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A search for a missing hiker in Glacier National Park ended in tragedy Wednesday when authorities discovered a body with injuries consistent with a bear encounter, raising urgent questions about wildlife danger in one of America’s most visited national parks.

The discovery has triggered an active investigation and renewed concerns about hiker safety in remote, heavily forested areas of the park.

Search and Rescue Discovery

The body of the missing hiker was found around noon Wednesday in Glacier National Park, according to officials.

Search and rescue crews located the victim about 2 1/2 miles up the Mount Brown Trail and about 50 feet off the trail in a densely wooded area filled with downed timber.

The remote and rugged terrain complicated recovery efforts and underscored the challenges faced by crews responding to incidents deep in the park’s backcountry.

Investigation Into Possible Bear Encounter

Authorities reported that the victim had injuries consistent with a bear encounter.

Wildlife officials and law enforcement personnel are now actively assessing the area for bear activity and evaluating any ongoing public safety risks as the investigation continues.

The presence of potential wildlife involvement has intensified scrutiny around conditions on and near popular hiking routes in the park.

Identity Withheld, Trail Closed

The National Park Service said the identity of the victim is being withheld at this time.

As investigators work to determine what happened, the section of trail where the incident occurred has been temporarily closed.

Officials say the closure will remain in place while the investigation continues and safety assessments are conducted in the surrounding area.