Body of missing hiker found; injuries consistent with bear encounter
by Darryl Coote · UPIMay 8 (UPI) -- Search-and-rescue crews scouring a Montana national park trail for a missing hiker have found a body, according to officials who say the deceased had suffered injuries suggesting a bear attack.
The National Park Service said Thursday that the body was found around noon the day prior 2.5 miles up and about 50 feet off Mt. Brown Trail in Glacier National Park.
"His injuries are consistent with those sustained by a bear encounter," NPS said in a statement, explaining the identity of the victim was being withheld for 72 hours after next-of-kin notifications.
"Wildlife and law enforcement personnel are currently assessing the area for bear activity and any ongoing public safety concerns."
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The section of Mt. Brown Trail where the body was found has been temporarily closed amid the ongoing investigation, officials said.
The discovery comes as search efforts were underway for 33-year-old Anthony Pollio of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Pollio was reported missing Monday afternoon.
Park officials said his vehicle was found at Lake McDonald Lodge within Glacier National Park. He reportedly planned to hike toward the Mt. Brown Fire Lookout and his the last known message was sent at about 8:20 p.m. local time Sunday.
The last human fatality caused by a bear in the Two Medicine Valley was Craig Dhal on May 17, 1998. Park officials responded by killing a female bear and two yearlings.
There have been 11 confirmed fatal bear attacks in the park since its inception, all after 1967, according to national park statistics.
The last injury caused by a bear occurred in August.