Beloved grizzly bear dies after being hit by a vehicle in national park – her cub still missing

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A popular grizzly bear known as Grizzly 399, resident of Grand Teton National Park near Yellowstone National Park, was unfortunately fatally struck by a car south of Jackson, Wyoming. The accident happened on Highway 26/89 and 399 was later identified by her ear tags and microchip.

The oldest known breeding female grizzly bear was carrying a yearling cub at the time of the collision, the whereabouts of which are now unknown. Park rangers do not believe he was involved in the accident, but are monitoring the area.

Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins said, “Grizzly bear 399 is perhaps the most prominent ambassador for the species. She has inspired countless visitors to conservation around the world and will be missed.”

Followers quickly took to social media to express their sadness and messages of hope for the cub’s well-being, with nearly 600 posts in less than 24 hours.

Patty Hudson Riordan said: What heartbreaking news. So incredibly sad. Thankful for the opportunity to see her in May. Thanks for the memories, Queen of the Tetons.

Tee Tucker posted: I waited for her every spring, hoping that we would have another summer where we would simply see her for the beautiful creature that she was. When she showed up with Spirit last spring, I was so excited. I hope Spirit is found safe.

BK Gill called for change: This would be a good time to raise money for wildlife corridor bridges and figure out how to enforce speed rules in high wildlife traffic areas so she didn’t die in vain.

The accident comes as plans for two overpasses to prevent animals from being hit by cars in Yellowstone move a step closer to fruition with government funding.

The overpasses would provide animals with a safe way to cross the highway near Dome Mountain, an area where animals regularly collide.

Elsewhere, figures on vehicle collisions with grizzly bears have been released from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team:

• Between 2009 and 2023, there have been 49 grizzly bear deaths (due to vehicle collisions) in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE).

• This amounts to 3.3 bears per year.

• So far in 2024, there have been two grizzly bear deaths due to vehicle attacks in Yellowstone.

Currently, there are at least 1,923 grizzly bears in the lower 48 states of the US.