33-year-old Anthony Pollio | Pollio family photo
A 33-year-old Florida man was fatally mauled in a suspected grizzly bear encounter while hiking alone in Glacier National Park, marking the park’s first bear-related fatality since 1998.
Anthony Edward Pollio of Davie, Florida, was last heard from on the evening of Sunday, May 3rd. He had texted family about his plans to hike the steep Mount Brown Trail toward the Mount Brown Fire Lookout above Lake McDonald on the park’s west side. Pollio, an avid outdoorsman who sold outdoor equipment and served as a church deacon, was on a two-week trip and described by relatives as fearless and experienced in the backcountry.
After he was reported missing on May 4th, search-and-rescue teams were deployed and soon located some of his personal items approximately 2.5 miles up the trail, leading crews to search the surrounding area. His body was discovered around noon on Wednesday, May 6th, roughly 50 feet off the trail in a densely wooded section littered with downed timber. The National Park Service said his injuries were consistent with a bear encounter, with all evidence pointing to a surprise encounter. Family members reported that Pollio had carried bear spray and appeared to have used it during the incident.
Glacier National Park | Tony Webster
Park officials have withheld further details while the investigation continues, including any determination on the specific bear involved. A section of the Mount Brown Trail (and reportedly portions of the nearby Sperry Trail) remains temporarily closed as wildlife and law enforcement staff assess ongoing safety risks.
Fatal bear attacks are extremely rare in Glacier National Park, which is home to a significant population of grizzly bears. Prior to Pollio’s death, only about 10 confirmed grizzly-related fatalities had occurred since the park’s establishment in 1910, with the most recent before this incident happening in 1998.
Just one day after Pollio was last heard from, a separate bear encounter unfolded roughly 300 miles away in Yellowstone National Park. On the afternoon of Monday, May 4th, two brothers were seriously injured on the Mystic Falls Trail near Old Faithful. Park officials believe a female grizzly bear with two or three cubs-of-the-year was involved.
The hikers were airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, where they were reported in serious and critical condition as of early May.
Investigations into both attacks remain ongoing, with park officials maintaining that these events are uncommon but are reminding the public of the importance of preparation in while in bear country.
