Beloved Grizzly 399, icon of the Tetons, killed by vehicle in Snake River Canyon

Grizzly bear 399 with three oof the four cubs she birthed in 2020. 399 was killed by a car Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. Photo: Wikimedia commons

JACKSON, Wyo. – Legendary grizzly bear 399, an iconic symbol of the Tetons and a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts, was killed Tuesday night, Oct. 22, after being struck by a vehicle in Snake River Canyon. The tragic news was confirmed by Grand Teton National Park and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Authorities said 399’s identity was confirmed by her ear tags and an implanted microchip. At the time of the accident, 399 had her yearling cub with her the statement said, but they do not know exactly where the cub is and said the cub may not have been involved in the accident.

“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,” GTNP Superintendent Chip Jenkins said in the statement.

 

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399 was 28 years old and she mothered 20 cubs and grandcubs. In addition, she was the star of many books and documentaries and her Instagram page has over 54,000 followers. 399 was also an ambassador of Grand Teton National Park (GTNP).

“People from around the world have followed grizzly bear 399 for several decades,” Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Hilary Cooley said in the statement. “At 28 years old, she was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.”