Fatal bear attack suspected in Glacier National Park after remains of missing hiker found

ohGlacier National Park officials confirmed Thursday that search and rescue teams located the remains of a missing hiker Wednesday afternoon. Preliminary evidence suggests the individual died following an encounter with a bear.

The missing hiker

The hiker, whose identity the park hopes to reveal for 72 hours after his family is notified, was reported missing Monday afternoon. According to the press release, the hiker was last heard from at 8:20 pm Sunday night and had communicated plans to hike to Mount Brown Fire Lookout. Rangers began searching for the hiker that Monday.

The discovery

The discovery of the body was made around noon Wednesday, approximately 2.5 miles up the Mount Brown Trail. According to a statement Released by the park, the victim was found approximately 50 feet from the main trail in a heavily wooded section of the forest characterized by a large amount of fallen wood.

Wildlife experts and law enforcement personnel are currently on scene to investigate the circumstances of the death and assess any lingering threats to public safety. Park officials stated that the victim’s injuries appear «consistent with those suffered from a bear encounter,» although the formal investigation remains active.

History of fatal bear attacks in Glacier National Park

This incident marks a grim milestone for the park; It is the first fatal bear attack recorded in Glacier National Park since 1998. It also marks the first bear-related attack of any kind in the park since last year. August.

The glacier is home to a significant population of approximately 1,000 bears, including black bears and brown bears. By 2023, researchers estimated that at least 300 grizzly bears would reside within the park’s boundaries.

Greater regional activity

The tragedy in Montana comes amid a rise in high-profile bear encounters in the region. Earlier this week, two hikers, ages 15 and 28, were seriously injured in Yellowstone National Park after being attacked by a female grizzly bear traveling with her cubs. Those victims required air transport to a hospital for emergency treatment.

Glacier officials continue to urge visitors to remain vigilant, carry bear spray and adhere to all safety protocols while navigating the backcountry.

Featured image via katie jackson

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