Hiker Survives 93-Foot Fall Only to Suffer Fatal Encounter With a Bear

The body of a hiker was found in Glacier National Park in Montana and he was declared the victim of a bear attack in a newly released report that details a harrowing picture of his attempts to survive.

Anthony Pollio, 33, of Davie, Florida, was found dead by a search and rescue team on May 6 after his father grew concerned that he hadn’t heard from him since he reached out while on the hike on May 3.

In a newly released report detailing the interdepartmental investigation into the incident, it was determined that Pollio was making his way down the mountain to his vehicle when he surprised an adult male grizzly bear estimated to be about 15 years of age. The attack is believed to have occurred around 9 p.m. It is believed Pollio could not see the bear until he was dangerously close as a result of the combination of fallen trees and darkness.

According to the report, Pollio fully discharged his entire can of bear spray in the initial attack. However, it’s unknown if he hit the bear at all with the spray. It is believed he tumbled 93 feet down a large slope and sustained serious injuries from the bear in the process, given the large pool of blood investigators found downslope. Many of his personal belongings, including his cell phone — which investigators believe he was using as a flashlight — a power cord, a power bank and his hat were found between the trail and the blood pool.

However, his body was discovered 18 feet up the slope from that position, indicating that he attempted to make his way back to the trail, despite his injuries. It is believed this is where the bear “reengaged and killed Mr. Pollio,” according to the report. He was discovered with severe bites and crushing injuries to his head.

“The attack was likely brief and intense and not prolonged,” the report authors noted. “Mr. Pollio appears to have been the victim of a defensive attack by a surprised grizzly bear.”

After discovering his body, authorities did a large search of the area by helicopter and could not locate any bears in the immediate area. They were able to determine the approximate age of the bear from forensics and DNA recovered from the scene.