Grizzly 399 with three oof the four cubs she birthed in 2020. 399 was killed by a car Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024.
Grizzly 399 with three oof the four cubs she birthed in 2020. 399 was killed by a car Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. Credit: Wikimedia commons

Grizzly 399, often hailed as “the world’s most famous grizzly bear,” was tragically killed in an auto collision, according to an official statement from Grand Teton National Park and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The incident occurred Tuesday night in Snake River Canyon. 

After a long winter, 399 delighted fans early this spring by emerging from her winter den with a cub in tow. While the cub was present at the time 399 was struck by the car, US Fish and Wildlife services report that the yearling’s whereabouts are currently unknown, and they are continuing to monitor the area. 

“Wildlife vehicle collisions and conflict are unfortunate. We are thankful the driver is okay and understand the community is saddened to hear that grizzly bear 399 has died,” said Angi Bruce, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director.  

Remembering 399

At 28 years old, 399 was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The bear had 18 known cubs in eight litters over the years. Her cubs have since gone on to birth their own litters, proliferating the grizzly population in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. 

In 2020, 399 birthed four cubs — a big surprise for many who believed her past the age where that was possible. Her experience raising the rambunctious litter was the subject of a PBS documentary released earlier this year titled “Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons.” The documentary is available for streaming on PBS and Amazon Prime Video.

Unlike many grizzly bears, 399 was often seen near roads in Grand Teton, drawing crowds and traffic jams. Scientists speculate such behavior kept male grizzlies at a distance so they would not be a threat to her cubs.

Against the odds, she managed to maintain her natural behavior and not become conditioned to seek food from humans despite spending so much time near the roadside.

“The grizzly bear is an iconic species that helps make the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem so extraordinary. 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,” said Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins.  

The history of grizzly collisions

Unfortunately, vehicle collisions with wildlife, including grizzly bears, are not uncommon. The park confirmed that no additional information about this incident is available at this time.  

Grizzly bear/vehicle collision information from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team:  

  • From 2009-2023, there have been 49 grizzly bear mortalities (all sex and age classes combined) due to vehicle collisions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE).  
  • Average number of grizzly bear mortalities in the GYE due to vehicle collisions during 2009-2023: 3.3 bears/year.  
  • In 2024, including this incident, there have been 2 grizzly bear mortalities from vehicle strikes in the GYE. 

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Heather Bergeson is a writer and editor based in Utah. Heather has written about travel, sports, business and the outdoors for Stowaway magazine, Utah Business magazine and Moab Sun News. She has a bachelor's...