A 33-year-old hiker left his father a heartbreaking voicemail just moments before he was killed by a bear in Glacier National Park, Montana. Anthony Pollio, an experienced outdoorsman from Florida, had been on a solo hike during a two-week holiday when he vanished.
Pollio's father, Arthur, told local media that his son called him while exploring a mountain trail, saying he loved him and describing the route. Days later, search crews found Pollio's body about 50 feet off the Mount Brown Trail in a densely wooded area with fallen timber.
Authorities believe Pollio was surprised by a bear, as his injuries were consistent with a bear encounter. Bear spray was found among his belongings. The trail has been temporarily closed while the investigation continues.
Arthur described his son as 'fearless' and a seasoned outdoorsman who had visited numerous national parks. Pollio worked as a service adviser in Florida and volunteered as a church deacon. This is believed to be the first fatal bear attack in Glacier National Park since 1998.
The incident follows a separate bear attack in Yellowstone National Park that left two hikers injured earlier this week.
