A beloved grizzly bear who gained international fame for spawning cubs into her old age in Grand Teton National Park is dead after being struck by a vehicle in western Wyoming.
Grizzly 399, who captivated wildlife enthusiasts, scientists and photographers around the world for nearly two decades, was hit and killed by a car on Highway 26/28 in Snake River Canyon Tuesday night, the US Fish and Wildlife Service announced in a news release.
The 28-year-old brown bear was considered the oldest reproducing female grizzly in the region, attracting throngs of tourists who would camp out each spring as she emerged with cubs she birthed during hibernation, local outlets reported.
“The grizzly bear is an iconic species that helps make the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem so extraordinary,” said Chip Jenkins, the Grand Teton National Park superintendent.
“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.”
Her presence also generated crowds and traffic jams as she was often spotted walking with her cubs near roads in Grand Teton, the Associated Press reported.
Last spring, Grizzly 399 shocked the world when she emerged from hibernation at 26 — a year older than female grizzly bears generally live — with a new cub the public named Spirit, according to the Jackson Hole News & Guide.
The grizzly had 28 cubs and grand cubs, according to Grizzly 399’s Instagram page, which has more than 54,000 followers and has drawn hundreds of comments from heartbroken fans since the news of her death broke.
Officials identified the grizzly’s remains through ear tags and a microchip following the fatal crash.
A yearling cub was with Grizzly 399 when she was struck, but wildlife officials don’t believe the cub was injured, adding they are searching the area as the cub’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Vehicle collisions with wildlife are not uncommon in the region, with 49 grizzly bears killed by vehicles between 2009 and 2023, and two vehicle fatalities reported in 2024, including Grizzly 399, officials said.
“Wildlife vehicle collisions and conflict are unfortunate,” Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director Angi Bruce said.
“We are thankful the driver is okay and understand the community is saddened to hear that grizzly bear 399 has died.”
The driver who was in the collision was unharmed.