injuries and fatalities in Yellowstone National Park than any other natural feature. Since 1890, at least 22 individuals have perished due to hot spring-related incidents in and around the 3,471-square-mile (9,000 square kilometer) park.