Grizzly Bear 399, who’d garnered a massive following of people around the world, was struck and killed by a vehicle on Highway 26/89 in Snake River Canyon. The grizzly, who lived in Grand Teton National Park and its surrounding area, was 28 years old.
Grizzly Bear 399 was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. She did have a cub with her at the time of the incident, though there’s no evidence that the yearling was involved in the accident and its whereabouts are currently unknown.
The bear’s identity was confirmed with the help of a microchip and ear tags. Sadly grizzly involved vehicle accidents are not uncommon in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). Between 2009 and 2023, 49 grizzly bears have died due to vehicle collisions in the GYE, for an average of 3.3 a year. This was the second recorded in 2024.
“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.” – Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins.
Grizzly Bear 399, born in 1996, has a massive following around the world with 54.7k people following an Instagram dedicated solely to her. According to her social media, she’s had 28 cubs and grand cubs, including a set of four in 2020.
“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.” – Angi Bruce, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director.