This shot of Grizzly Bear 399, who was killed Tuesday night in a vehicle collision, and her four cubs was captured in June 2020 by the Signal Mountain Lodge in Grand Teton National Park by Steven P. DeVries. CC BY-SA 4.0
Grizzly bear 399, a legendary sow nearly 30 years in age who had nearly two dozen cubs over the years, was killed in a vehicle collision in the Snake River Canyon south of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials said the bear was hit Tuesday evening. Her identity was established through ear tags and a microchip. She had a yearling cub with her, whose whereabouts were unknown Wednesday morning, a release from the agency said.
“At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the yearling was also involved in the incident, but the Service is monitoring the area,” the release added.
Vehicle collisions with wildlife, including grizzly bears, are not uncommon across their range. The FWS was working with state and local agencies to gather more information. The Snake River Canyon through which Highway 26/89 runs is narrow and winding.
“People from around the world have followed grizzly bear 399 for several decades. At 28 years old, she was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem,” said Hilary Cooley, grizzly bear recovery coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“Wildlife vehicle collisions and conflict are unfortunate. We are thankful the driver is okay and understand the community is saddened to hear that grizzly bear 399 has died,” said Angi Bruce, director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
“The grizzly bear is an iconic species that helps make the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem so extraordinary. Grizzly bear 399 has been perhaps the most prominent ambassador for the species. She has inspired countless visitors into conservation stewardship around the world and will be missed,” said Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins.
No additional information was available at this time.
Grizzly 399 was a crowd favorite in Grand Teton and the adjoining John D. Rockefeller Parkway, with dozens of camera- and cellphone-toting visitors spending long days along roadsides with hopes of spotting her and her cubs.
Background information on grizzly bear/vehicle collisions from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team:
- From 2009-2023, there have been 49 grizzly bear mortalities (all sex and age classes combined) due to vehicle collisions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
- Average number of grizzly bear mortalities in the GYE due to vehicle collisions during 2009-2023: 3.3 bears/year.
- In 2024, including this incident, there have been 2 grizzly bear mortalities from vehicle strikes in the GYE.
