A missing hiker found dead in Montana's Glacier National Park may have been the victim of a fatal bear encounter, according to investigators.
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Anthony Pollio, 33, was discovered in a densely wooded area after disappearing during a hike near the Mt. Brown Trail.
Officials said the injuries sustained by Pollio were "consistent with those sustained by a bear encounter."
Bear Attack Suspected After Experienced Hiker Found Dead
Authorities said Pollio's last known communication came on Sunday at around 8:20 PM.
He was officially reported missing the following day after concerns grew over his whereabouts.
Before disappearing, Pollio reportedly messaged a friend saying he was heading toward the Mt. Brown Fire Lookout.
As search efforts intensified, crews located his vehicle near Lake McDonald Lodge. They eventually found his remains roughly 50 feet off the Mt. Brown Trail.
"Anthony was a fearless man," Pollio's father, Arthur, told Local 10 News. "He was an experienced hunter. Tons of experience. Educated. Very smart."
"He saw a trail. It was only a few miles. It was daytime. His intention was to go up and see the sunset from the fire watch tower."
"We think on the way down he encountered a grizzly bear."
Arthur said he believes his son was "accosted by the bear" during the hike.
According to his father, Anthony likely attempted to use bear spray to scare the animal away before trying to flee the scene.
Victim's Father Believes He Tried To Fight off the Bear
Arthur believes the grizzly may have chased his son after he ran away and eventually "grabbed him by the shoulder".
"He's an educated man and the bear just attacked him and killed him," Arthur added.
He also said investigators may have been led to Anthony's remains after discovering the can of bear spray.
Speaking to The Sun Sentinel, Arthur revealed that Anthony had left him a voicemail during the hike, updating him on the trip and telling him he loved him.
"His life experiences in 33 years, some people don't get to do 'til they're 90 or their whole life," he said.
Since 1967, Glacier National Park has recorded 10 fatal bear attacks.
If Pollio's death is officially confirmed as the result of a bear encounter, it would mark the park's first fatal bear attack since May 1998, when a hiker was killed on the Scenic Point Trail in the Two Medicine Valley.
Authorities also reported another bear-related human injury within the park in August 2025.
