World famous grizzly bear killed in Wyoming vehicle strike

A world famous grizzly bear at Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park was killed by a vehicle, according to officials on Wednesday.

The female grizzly, known as No. 399, was an extremely popular figure in the park, attracting nature photographers and wildlife fans from across the country. The grizzly was confirmed dead on Wednesday after being struck by a vehicle on Tuesday night in Jackson, Wyoming.

What We Know About the Collision

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced that the grizzly bear was fatally struck by a car south of Jackson on Highway 26/89 in the Snake River Canyon, and the bear’s identity was confirmed through ear tags and a microchip.

In addition, according to the agency, the bear had a yearling cub with her, whose whereabouts were unknown as of Wednesday morning.

“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 news release from the agency added.

While vehicle collisions with wildlife, including grizzly bears, are not uncommon, the FWS is working with state and local agencies to gather more information.

“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.

What We Know About Grizzly 399

Grizzly 399 became famous for raising numerous cubs close to the park’s roads, allowing visitors a rare glimpse of a mother bear in her natural habitat. Over the years, she earned a devoted following with her life documented across social media and even celebrated in a book and featured in a PBS nature episode, making her a symbol of the park’s wildlife and the larger conservation efforts in the Rockies.

“The grizzly bear is an iconic species that helps make the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem so extraordinary,” Chip Jenkins, Grand Teton National Park superintendent said in a press release. “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.”

Grizzly Bear Deaths Due to Collisions

The bear’s death serves as a reminder of the dangers that wildlife faces near human activity. Despite ongoing efforts to protect these animals within national park boundaries, park authorities continue to advocate for safe driving practices to help prevent further tragic losses of wildlife.

In addition, this is not the first time 399’s family has been hit by a vehicle.

Grizzly 610, an offspring of 399, had a scare in October 2023 when the bear was apparently struck by a semitruck and laid injured by the roadside for hours while her cubs watched from a distance. She later appeared to fully recover on her own and rejoined her cubs.

According to the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, there have been 49 grizzly bear mortalities due to vehicle collisions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) from 2009-2023 with an average number of 3.3. grizzly bear deaths per year.

In 2024, including this incident, there have been two grizzly bear deaths from vehicle strikes in the GYE.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.