Body of Missing Hiker Found in Glacier National Park; Fatal Bear Encounter Confirmed
Search and rescue crews located the body of a missing hiker on Wednesday at approximately noon in Glacier National Park, Montana. The hiker had been missing since Sunday.
Discovery and Location
The victim's remains were found approximately 2.5 miles up the Mount Brown Trail, about 50 feet off the path in a densely wooded area with downed timber.
Investigation
The National Park Service (NPS) stated that the injuries are consistent with a bear encounter. Wildlife and law enforcement personnel are assessing the area for bear activity and evaluating public safety concerns. The investigation remains ongoing.
Victim Identification
The NPS is withholding the victim's name pending notification of next of kin. The park is awaiting 72 hours after notification of the victim's family before releasing the identity.
Timeline
- Sunday: The last known communication from the hiker was around 8:20 p.m.
- Monday: The park was notified of the missing person.
- Tuesday: A search was initiated for a missing hiker from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- Wednesday at noon: The victim's body was found.
Closures
The affected section of the Mount Brown Trail is temporarily closed until the investigation concludes.
Context
- This is the first fatal bear encounter in Glacier National Park since 1998, which occurred in the Two Medicine Valley.
- The most recent bear injury to a human in the park occurred in August 2025.
- Glacier National Park is home to approximately 1,000 bears, including black bears and grizzly bears. An estimated 300 grizzly bears lived in the park as of 2023.
Related Incident
On Monday, two hikers were injured in a separate bear attack at Yellowstone National Park. Park staff believe a female grizzly bear with cubs was involved in that encounter.