Famous Bear Grizzly 399 Tragically Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle

Grizzly 399, one of the most famous bears in the world, tragically died after being struck by a vehicle at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

The beloved bear, known as the "queen" of the park, passed away on the night of Oct. 22, on a highway in the Snake River Canyon, just south of Jackson. 

The National Park Service confirmed her death, leaving behind a young cub whose current location is unknown. While officials believe the cub was not involved in the incident, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is continuing to investigate.

Grizzly 399: Iconic Bear Leaves a Lasting Legacy

Grizzly 399 was an iconic figure in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. At 28 years old, she was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly bear in the area. Born in 1996, she was first captured in 2001 by researchers who fitted her with a radio collar. 

Over her lifetime, she became a significant ambassador for grizzly bears, giving birth to 18 cubs, eight of whom have reached adulthood. Known for her large size, Grizzly 399 stood over 7 feet tall on her hind legs and weighed about 400 pounds. 

Her fame was due in part to her frequent appearances near roads and human settlements, which allowed many visitors to observe her and her family.

The circumstances of her death have raised concerns about wildlife safety in areas where vehicles and animals interact, according to USA Today.

Angi Bruce, director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, noted that vehicle collisions with wildlife are unfortunate events. 

Between 2009 and 2023, 49 grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem died after being hit by vehicles. The driver of the vehicle that struck Grizzly 399 was not charged, and the incident is treated like any other traffic accident involving wildlife.

Grizzly 399's passing has left many wildlife enthusiasts and photographers mourning her loss. Social media has been flooded with tributes from people who felt a connection to the bear. 

One wildlife photographer expressed their sorrow, saying they felt a deep loss for such a beloved creature. The U.S. Department of the Interior and various organizations also shared condolences, recognizing her impact on conservation and public awareness.

While her yearling cub, known as Spirit, was reportedly with her when she died, there is currently no evidence to suggest that the cub was injured. The whereabouts of the cub remain unknown, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working to locate it.

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