Fatal Bear Encounter Claims Life of Hiker Anthony Pollio in Glacier National Park

On May 6, 2024, search-and-rescue crews located the remains of a 33-year-old male hiker approximately 2.5 mi up the Mount Brown Trail, about 50 ft off the path in a densely wooded area with downed timber. The National Park Service (NPS) said the injuries “are consistent with those sustained by a bear encounter.” The hiker, later identified as Anthony Pollio of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, had sent a voicemail to his father on May 3 confirming his plan to hike to the Mount Brown Fire Lookout and was reported missing on May 4.

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Glacier National Park hosts roughly 1,000 bears—both black bears and grizzlies—with an estimated 300 grizzlies in 2023. Fatal bear attacks are rare: ten confirmed deaths occurred between 1967 and 1998, the last being Craig Dahl in the Two Medicine Valley (May 1998). The most recent non-fatal injury was a 34-year-old woman attacked near Lake Janet in August 2025. The Pollio case follows a separate bear incident in Yellowstone National Park (May 4, 2024) that injured two hikers near Old Faithful.

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• May 3, 8:20 p.m. – Pollio’s last known message, stating his intent to reach the fire lookout.

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• May 4 – Park officials notified of his disappearance; vehicle found near Lake McDonald Lodge.

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• May 6, ?12 p.m. – Remains discovered on Mount Brown Trail.

Missing Glacier National Park Hiker Found Dead in Apparent Bear Attack

• May 7 – NPS issues press release describing injuries as “consistent with a bear encounter.”

USA Today

• May 9 – Pollio’s identity confirmed; park announces temporary closure of the Mt. Brown Trail and adjacent routes.

Missing Glacier National Park Hiker Found Dead in Apparent Bear Attack

• Bear population: ~1,000 total (?600 black bears, ?300 grizzlies).

Glacier Hiker Found Dead, First Apparent Fatal Bear Attack Since 1998

• Fatal attacks in Glacier: 10 since 1967; none since 1998.

The Spokesman-Review

• Non-fatal injuries: 1 documented incident in 2025; 2 in Yellowstone (May 2024).

The Straits Times

The discovery triggered immediate closure of the Mt. Brown Trail, Snyder Lake Campground, Sperry Chalet, and Lincoln Lake Campground while wildlife officials assess bear activity. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about bear behavior in heavily visited backcountry areas and reinforces the park’s “bear-aware” outreach, including recommendations to travel in groups, make noise, and carry readily accessible bear spray.

Glacier Hiker Found Dead, First Apparent Fatal Bear Attack Since 1998

The NPS reiterated that the injuries match a bear encounter and that the investigation remains open. Park officials emphasized that “wildlife and law-enforcement personnel are currently assessing the area for bear activity and any ongoing public safety concerns.” They added that staff are “working to determine next steps based on field assessments and wildlife behavior monitoring.” Visitors are urged to stay off closed trails and follow posted safety guidelines.

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Pollio’s father, Arthur Pollio, expressed personal grief and speculation: he believes his son was “accosted by the bear,” that “bear spray was used,” and that the animal may have “chased him down, grabbed him by the shoulder.” The family’s comments highlight a desire for clearer communication about the circumstances and for measures to prevent future surprise encounters.

People Magazine

Search teams—including Flathead County Search and Rescue, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the Montana Army National Guard, and the U.S. Forest Service—located Pollio’s personal items near the trailhead and his vehicle at Lake McDonald Lodge. The body was found in a “densely wooded area with downed timber,” confirming the remote nature of the site.

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Authorities have not identified the bear species involved, and no definitive forensic confirmation of a bear bite has been released. While the NPS cites “consistent with a bear encounter,” the exact sequence—whether Pollio was chased, sprayed, or attacked suddenly—remains unverified.

USA Today

• “He's an educated man, and the bear just attacked him and killed him,” — Arthur Pollio, father

People Magazine

• “I believe he was probably accosted by the bear.” — Arthur Pollio, father

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• “Used the bear spray. He might have ran from there. I think the bear may have chased him down, grabbed him by the shoulder.” — Arthur Pollio, father

People Magazine

• “Wildlife and law enforcement personnel are currently assessing the area for bear activity and any ongoing public safety concerns,” — National Park Service statement

KSL-TV

• “Park staff are working to determine next steps based on field assessments and wildlife behavior monitoring.” — National Park Service statement

Missing hiker found dead in Glacier National Park after suspected bear attack

• “If approached, people should make themselves look big and make noise to scare it away, and never run away.” — Park safety guidance

KSL-TV

The Mt. Brown Trail and adjacent routes will remain closed pending wildlife assessments. Park officials plan to issue updated safety advisories, continue monitoring bear movements, and evaluate whether additional bear-management actions (e.g., targeted relocations) are warranted. Hikers are encouraged to follow “bear-aware” protocols and stay informed through the park’s Trail Status Reports.

Glacier Hiker Found Dead, First Apparent Fatal Bear Attack Since 1998