Body of missing hiker discovered off trail as investigators probe rare deadly bear encounter

In a separate incident in Montana, the remains of a hiker, who had been reported missing, were found on Wednesday. Authorities suspect a bear attack led to the hiker’s death.

Search-and-rescue teams discovered the hiker’s body roughly 2.5 miles along the Mt. Brown Trail in Glacier National Park around midday. The park authorities have yet to release the hiker’s identity.

The park officials reported that the hiker’s injuries appeared consistent with a bear encounter. The body was located about 50 feet off the trail in a heavily wooded area with fallen trees.

Currently, wildlife and law enforcement teams are evaluating the region for bear activity and assessing any potential risks to public safety.

The area has been temporarily closed as investigations into the suspected bear attack continue.

A hiker walks along a narrow mountain trail overlooking an alpine valley in Glacier National Park during summer. (iStock)

The last known message from the hiker was sent around 8:30 p.m. Sunday after he “had communicated plans to hike toward the Mt. Brown Fire Lookout,” officials said. He was subsequently reported missing on Monday. 

The incident is the park’s first deadly bear attack since 1998, authorities said, noting the last time an individual was injured by a bear in Glacier National Park was August 2025. 

Authorities closed part of the Mt. Brown Trail in Glacier National Park after finding the body of a missing hiker on Wednesday. (National Park Service)

The park is home to around 1,000 black bears and grizzlies, with park officials estimating that about 300 grizzly bears were inhabiting the area in 2023. 

The fatality comes after two hikers, ages 15 and 28, were seriously injured in a bear attack in Yellowstone National Park on Monday, according to park officials.

Coastal brown bear standing on rocky shore in South Central Alaska

Glacier National Park authorities said the hiker’s “injuries are consistent with those sustained by a bear encounter,” adding that the individual was found “approximately 50 feet off the trail in a densely wooded area with downed timber.”  (Getty Images Creatives)

The pair of hikers was airlifted by helicopter after an incident in which “park staff believe a female grizzly bear with two or three cubs-of-the-year (cubs in their first year of life) were involved in the encounter,” Yellowstone National Park said. 

Fox News Digital reached out to Glacier National Park for comment. 

-->

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like
North Carolina furniture manufacturer allegedly kills business partner hours after losing contract dispute

North Carolina Furniture Manufacturer Accused of Killing Business Partner Hours After Contract Dispute Loss

A North Carolina furniture manufacturer is accused of fatally shooting his business…
Less than half of Americans can afford quality healthcare, Gallup finds

Gallup: Fewer Than Half of Americans Can Afford Quality Healthcare

Fewer than half of Americans were able to afford medical bills and…
New Air Force One plane, a $400 million jet gifted by Qatar, unveiled by military

Military Unveils Qatar’s $400 Million Gifted Jet as New Air Force One Candidate

Washington — The Air Force on Friday revealed the Boeing 747-8 set…
Gilgo Beach serial killer's ex-wife says he 'got what he deserved' after he gets max sentence for 8 murders

Gilgo Beach Killer’s Ex-Wife Reacts After Maximum Sentence in 8-Murder Case: “He Got What He Deserved”

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. — Asa Ellerup, the former wife of convicted Long Island…
South Carolina personal trainer goes missing, last spotted walking toward wooded area

Fitness Trainer Said She Was ‘Scared for Her Life’ Before Body Found in Matching Clothing

Weeks before a body matching her description was discovered, missing South Carolina…
Chicago officials debate Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposed $425M TIF funding for 'The 78' project, Chicago Fire soccer stadium

Chicago Officials Weigh $425M TIF Plan for The 78, Including Proposed Chicago Fire Stadium

CHICAGO (WLS) — A debate is unfolding over whether Chicago should tap…
Comedian Carlos Mencia charged with 12 felony tax counts, LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman says

Carlos Mencia Faces 12 Felony Tax Charges, Says LA County DA Nathan Hochman

LOS ANGELES — Comedian Carlos Mencia is facing 12 felony tax charges,…
Stacey King funeral: Celebration of life honors Chicago Bulls legend, 3-time NBA champion, broadcaster, who died at 59

Stacey King Remembered: Chicago Bulls Champion and Broadcaster Honored at Celebration of Life

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. (WLS) — Family, friends and former colleagues gathered Thursday…
Karmelo Anthony supporter reportedly fired as other backers face backlash over verdict remarks

Karmelo Anthony Adds New Lawyer to Appeal While Saying He Can’t Afford Legal Fees

FRISCO, Texas — Karmelo Anthony has added a new attorney as he…
U.S. Southern Command strike

US Military Kills Three Suspected Narco-Terrorists in Latest Eastern Pacific Vessel Strike

The U.S. military said it carried out a deadly strike Thursday against…
Supreme Court sides with Texas man who challenged law barring drug users from having guns

Supreme Court Backs Texas Man in Major Gun Rights Case Challenging Ban on Firearm Ownership by Drug Users

Washington — The Supreme Court on Thursday sided with a Texas man…
Poll: Strong Majority of U.S. Voters Approve of Trump's Iran Deal

Poll finds strong majority of U.S. voters approve of Trump’s Iran deal

A preliminary agreement signed by the United States and Iran is drawing…