UPDATE: First Likely Bear Attack Fatality In Montana’s Glacier Park Since 1998

UPDATE: The victim in the deadly bear attack that happened inside Glacier National Park has been identified. He was an alum of the University of Central Florida. Anthony Pollio, 33,left his Dad a voicemail just before encountering the bear. According to officials, he fought the bear, which including using bear spray.  Pollio was an experienced hiker, having visited several National Parks. 

The body of a missing hiker was found around 12 pm on Wednesday and according to experts, the wounds on the body were consistent with a bear attack. According to NBC Montana the victim was found by search and rescue officials two and a half miles up Mount Brown Trail, about 50 feet into the woods.

READ MORE: How to stay safe in bear country in Montana.

According to officials, the last time a visitor was killed by a bear in Glacier National Park was back in 1998 in Two Medicine Valley. At the time of this publication the name of the victim is being withheld, and the area where the body was found was temporarily closed as the investigation continues.

This is another reminder of why hiking in groups is important.

Is hiking in Montana safe?

It's also important to remind folks that death by wildlife is relatively rare here in Montana. According to data, the chance of a human dying from an animal attack are right around 1 in 700,000 to 1 in 185,000.

Still, safety is an important factor when hiking or spending time outdoors. According to experts, the best and most effective protection against bears is bear spray, however, it is important that you are familiar with the device, understand how it works, and have a comfortable level of confidence that you can use it, if need be.

Get our free mobile app

Always have a plan before hand when spending time among wild animals.