The body of a missing hiker was discovered Wednesday in Montana's Glacier National Park, with officials suspecting a bear attack—the first fatal incident of its kind at the park since 1998.
Discovery on Mount Brown Trail
Search and rescue crews located the hiker's remains around noon, according to a statement from the National Park Service. The identity of the hiker has not been released pending notification of family.
Park officials stated that the hiker's injuries are consistent with those sustained during a bear encounter. Wildlife and law enforcement personnel are currently assessing the area for bear activity and any ongoing public safety concerns. The investigation remains ongoing.
The body was found approximately 15 meters off the Mount Brown Trail in a densely wooded area with some downed timber. The hiker had communicated plans to hike toward the Mount Brown Fire Lookout, with the last known message sent around 8:20 p.m. on Sunday. The park was notified of the hiker's disappearance on Monday, and search efforts took place on Wednesday.
Victim Identified as Florida Man
Authorities had been searching for 33-year-old Anthony Pollio of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who disappeared on Sunday, according to the Associated Press.
First Fatal Bear Attack in 28 Years
This incident marks the first fatal bear attack in Glacier National Park since 1998 and the first bear attack of any kind in the park since August 2025, as reported by NBC News. Approximately 1,000 bears, including black bears and grizzlies, inhabit the park. In 2023, an estimated 300 grizzly bears were living in Glacier National Park, according to park data.
The discovery comes just days after two hikers were injured in a separate bear attack in Yellowstone National Park.
