JACKSON — On the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 22, grizzly bear 399, who gained international fame after giving birth to four cubs as a 24-year-old bear in 2020, was fatally struck by a vehicle on Wyo. Highway 26/89 in Snake River Canyon, south of Jackson. According to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife release, the bear's identity was confirmed through ear tags and a microchip. 

“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. 

Grizzly bear 399 had a yearling cub with her, whose whereabouts are currently unknown, according to the release. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the yearling was also involved in the incident, but the Service is monitoring the area. 

“Wildlife vehicle collisions and conflict are unfortunate. We are thankful the driver is OK and understand the community is saddened to hear that grizzly bear 399 has died,” said Angi Bruce, Wyoming Game and Fish Department director.   

Vehicle collisions with wildlife, including grizzly bears, are not uncommon across their range. The Service is working with state and local agencies to gather more information. 

“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.   

Environmental goups are also sharing their condolences on the bear’s death, and using it as a reason to keep the grizzly on the endangered species list, something disputed by Wyoming officials who say the population has long since recovered, as evidenced by grizzlies roaming further beyond their range.

“I’m heartbroken to hear that grizzly bear 399 was struck and killed by a vehicle in the Snake River Canyon last night,” said Andrea Zaccardi, carnivore conservation legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “She was a Yellowstone icon with more than 20 cubs and grand cubs, and the grizzly bear population will surely suffer from her loss. Tragedies like this highlight why we need to maintain federal protections for bears and do more to ensure their safety from cars and other threats.”

The Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team reports that 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.This was the second grizzly bear death from vehicle strikes in the GYE.