Grizzly 399's Death Sparks Conservation Call

Grizzly bear 399, a beloved and iconic figure in Grand Teton National Park, was tragically killed by a vehicle on October 22, 2024, in Snake River Canyon, Wyoming. At 28 years old, she was the world's oldest known reproducing female grizzly and had garnered international fame through social media and a PBS documentary. Known as the 'Queen of the Tetons,' she birthed numerous cubs and was a prominent ambassador for grizzly bear conservation. Her death has left her yearling cub, Spirit, missing, and has sparked widespread mourning among wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Grizzly bear-vehicle collisions are not uncommon in the region, with an average of 3.3 such incidents occurring annually. The community and authorities are now reflecting on her legacy and exploring ways to honor her memory, including possibly displaying her remains in a museum.