A backcountry hiker reported missing in northwestern Montana was found dead this week near Glacier National Park in what authorities believe was a fatal bear attack.
According to officials, the individual failed to return from a planned outing, prompting search efforts involving park personnel and local responders. The victim was later discovered in remote terrain near the park. Investigators said injuries to the body and evidence found at the scene strongly suggest a bear encounter.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the attack involved a grizzly or black bear, though the Glacier region contains one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears in the Lower 48. Wildlife officials are continuing to investigate the incident and have not yet announced whether any bear management actions will follow.
The incident comes during peak spring bear activity in Montana, when bears emerge from dens and begin actively feeding across lower elevations and mountain valleys. This time of year also coincides with spring turkey hunting, shed hunting, fishing and preseason scouting trips that place hunters and outdoorsmen deep into bear country.
Areas surrounding Glacier National Park and neighboring national forest lands are well known for frequent grizzly encounters. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks regularly advises hunters and backcountry users to carry bear spray in an immediately accessible location, travel cautiously through thick vegetation and remain alert near animal carcasses or gut piles that may attract bears.
Although fatal bear attacks remain rare, Montana has experienced several serious encounters in recent years as expanding grizzly populations increasingly overlap with recreation and hunting activity on public lands.
Officials are expected to release additional details after the investigation is completed.
