The July 20 interagency review reconstructs the fatal grizzly attack that killed 33-year-old Anthony Pollio after a solo hike on May 3 in Glacier National Park. Investigators say he surprised an adult male grizzly on the Mt. Brown Lookout Trail, deployed bear spray during the initial assault, tumbled about 93 feet, climbed roughly 18 feet back up, and was then reengaged and killed. Experts concluded the bear acted defensively after being startled; the animal had no prior history of human conflict. The report reiterates standard bear-safety precautions for park visitors.
New Report Reconstructs Final Moments of Hiker Killed by Grizzly in Glacier National Park
Anthony Pollio.Credit: anthony pollio/Facebook
Fresh details released July 20 by an interagency team of wildlife experts reconstruct the fatal grizzly bear attack that claimed the life of 33-year-old Anthony Pollio in Glacier National Park.
Anthony Pollio.Credit: anthony pollio/Facebook
What Happened
Investigators say Pollio, of Davie, Florida, surprised an adult male grizzly on the Mt. Brown Lookout Trail during a solo hike the evening of May 3. Park search-and-rescue teams located him dead at about 12 p.m. on May 6.
The Glacier National Park in Montana.Credit: Marli Miller/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty
Sequence of Events
The report indicates Pollio discharged his bear spray during the initial assault, although it is unknown whether the spray contacted the bear. During the encounter, Pollio tumbled roughly 93 feet downslope, likely while the bear remained engaged. He appears to have briefly climbed back about 18 feet up the slope before the bear reengaged and inflicted fatal injuries.
Anthony Pollio.Credit: anthony pollio/Facebook
Experts' Conclusion
Reviewers described the incident as "likely brief and intense and not prolonged," and concluded the grizzly’s behavior was defensive — the animal was startled rather than exhibiting predatory or repeatedly aggressive behavior. Investigators noted that darkness and deadfall on the trail likely prevented the two from seeing each other until they were very close, increasing the chance of a surprise encounter.
About the Bear
The bear identified in the report had no documented history of conflict with humans and appears to have been a long-term resident of the park. The review emphasizes the attack did not reflect a pattern of repeated aggression by that animal.
Safety Reminders
Park officials and the report authors reiterated standard bear-safety guidance: stay alert, travel in groups when possible, make noise (talking, singing, or clapping) to avoid startling wildlife when visibility is limited, avoid hiking at dawn, dusk or night when bears are most active, and carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Family Statement: Pollio’s father, Arthur, described his son as "fearless," a University of Central Florida graduate who loved animals and car racing. Arthur said Anthony left a voicemail during the hike updating him and saying he loved him.
The interagency review aims to both explain the sequence of events in this tragedy and reinforce precautions that can reduce the risk of surprise encounters with large wildlife.
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