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Glacier National Park is home to about 1,000 bears, including 300 grizzly bears, according to Glacier Park Collection. This means that encounters are possible for anyone exploring its backcountry. As a result, the National Park Service (NPS) tells visitors to prepare by staying alert, making noise, and carrying bear spray. However, even prepared hikers can be in danger if a bear is startled at close range.

That’s unfortunately what happened to 33-year-old Anthony Pollio, who was killed while hiking alone near Mount Brown Lookout in early May. Park officials initially released limited information, but called it a surprise encounter.

Now, a new board of review report is providing a clearer view of Pollio’s final moments.

New Report Reconstructs Fatal Glacier National Park Grizzly Encounter

According to the board of review report, Pollio was embarking on a multi-day road trip when he arrived at Glacier National Park on May 3. At around 6:30 p.m., he decided to hike the 5.1 miles to Mount Brown Lookout to see the sunset before returning to his vehicle.

The encounter likely began with little warning. Pollio was believed to be hiking back down the mountain at around 9:30 p.m., when darkness and thick clusters of fallen trees made it difficult to see far ahead. Investigators concluded that he and the grizzly unexpectedly came within close range of each other, prompting the bear to charge.

Investigators believe Pollio ran a short distance down the trail before entering the woods, where the grizzly caught up with him and caused fatal injuries to his head. The bear then left the area, suggesting that it reacted to being startled rather than viewing Pollio as prey.

Pollio Emptied A Full Can Of Bear Spray During The Attack

Although the attack happened quickly, Pollio was able to reach his bear spray and empty the entire can. Search crews later found it in bushes near the trail shortly before discovering his body farther into the woods on May 6. However, the board of review report couldn’t confirm whether any of the spray actually reached the grizzly.

“On Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, at approximately 12:10 p.m., a search party on Mt. Brown discovered Mr. Pollio’s remains. A searcher spotted a can of GrizGuard brand bear spray laying in the brush just off the trail. The team began looking in that direction and quickly discovered the body,” according to the report.

Pollio’s death doesn’t mean bear spray isn’t effective. The NPS still considers it an essential gear item for those hiking in bear territory. But its effectiveness can depend on several factors, including the distance between the person and the bear, weather conditions like wind and rain, and how sudden the encounter is.

However, bear spray is only one part of staying safe in grizzly country. The report also discussed several steps hikers can take to reduce the risk of a surprise encounter in the first place.

Investigators Identified The Grizzly And Issued Safety Recommendations

The board of review found that several things likely increased the risk of a grizzly encounter that night. Pollio was hiking alone after dark, while fallen trees and thick vegetation made it harder to see the trail ahead. Investigators also couldn’t determine whether he was making noise as he walked or using his phone as a flashlight.

To avoid a similar encounter, the report suggests hiking in groups and making noise by talking, clapping, or singing. Hikers should also avoid traveling at night, dawn, or dusk, when bears are usually more active.

Bear Safety Recommendations For Hikers:

In Pollio’s case, investigators found no signs that the grizzly had been a threat to visitors before. The report doesn’t say whether the grizzly was later located or whether the park plans to take any action involving it.

TheTravel reached out to Glacier National Park for clarification but did not immediately receive a response.