Famous grizzly bear killed after being hit by a vehicle in national park as her cub is still missing

Officials said a beloved grizzly bear was struck and killed by a vehicle in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

The famous grizzly bear – simply called “Grizzly Bear 399” due to the identification tag attached to his ear – was fatally struck by a vehicle Tuesday evening on Highway 26/89 in the Snake River Canyon, south of Jackson, Wyoming, according to a statement from the National Park Service on Wednesday, her identity was confirmed through ear tags and a microchip.

“Grizzly bear 399 was carrying a one-year-old cub whose whereabouts are currently unknown,” park officials said. “At this time there is no indication that the yearling was also involved in the incident, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is monitoring the area.”

Vehicle collisions with wildlife, including grizzly bears, are not uncommon. From 2009 to 2023, 49 grizzly bears died due to vehicle collisions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the National Park Service is now working with state and local authorities to gather more information on this latest incident.

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

“Collisions and conflicts with wildlife vehicles are unfortunate. We are grateful that the driver is OK and understand that the community is saddened to hear that Grizzly Bear 399 has died,” said Angi Bruce, director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

In 2024, including this incident, there were two grizzly bear deaths from vehicle collisions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, with the average number of grizzly bear deaths in the region due to vehicle collisions being 3.3 bear deaths per year during 2009–2023 . authorities said.

“The grizzly bear is an iconic species that helps make the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem exceptional. Grizzly bear 399 was perhaps the species' most prominent ambassador. She inspired countless visitors around the world to support conservation, and we will miss her,” said Chip Jenkins, superintendent of Grand Teton National Park.

No further information has been provided at this time and the investigation into the incident is currently ongoing.