Famed grizzly bear killed after being struck by vehicle in national park as her cub is still missing

A beloved grizzly bear has been struck and killed by a automobile in Grand Teton Nationwide Park in Wyoming, officers mentioned.

The famed grizzly bear — identified merely as “Grizzly Bear 399”as a result of id tag connected to her ear — was fatally struck on Tuesday night by a automobile on Freeway 26/89 in Snake River Canyon, simply south of Jackson, Wyoming, and her id was confirmed by ear tags and a microchip, in response to a press release from the Nationwide Park Service on Wednesday.

“Grizzly bear 399 had a yearling cub along with her, whose whereabouts are at the moment unknown,” park officers mentioned. “Right now, there is no such thing as a proof to counsel the yearling was additionally concerned within the incident, however the US Fish and Wildlife Service is monitoring the realm.”

Car collisions with wildlife, together with grizzly bears, aren’t unusual. From 2009 to 2023, there have been 49 grizzly bear mortalities resulting from automobile collisions within the Higher Yellowstone Ecosystem and the Nationwide Park Service is now working with state and native companies to collect extra info surrounding this newest incident.

“Individuals from world wide have adopted grizzly bear 399 for a number of many years. At 28 years outdated, she was the oldest identified reproducing feminine grizzly bear within the Higher Yellowstone Ecosystem,” mentioned Hilary Cooley, Grizzly Bear Restoration Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Wildlife automobile collisions and battle are unlucky. We’re grateful the motive force is okay and perceive the neighborhood is saddened to listen to that grizzly bear 399 has died,” mentioned Angi Bruce, Wyoming Recreation and Fish Division Director.

In 2024, together with this incident, there have been 2 grizzly bear mortalities from automobile strikes within the Higher Yellowstone Ecosystem, with the common variety of grizzly bear mortalities within the area resulting from automobile collisions throughout 2009-2023 standing at 3.3 bears deaths per yr, authorities mentioned.

“The grizzly bear is an iconic species that helps make the Higher Yellowstone Ecosystem so extraordinary. Grizzly bear 399 has been maybe probably the most distinguished ambassador for the species. She has impressed numerous guests into conservation stewardship world wide and will probably be missed,” mentioned Grand Teton Nationwide Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins.

No further info has been made out there right now and the investigation into the incident is at the moment ongoing.