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A male hiker is believed to have been killed by a bear in Glacier National Park, marking what authorities suspect is the first fatal bear attack in the Montana wilderness since 1998.

The victim’s body was discovered Wednesday in a densely wooded area with downed timber, roughly 50 feet off the Mount Brown trail. Park officials said his injuries were “consistent with those sustained by a bear encounter.”

Search and rescue teams had been looking for the man after he was reported missing. He had sent his last known message on Sunday evening.

Wildlife and law enforcement personnel are currently assessing the area for bear activity and any potential ongoing threats to public safety. The investigation remains active.

Glacier National Park is home to approximately 1,000 bears, including both grizzlies and black bears. While bear encounters are not uncommon in the vast mountain terrain, fatal attacks have been extremely rare over the past three decades. The last non-fatal bear attack in the park occurred just last August.

This tragic incident comes at a time when bear activity is drawing renewed attention across the American West. Just days ago, two hikers — ages 15 and 28 — were injured in a separate grizzly bear encounter in nearby Yellowstone National Park and had to be airlifted to safety. Park officials there believe a female grizzly with cubs was involved.

For Glacier, a park known for its stunning beauty but also its wild and unpredictable wilderness, this rare fatality serves as a sobering reminder of the raw power of nature. Hikers regularly venture into remote areas where bears roam freely, and while most encounters end peacefully, the risks are always present.

Park officials have not yet released the victim’s identity as the investigation continues. As more details emerge about what led to this deadly confrontation, many will be watching closely to see if any new safety measures or warnings are issued for visitors.