CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A beloved grizzly bear, known for charming visitors and wildlife enthusiasts for decades, has tragically passed away after being struck by a vehicle in western Wyoming, as confirmed by park officials.
Grizzly No. 399 died Tuesday night on a highway in Snake River Canyon south of Jackson. Fortunately, the driver involved in the incident was unharmed. A yearling cub was present with the grizzly at the time of the accident; its status is currently unconfirmed.
Details surrounding the incident remain unclear, and officials from Grand Teton and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are investigating further.
At 28 years old, Grizzly No. 399 was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly in the Yellowstone ecosystem. Each spring, wildlife watchers would eagerly anticipate her emergence from hibernation to learn how many cubs she had raised, often sharing updates widely across social media.
Named for the identification tag placed on her ear by researchers, she captivated audiences by continuing to raise litters into her advanced age. Frequently spotted near roadways in Grand Teton, she attracted crowds and traffic jams, showcasing her remarkable presence.
Experts believe her proximity to roads may have deterred male grizzlies from approaching, reducing the risk of threats to her cubs. Male grizzlies are known to kill cubs in an effort to bring mothers back into estrus.
Over her lifetime, she had 18 known cubs across eight litters, including a notable litter of four in 2020. Grizzly No. 399 stood around 7 feet tall and weighed approximately 400 pounds.
Numerous visitors would gather in meadows during evenings to witness her and her cubs in their natural habitat, leaving lasting impressions on wildlife enthusiasts.
The news of her passing quickly spread, with over 2,000 individuals sharing heartfelt tributes, describing her as a “magnificent queen” and an “incredible ambassador for her species.” Many expressed their sorrow over this tremendous loss.
The passing of Grizzly No. 399 is seen as a significant blow to grizzly conservation efforts, raising concerns about public interest in the species. Her influence as an ambassador for wildlife and conservation attracted a global fan base.
Over the years, she lived through debates regarding grizzly bear management in the region, with state officials advocating for control over grizzly populations based on successful recovery efforts.
Conservation advocates warn that climate change poses a serious threat to grizzly bears, particularly affecting their essential food sources.
While there were once approximately 50,000 grizzlies in the western United States, their numbers have dwindled significantly. In 1975, protections were put into place after the population around Yellowstone fell below 100.
Today, the Yellowstone region is home to about 1,000 grizzly bears, though they remain federally protected amidst ongoing discussions about their status.
Annually, vehicle collisions claim the lives of around three grizzlies in the region, with Grizzly No. 399 being the second confirmed death from such an incident this year.
“Wildlife vehicle collisions are an unfortunate reality. We are grateful the driver is safe and acknowledge the community’s sorrow over the loss of Grizzly No. 399,” stated a representative from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
