A HIKER killed by a bear in Montana left his dad a heartbreaking final message just moments before the deadly attack.
Anthony Pollio, 33, was found dead at Glacier National Park while on a two-week trip with a friend.
Anthony Pollio was found dead with injuries consistent with a bear encounter Credit: Jam Press
The 33-year-old from Florida vanished during a solo hike in Montana Credit: Jam Press
The Florida man’s body was discovered 50 feet off a mountain trail on Wednesday “with injuries consistent with a bear encounter”, according to the National Park Service.
His devastated father Arthur Pollio revealed the chilling final voicemail his son left before he died.
Arthur told NBC6 : “He said, ‘Dad, I’m hiking up a mountain. It’s wild out here.’ He says, ‘I love you, dad,’ and that was the last message I received from him.”
The dad added that Anthony sounded out of breath as he spoke about his adventures on the Mountain Brown Trail before reminding his dad he loved him.
The National Park Service launched a search last Monday afternoon after the family stopped hearing from Anthony.
Search and rescue crews later found some of his personal belongings in a “densely wooded area”.
The park service said: “The sequence of events leading to the bear encounter remains under investigation.
“However, evidence suggests that this was a surprise encounter.
“The section of trail where the incident occurred has been temporarily closed while the investigation continues.
“Park staff are working to determine next steps based on field assessments and wildlife behavior monitoring.”
Arthur said his son was experienced outdoors and knew the risks.
“Anthony was a fearless man,” he told WLPG Local 10 .
His body was discovered 50 feet off a mountain trail at Glacier National Park Credit: Getty
Anthony left a final voicemail for his father, Arthur, moments before the fatal attack Credit: Jam Press
“… He’s an educated man and the bear just attacked him and killed him.”
Anthony’s brother Nicholas said the hike was only supposed to be a short sunset trip.
“He saw a trail. It was only a few miles,” he said.
“It was daytime. His intention was to go up and see the sunset from the fire watch tower.”
The family believes .
Arthur said: “I believe he was probably accosted by the bear. Used the bear spray. He might have ran from there.
“I think the bear may have chased him down, grabbed him by the shoulder.”
Anthony, from Sebring, Florida, graduated from the University of Central Florida where he studied hospitality.
He worked as a Service Advisor at McKibben Powersports and volunteered as a deacon at his church.
Friends and family said he loved animals, water sports, ATVs and racing cars, and had visited many National Parks over the years.
Arthur said: “His life experiences in 33 years, some people don’t get to do until they’re 90 or their whole life.”
Anthony’s death is believed to be the first fatal bear attack in Montana since 1998.
The incident, believed to be a surprise encounter, is under investigation by park officials Credit: Jam Press
Anthony’s family believes he was attacked by a grizzly bear Credit: Getty
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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