Heartbreak as iconic Grand Teton grizzly bear 399 killed by car

This week brought tragic news to the wildlife world: 399, a grizzly bear mother famous in Grand Teton National Park and beyond, died after being hit by a car.

“People around the world have been following grizzly bear 399 for decades,” Hilary Cooley, grizzly bear recovery coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said in a National Park Service statement about the animal’s death. At age 28, she was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, an area of ​​approximately 22 million acres located in the northern Rocky Mountains of northwestern Wyoming, southwestern Montana and eastern Idaho.

399, known by her research name, has been a fixture Grand Teton National Park since 2007. At the time of the fatal accident Tuesday evening, 399 had a yearling cub with them, the whereabouts of which remain unknown. There is no indication the baby bear was involved in the incident, according to the National Park Service, which says it is monitoring the area.

The majestic mother bear gave birth to 28 cubs. More than 58,000 fans follow an Instagram account that shares snapshots of 399’s life – strolling through the grass with her babies, bathing with them, coming out of hibernation with specks of snow on her snout.

Artists painted and sculpted 399, and so did her cubs ornate book covers and was a favorite photography subject. PBS documentary series Nature characterized by a episode about her called “Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons” detailing the dangers facing the bear and her litter of four cubs, including a warming climate, human encroachment on bear country and the threat of losing protection under the Endangered Species Act. The episode will stream through November 11.

The fatal crash happened on a highway in Snake River Canyon south of Jackson, Wyo. Wildlife experts confirmed the bear’s identity using ear tags and a microchip.

“The grizzly bear is an iconic species that makes the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem so special. Grizzly bear 399 has perhaps been the most prominent ambassador for the species,” said Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “She has inspired countless visitors around the world to pursue conservation and will be missed.”

It is not unusual for cars to kill wild animals

Heartbreak filled the comments section when visiting Grand Teton National Park shared the news on Facebook on Wednesdayjust like the frustration and anger over the 399 people who died at the hands of men. The National Park Service did not share any further details about the accident, only that the driver is doing well.

“What an undignified way for her to die,” wrote Facebook user Marty K Biscan. “It’s heartbreaking. I hope her cub can survive.”

Unfortunately, vehicle collisions with wildlife, including grizzly bears, are not uncommon. According to the National Park Service, vehicle collisions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem have resulted in the deaths of 49 grizzlies between 2009 and 2023.

“This is a tragedy,” wrote Facebook user Nicole Ibach Kemble, “but it will be an even greater tragedy if we humans do not honor her legacy and better coexist with our vulnerable wildlife.”