WEST GLACIER, Mont. (CBS12) — Human remains were recovered in Glacier National Park following a days-long search for a missing Florida hiker, park officials said.

The National Park Service said the remains were found around noon on Wednesday, May 6, about 2.5 miles up the Mount Brown Trail and roughly 50 feet off the path in a heavily wooded area with downed timber. Investigators said injuries observed at the scene are consistent with a bear encounter.

Officials have not confirmed that the remains are those of a Fort Lauderdale man who was reported missing earlier this week. The Park Service said Tuesday that it was searching for the man after he went hiking and had not been heard from since Sunday night, according to our news partners at CBS News.

Positive identification is pending, and the hiker’s name has not been released. Authorities said identification will not be made public until at least 72 hours after next-of-kin notification.

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As a precaution, portions of the Mount Brown Trail were temporarily closed while wildlife and law enforcement personnel assessed the area for bear activity and potential threats to visitors. Park officials said the closures will remain in place pending the outcome of the investigation and continued monitoring.

The discovery comes amid heightened concern over bear encounters in national parks. On Monday, two hikers were injured in a bear attack at Yellowstone National Park, the first such incident reported there this year.

Glacier National Park officials emphasized that fatal bear encounters remain rare, though the park is home to both grizzly and black bears. Visitors are urged to hike in groups, carry bear spray, make noise in low-visibility areas, and stay alert at all times.

The recovery effort involved multiple agencies, including Flathead County Search and Rescue, North Valley Search and Rescue, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, and the National Park Service, with additional aerial support from state and federal partners.

Park officials advised visitors to check current trail conditions and follow all closures and safety advisories before entering backcountry areas.