Hiker found dead of possible bear attack after going missing in Montana National Park

Published: 06:06, 8 May 2026 | Updated: 06:06, 8 May 2026 Park officials are investigating a possible bear attack after a male hiker was found dead in Glacier National Park.  Search and rescue crews stumbled upon the body at 12pm on Wednesday in Glacier National Park, the park said in a press release.  Officials believe the man’s injuries are linked to a bear attack, and say wildlife and law enforcement are assessing the area for grizzly activity.  'The victim was located about 2.5 miles up the Mt Brown Trail, approximately 50 ft off the trail in a densely wooded area with downed timber,' the park stated. 'His injuries are consistent with those sustained by a bear encounter,' they said, adding that the investigation is still underway. The male hiker’s identity has not been released, as the National Park Service is waiting 72 hours after notifying next of kin before sharing it publicly.  Park staff have closed the trail where the possible attack happened as they determine next steps for 'wildlife behavior monitoring.'  'Visitors are reminded to stay off closed trails,' park officials added. Park officials are investigating a possible bear attack after a male hiker was found dead in Glacier National Park Around 300 grizzly bears were living in the Glacier National Park in 2023 (stock) According to the park, the last fatal bear mauling in the area happened in 1998 in Two Medicine Valley. The last reported bear-related injury at the park happened in August 2025.  A 34-year-old female hiker was charged and attacked by a brown grizzly on August 28, 2025, in the national park.  The hiker, accompanied by a fellow trekker, was hiking near Lake Janet when 'a medium brown-colored bear with two cubs charged out of the brush' straight at her.  The female hiker attempted to escape the wild animal and dove off the trail, covering her head.   The grizzly swiped its massive claws at her, injuring her shoulder and arm. As the attack unfolded, her hiking partner used bear spray, causing the bear to run off. Trail of the Cedars in Glacier National Park, Montana The park stated the entire incident lasted fewer than 30 seconds. The pair continued toward a campground, where they met other hikers who had an InReach device and used it to send an SOS to park dispatch. According to the park, around 1,000 bears live in Glacier National Park, including both black and brown bears.  They added around 300 grizzly bears were living in the park in 2023.  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.