A hiker has died after an apparent bear attack in Glacier National Park, Montana, marking the first such fatality in the park since 1998, authorities said.
The victim, whose identity has not been released, was reported missing on Sunday. His body was found on Wednesday near the Mount Brown trail in a densely wooded area with downed timber, about 50 feet off the trail. The nature of his wounds led park officials to suspect a bear encounter.
“His injuries are consistent with those sustained by a bear encounter,” the park said in a statement. Wildlife and law enforcement personnel are assessing the area for bear activity and any ongoing public safety concerns. The investigation is ongoing.
Glacier National Park is home to about 1,000 bears, including both black bears and grizzlies. The last non-fatal bear attack in the park occurred last August.
Separately, two hikers were injured during a bear encounter this week in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. The hikers, aged 15 and 28, were airlifted to safety on Monday. Park staff believe a female grizzly bear with cubs was involved.
