A beloved grizzly bear who gained worldwide fame for spawning cubs into her outdated age in Grand Teton Nationwide Park is lifeless after being struck by a automobile in western Wyoming.
Grizzly 399, who captivated wildlife fans, scientists and photographers world wide for practically twenty years, was hit and killed by a automotive on Freeway 26/28 in Snake River Canyon Tuesday evening, the US Fish and Wildlife Service introduced in a information launch.
The 28-year-old brown bear was thought-about the oldest reproducing feminine grizzly within the area, attracting throngs of vacationers who would camp out every spring as she emerged with cubs she birthed throughout hibernation, native retailers reported.
“The grizzly bear is an iconic species that helps make the Larger Yellowstone Ecosystem so extraordinary,” stated Chip Jenkins, the Grand Teton Nationwide Park superintendent.
“Grizzly bear 399 has been maybe essentially the most outstanding ambassador for the species. She has impressed numerous guests into conservation stewardship world wide and shall be missed.”
Her presence additionally generated crowds and site visitors jams as she was typically noticed strolling together with her cubs close to roads in Grand Teton, the Related Press reported.
Final spring, Grizzly 399 shocked the world when she emerged from hibernation at 26 — a yr older than feminine grizzly bears usually stay — with a brand new cub the general public named Spirit, in keeping with the Jackson Gap Information & Information.
The grizzly had 28 cubs and grand cubs, in keeping with Grizzly 399’s Instagram web page, which has greater than 54,000 followers and has drawn a whole bunch of feedback from heartbroken followers because the information of her dying broke.
Officers recognized the grizzly’s stays by means of ear tags and a microchip following the deadly crash.
A yearling cub was with Grizzly 399 when she was struck, however wildlife officers don’t consider the cub was injured, including they’re looking out the world because the cub’s whereabouts stay unknown.
Automobile collisions with wildlife will not be unusual within the area, with 49 grizzly bears killed by automobiles between 2009 and 2023, and two automobile fatalities reported in 2024, together with Grizzly 399, officers stated.
“Wildlife automobile collisions and battle are unlucky,” Wyoming Sport and Fish Division Director Angi Bruce stated.
“We’re grateful the motive force is okay and perceive the group is saddened to listen to that grizzly bear 399 has died.”
The driving force who was within the collision was unhurt.
