A Florida hiker died in a terrifying grizzly bear attack at Glacier National Park despite deploying an entire can of bear spray, a new investigation has revealed. Anthony Pollio, 33, was hiking alone towards a mountain lookout to watch the sunset when he encountered the bear in the darkness.
The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee report uncovered new details about the 3 May attack, showing that Pollio used his last line of defence during the encounter. Investigators believed the surprise meeting between the hiker and the grizzly happened so quickly that neither had enough time to react.
Pollio's Final Sunset Hike Revealed
Pollio, from Davie, Florida, had been travelling on a multi-day road trip before entering Glacier National Park in Montana. On the evening of 3 May, he began hiking the steep Mount Brown Lookout Trail, hoping to reach the viewpoint and enjoy the sunset.
Around two hours into the hike, Pollio sent a message to his girlfriend saying he had climbed more than 2,000 feet and still had roughly 2,400 feet left before reaching the lookout. It was the last known communication from him before the fatal encounter.
Grizzly Struck in the Darkness
Investigators believe Pollio was descending the trail around 9:30 p.m. when the attack happened. The area was filled with standing and fallen trees damaged by the 2017 Sprague Fire, creating poor visibility for both the hiker and the bear.
The report stated that darkness and deadfall on the trail likely prevented Pollio and the grizzly from seeing each other until they were extremely close. The bear, a male believed to be at least 15 years old, appears to have reacted defensively after being surprised.
Empty Bear Spray Found at Attack Site
One of the most chilling details from the investigation was the discovery of Pollio's empty bear spray can near the trail. Authorities confirmed he had managed to deploy the entire can during the attack, although it remains unclear whether the spray successfully reached the bear.
@themeateatercrew This spring, a hiker named Anthony Pollio deployed bear spray during a grizzly encounter in Glacier National Park and was still killed. #meateater #fyp #fueledbynature
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Investigators believe Pollio likely used the spray during the initial charge before falling down the slope as the attack continued. The grizzly later re-engaged, causing fatal injuries to Pollio's head after a brief but intense encounter.
Search Team Reconstructed the Fatal Encounter
Pollio was reported missing after failing to return from his hike, triggering a major search operation involving land and air teams. Three days after he entered the park, rescuers found his remains around 70 feet below the Mount Brown Trail.
Evidence at the scene helped investigators piece together what happened, including claw marks on a burned tree and a displaced stone believed to show where the bear launched its attack. The report said the attack was not prolonged and that Pollio was likely the victim of a sudden defensive response.
DNA Shows Bear Had No Attack History
DNA collected from bear hair and scat at the scene matched a grizzly that had lived its entire life inside Glacier National Park. Officials found no previous record of aggression, human conflict or capture involving the bear.
The discovery surprised investigators because the animal was not considered a known danger before the incident. No evidence suggested the bear was hunting Pollio, with officials finding no signs of predation or the animal attempting to store his remains.
Warning Issued for Future Hikers
Following the tragedy, wildlife experts urged visitors to take extra precautions when exploring bear country. They warned that hiking alone, especially during low-light hours, can increase the risk of unexpected encounters.
Experts recommend travelling in groups, making regular noise by talking or clapping, and avoiding trails during periods when bears are most active, including night, dawn and dusk. Pollio's death marked Glacier National Park's first fatal bear attack since 1998, serving as a reminder that even experienced hikers can face unpredictable dangers in the wild.
