A male grizzly bear was found dead along Highway 26 east of the Buffalo River in Grand Teton National Park on Tuesday, May 6.
Law enforcement and wildlife rangers launched an investigation alongside the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Initial findings suggest the bear was struck by a vehicle before moving approximately 125 yards into a nearby patch of willows, where it later died from its injuries.
The bear, identified through ear tags and a PIT tag as GB1058, was a 5-year-old male. Officials noted he was in good physical condition for his age and the time ofu year. They believe the bear had been dead for several days before being discovered. The bear’s remains were returning to the landscape of Grand Teton National Park.
GB1058 was one of four cubs born to the well-known grizzly GB399 and first emerged from the den in May 2020. He had been occasionally seen in the park since being weaned in 2022, though there were no confirmed sightings of him this spring.
Grand Teton National Park urges drivers to exercise caution on roads throughout the park. Bears, elk, deer, moose, and other wildlife are often near roadways, can be difficult to spot, and may cross suddenly. Read more on road safety in Grand Teton below.
Grand Teton National Park Road Safety:
- Obey the posted speed limit and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles.
 - Use caution and slow down, especially at dawn, dusk and at night when visibility is reduced.
 - Follow the nighttime speed limit of 45 miles per hour on U.S. Highway 26/89/191. The reduced speed limit gives drivers and wildlife more time to react.
 - Pay attention to your surroundings. Speeding is not the only cause of wildlife collisions; park wildlife are often hit because drivers are distracted.
 - Call Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 307-739-3301 to report wildlife-vehicle collisions, or harassment of wildlife in the park.
Â
