Glacier’s first fatal bear attack in almost 30 years came after surprise encounter

Anthony Pollio became the first person to die in a bear attack in Glacier National Park in nearly three decades when he was unexpectedly attacked while hiking on Mt. Brown. Investigators believe the encounter happened as Pollio descended the trail after dark, navigating a path littered with fallen trees from the previous winter. The surprise nature of the attack likely prevented both Pollio and the bear from spotting each other until they were very close. This incident underscores the unpredictable dangers in wilderness areas and the importance of heightened awareness, especially in regions where human and wildlife interactions are more frequent.