Tragedy in Glacier National Park: Missing hiker found dead after suspected bear encounter

A tragic turning point occurred when the body of a missing hiker was discovered in Montana’s Glacier National Park, with officials suspecting he may have been attacked by a bear. 

Search and rescue crews located the victim at approximately 12 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, according to a news release from the National Park Service posted on Thursday, May 7.

While the investigation is ongoing, officials stated the injuries are consistent with a bear encounter. 

The National Park Service is officially withholding the name for 72 hours following family notification; however local reports have identified the hiker as Anthony Pollio, 33, of Fort Lauderdale Florida. He was last heard from via text message on Sunday evening, May 3. 

His vehicle was found at the Lake McDonald Lodge trailhead on Monday, sparking the search.

“Park staff are working to determine next steps based on field assessments and wildlife behavior monitoring, “the release continued, along with urging visitors to stay off closed trails. 

A section of the Mount Brown Lookout Trail remains temporarily closed while wildlife biologists and law enforcement monitor the area for bear activity and assess public safety as reported by the People.

Officials are currently conducting field assessments to identify the specific bear involved and determine if it poses a continuing threat. 

This is the first fatal bear attack in Glacier National Park since 1998. A non-fatal encounter occurred in August 2025, where a female grizzly with cubs injured a 34-year-old hiker. The park is home to roughly 1,000 bears: approximately 300 grizzlies (brown bears) and 600 black bears.