Father Remembers Experienced Hunter Found Dead After Suspected Bear Attack in Glacier

A 33-year-old missing hiker, identified as Anthony Pollio, whose body was recently found by search and rescue crews in Glacier National Park, died after a suspected bear attack.

In an interview with WPLG Local 10, Pollio's father described him as "fearless man" and "an experienced hunter."

"He's an educated man, and the bear just attacked him and killed him," his father said.

In a recent news release, Glacier National Park said, Anthony Pollio's body was discovered by search and rescue crews at approximately 12 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, in Glacier National Park, after park officials were notified of Pollio’s disappearance on Monday afternoon and initiated search and rescue operations.

His remains were found approximately 50 feet up the Mount Brown Trail in a densely wooded area with injuries "consistent with a bear encounter."

Park officials added that the "sequence of events leading to the bear encounter remains under investigation," adding that the "evidence suggests that this was a surprise encounter."

In an interview with The Sun Sentinel, the 33-year-old's father, Arthur, revealed that his son had been on a two-week road trip with a friend and reached Montana on May 3.

Pollio, stayed at Lake McDonald Lodge, had "communicated plans" for the Mt. Brown Trail toward the Mt. Brown Fire Lookout on the same day, the Glacier National Park reported.

Anthony's brother, Nicholas, shared further information about Anthony's final trip, claiming he "saw a trail. It was only a few miles. It was daytime. His intention was to go up and see the sunset from the fire watch tower," Nicholas told WPLG Local 10.

His father added that they believe he encountered a grizzly bear on his way down.

"I believe he was probably accosted by the bear. Used the bear spray. He might have ran from there. I think the bear may have chased him down, grabbed him by the shoulder," Arthur said.

Furthermore, his father recounted a voicemail Anthony left during his last hike, in which he said he loved him and described what he was doing.

Pollio attended St. Bernadette Catholic School in Davie and St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, and later graduated with a hospitality degree from the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

His father described him as a "Broward County boy," and a "motorhead" loved cars and racing, and had been hunting for two decades.

"His life experiences in 33 years, some people don’t get to do ’til they’re 90 or their whole life," Arthur Pollio said.

According to his father, he had visited several national parks throughout his life, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park, Starved Rock State Park in Illinois and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. He had also gone dinosaur fossil hunting in Thermopolis, Wyoming.

According to the news release, the search and rescue teams found some of Pollio’s personal items along the Mt. Brown Trail, approximately 2.5 miles from the trailhead."

They added that the "section of trail where the incident occurred has been temporarily closed while the investigation continues."

"Park staff are working to determine next steps based on field assessments and wildlife behavior monitoring," they added.