Florida Man Killed by Grizzly Bear in Glacier National Park

A fatal grizzly bear encounter on Glacier National Park's Mt. Brown Lookout trail on May 3, 2026, claimed the life of Anthony Pollio, 33, from Florida. Evidence indicates an adult male grizzly was responsible for the attack. Pollio began his hike in the late afternoon, intending to watch the sunset from the lookout. His final communication was a text message sent at 8:20 p.m. detailing his ascent.

Investigators estimate Pollio encountered the grizzly while descending around 9:30 p.m., likely surprising the animal in poor light. His remains were discovered on May 6, 2026, approximately 69 feet below the trail. A can of bear spray, found fully discharged, was located near the site. This tragic event has prompted calls from some officials to delist grizzly bears from federal protection.

Grizzly bears, listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, have seen population recoveries, leading to debate about their management. In January 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rejected petitions to remove federal protections for populations in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide ecosystems, stating they would remain protected.

Montana Republican Representative Ryan Zinke cited Pollio's death and another hiker's injury in Yellowstone as reasons to end federal protections, arguing that grizzly populations have recovered sufficiently. Wildlife officials commonly advise carrying bear spray and taking precautions in bear country, as fatal attacks are uncommon and often linked to surprise encounters or habituated bears.