The body of a missing hiker was found on Wednesday, May 6, in Glacier National Park. The nature of the man’s injuries indicate a bear encounter, according to a press release by the National Park Service.
The victim was later identified as 33-year-old Anthony Pollio, from Davie, Florida. Wednesday’s fatal incident is one of many recently reported bear encounters, a concern as the summer outdoor season approaches.
The last fatality due to a bear encounter in Glacier National Park was in 1998, but a female hiker was injured by a brown colored bear in August 2025, per the park service.
Increasing numbers of reported bear encounters
In addition to this incident, two hikers sustained injuries from an encounter with one or more bears in Yellowstone National Park on May 4.
The hikers, males ages 15 and 28, were transported from the scene by emergency responders in a helicopter.
Sites northwest of the Old Faithful geyser remain closed while the incident is under investigation.
This encounter was the first to be reported in Yellowstone in 2026. Before this, the most recent reported injury in the park due to a bear encounter was in September 2025.
Also on May 4, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife responded to a bear sighting in Pacoima, a neighborhood northeast of Los Angeles.
The bear was “safely darted, checked, tagged, collared & released into Angeles National Forest. Thanks to local law enforcement, a great outcome,” according to a post on X by CDFW.
What you need to know to stay safe
An increase in bear activity is common during May-August, according to the National Park Service. On average, 339 negative human-bear encounters have been reported annually over the last 10 years.
For hikers and visitors planning to spend time in national parks this summer, the park service provides tips to help avoid surprise bear encounters.
Before you go:
Grizzlies are most active at dawn or at night, so hiking during the day is the safest option. It’s also safer to hike in groups of three of more. Pack bear spray and know how to use it (just in case!).
While hiking:
Be alert. Stay on designated trails and look out for fresh tracks and feeding sites, like berry bushes. Make noise — bears will often avoid humans if they hear them coming.
If you encounter a bear:
Stay calm and avoid the temptation to run. Respect the bear’s space and stay 100 yards away at all times. Enlarge your stance and make noise to intimidate the bear. Use your bear spray as a last resort!
And if you do encounter a bear, the park service says you can help protect others by reporting the incident to a park ranger.