New report reveals chilling final moments of hiker killed by grizzly bear
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GLACIER NATIONAL PARK — A newly released investigation has revealed chilling new details about the fatal grizzly bear attack that killed a Florida hiker in Glacier National Park, including that he likely fought to survive after tumbling nearly 100 feet down a mountainside before the bear returned and delivered the fatal blows.
Anthony Pollio, 33, of Davie, Florida, was hiking alone to the Mt. Brown Lookout on May 3 with plans to watch the sunset before hiking back down in the dark.
Investigators say Pollio likely surprised a mature male grizzly on the trail sometime after 9:30 p.m. As the bear charged, Pollio managed to completely discharge his bear spray, but it’s unknown whether it struck the animal.
Evidence shows he was thrown or fell 93 feet down the steep mountainside, then somehow climbed about 18 feet back uphill before the grizzly re-engaged and fatally bit him in the head.
Searchers later found his empty bear spray can, cellphone, scattered belongings, and a trail of blood leading to his body.
The report concludes the attack was defensive rather than predatory. Pollio’s body showed extensive bite wounds and catastrophic head injuries, but investigators found no evidence the bear attempted to feed on him or hide his remains.
DNA testing identified the animal as a male grizzly at least 15 years old with no known history of aggression toward people or previous conflicts. Investigators believe darkness, downed trees covering the trail, and the surprise encounter left both Pollio and the bear with little time to react.
Pollio’s last text message, sent at 8:20 p.m., told his girlfriend he planned to continue climbing before hiking back to his car. When he failed to return, an intensive multi-day search involving helicopters, search-and-rescue teams, and infrared technology was launched.
His body was discovered on May 6, nearly 69 feet below the trail.
The Board of Review concluded Pollio was the victim of a tragic surprise encounter with a grizzly while descending the mountain alone in the dark and urged hikers to travel in groups, make noise, carry readily accessible bear spray, and avoid hiking at night.