Grizzly Bear 399 Killed by Vehicle in Wyoming

Grizzly bear 399, a beloved 28-year-old matriarch known for drawing tourists to Jackson Hole, was tragically killed by a vehicle in the Snake River Canyon. Identified through ear tags and a microchip, her death has left fans, wildlife biologists, and photographers mourning the loss of an iconic figure in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Known for her exceptional reproductive longevity, she raised 18 cubs over the years and was frequently seen near roads, creating both admiration and traffic congestion. The driver who struck her was not cited, as law enforcement confirmed the collision was an accident caused by the bear unexpectedly entering the road. At the time of the incident, she was accompanied by a yearling cub, whose whereabouts remain unknown but are not believed to involve any injury. Officials have noted that bear-vehicle collisions are a concerning trend in the region, with an average of 3.3 bears dying in such incidents annually since 2009.