New Report Reveals Why Glacier Grizzly Attack Turned Deadly

New Details Released in Fatal Glacier National Park Grizzly Attack

You may remember back in May when we told you about the missing hiker who was attacked and killed by a grizzly bear in Glacier National Park.

Now, new details are coming out from investigators about what happened during Anthony Pollio's final moments.

Investigators Say Glacier Bear Attack Was Not Predatory

According to newly released incident reports, Pollio was hiking the Mount Brown Lookout Trail near dusk when he apparently surprised an adult male grizzly bear.

Investigators believe the encounter happened so quickly that neither Anthony nor the bear had time to react.

The report says Pollio was able to empty his entire can of bear spray, but investigators couldn't determine if the spray actually reached the bear.

During the attack, Anthony was either thrown or fell down a 93-foot slope. Afterward, he attempted to climb back up the slope, making it about 18 feet before the bear returned and attacked again.

Michael Smith, Getty Images

How To Stay Safe While Hiking In Montana Bear Country

That second attack turned the encounter fatal.

Investigators were able to determine that the bear was not stalking Pollio and did not view him as prey. Instead, they believe "darkness and deadfall" played a major role, preventing both the bear and Anthony from seeing each other until it was too late.

Authorities identified the bear as a 15-year-old male that had spent its entire life in Glacier National Park and had no previous aggressive encounters with people. Because of that, officials say they do not plan to relocate or euthanize the bear involved in the attack.

Park officials continue to remind hikers in Montana that the best way to stay safe in bear country is to travel in groups, make plenty of noise on the trail, carry bear spray, and avoid hiking alone, especially around dawn, dusk, or after dark.