Search and rescue crews have discovered the body of a hiker in Glacier National Park, Montana, with injuries consistent with a bear encounter, according to park officials.
Key Takeaways
Search and rescue crews found the body of a hiker in Glacier National Park, Montana, with injuries consistent with a bear attack. The victim was identified as Anthony Pollio from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The incident is the park's first deadly bear attack since 1998.
The remains were found Wednesday about two-and-a-half miles up the Mt. Brown Trail, approximately 50 feet off the trail in a densely wooded area with downed timber. The victim's identity has been released as Anthony Pollio from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His vehicle was found at Lake McDonald Lodge within Glacier National Park, and his last known message was sent around 8:20 p.m. local time on Sunday.
Wildlife and law enforcement personnel are currently assessing the area for bear activity and any ongoing public safety concerns. The section of Mt. Brown Trail where the body was found has been temporarily closed amid the ongoing investigation.
The hiker, who was reported missing on Monday afternoon, is believed to have communicated plans to hike toward the Mt. Brown Fire Lookout before his disappearance.
According to UPI and Fox News, this incident marks the park’s first deadly bear attack since 1998. The last time an individual was injured by a bear in Glacier National Park was August of the previous year. The park is home to around 1,000 black bears and grizzlies, with officials estimating that about 300 grizzly bears were inhabiting the area as recently as 2023.
This fatality comes on the heels of another bear attack in Yellowstone National Park earlier this week. Two hikers, ages 15 and 28, were seriously injured after an encounter with a female grizzly bear and her cubs-of-the-year (cubs in their first year of life). The pair was airlifted by helicopter for medical treatment.
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