Bear kills hiker after falling 28 meters and fights desperately for survival in the USA

Anthony Pollio lost his life in a bear attack on the Mount Brown Lookout trail in Glacier National Park in Montana, United States. The incident took place in May. Recently, investigators revealed the sequence of events that culminated in the hiker’s death.

Initially, authorities had reported that the man, a nature lover from Florida, United States, appeared to have died after a sudden encounter with a bear. However, the detailed analysis of the place of Pollio’s death allowed the reconstruction of his last steps, revealing a much more complex situation and a harrowing battle for life.

According to investigators, Anthony was heading up the mountain alone, in the dark, when he suddenly came across an adult male grizzly bear. The presence of felled trees and poor lighting possibly prevented them from seeing each other until they were very close. Signs of claws on a tree and a moved rock marked the point where the animal began its aggression.

Pollio managed to empty a defense spray, although the investigation team was unable to confirm whether the product hit the bear. He then fell – it is not known whether he slipped or was pushed – down a steep slope, while the animal continued its attack. Personal objects, such as a cell phone, charger, hat and the damaged spray holster, were scattered around the area.

A larger amount of blood was found further down the slope, forming a large pool that indicated the spot where Anthony ended his 28-metre fall. Evidence suggests that, at this point, the bear moved away for a brief interval.

Even though he was injured, Anthony managed to climb approximately 5.5 meters back up the slope, in a clear attempt to survive. However, he was not safe. The grizzly bear resumed its attack, inflicting deadly bites that crushed its head.

“The attack was likely brief and intense, rather than prolonged,” investigators stated.

Anthony’s body was found about 21 meters below the main path, as he had walked part of the way back up before being killed.

No evidence was found that the animal fed on parts of the victim or tried to hide the remains.

Authorities determined that the attack was defensive in nature, not predatory, classifying it as a reaction by a grizzly bear that was taken by surprise.

Anthony served as a Catholic deacon. He held religious services at a church in Davie, Florida, and was well recognized in his community for his “deep faith” and great appreciation for outdoor activities.