In the Yellowstone area, she was the oldest-known grizzly bear at 28, still having cubs. She was called “the most prominent ambassador” of her species. Countless visitors have stopped and watched her as she made her way about the region. But her era is over. The iconic ambassador bear has been killed.
Ambassador bear dies—Cub missing
The National Park Service is saddened to report that on the evening of Tuesday, October 22, 2024, grizzly bear 399 was struck by a car and killed on Highway 26/89 in Snake River Canyon, south of Jackson, Wyoming. Both ear tags and a microchip have confirmed her identity.
The iconic grizzly bear had a yearling cub with her. The whereabouts of that cub are now unknown. Happily, there is no evidence to suggest the yearling was also involved in the incident. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is monitoring the area, looking for the cub.
Eulogies extended after ambassador bear dies
“People from around the world have followed grizzly bear 399 for several decades. At 28 years old, she was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem,” said Hilary Cooley, Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“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.
“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.
You can read more about grizzlies here.
We leave you with this poem, the work of Caren Krutsinger.
Bear Became Part of the Forest
Bear loved his forest, so when it began to die, he jumped in.
What can I do? How can I help?
The ground is disintegrating, the wise oaks told him.
He said, “I can be the ground.”
“The moss is finding it difficult to grow.”
“What can I do to help nurture the moss?”
Pretty soon, the bear had united with the forest.
People came from hundreds of miles away to see him.
They shared their picnic lunches with him.
He was in his element, as part of this forest elemental.
##RVT1180b
Sad for the grizzly and cub. But what the heck happened to the human(s) in the car? Injured? Fined? A huge hole in the article.
Hi, Robert. Nope, no hole in the article. It says, “We are thankful the driver is okay….” Have a good afternoon/evening. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Yes, now it does say that. 😉 Also, the sheriff investigating the crash clearly states the driver did nothing wrong, was not speeding, that this occurred in an unlit stretch of road at 10:30 pm, etc.
There was a hole in the article. Glad it was partially filled, at least.
Good decision. 🥴
Good morning, Robert. Just FYI, it did say that (about the driver) from the first time I proofed it, and nothing has been added. When you asked the question, I remembered reading about the driver or I would have been wondering, also. When I went to double-check it for the “missing” info, there it was. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Huh. I missed that first time I read it. Wonder why I was convinced it was not addressed. Maybe it’s just being old.
No problem, Robert. I had to go back and make sure I had actually seen it in there when I first proofed it. (I don’t trust my short-term memory either, at 78.😲 But my realllly long-term memory is great!😅) It took me awhile to find it “hidden” in the quote, but there it was. BTW, I have no idea why your comment was held for moderation. Sometimes our spam filter is a little over-zealous. Sorry. Have a good evening/night. 😀 –Diane
People visiting The Tetons and Yellowstone drive TOO fast for wildlife safety. Slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Same here. We visited both parks this time last year, lots of people in a hurry.
Agree 100%. I despise speeding drivers in my neighborhood. This is the bear’s home. We should respect that.
Yes, I am very sad about the loss of Grizzly Bear 399. I have been able to follow her life the last few years. Not by going to the area, but by photographers who take wonderful pictures of the animals in that area. I have a Facebook friend who grew up in Wyoming, and occasionally posts these wonderful pictures and sentimental comments from the photographer about this particular bear and her cubs. In fact, that is where I heard this story first. Alas, life in the wilderness can be hard.
399 will be missed by all. Over the years, the highlight of my visits to the area have been the bears.
The motorist should be ashamed and jailed.
Over the top, Bob.
Concur. Comment is so “interesting” it must be sarcasm.
If I have to explain it, you wouldn’t understand.
These incidents are not accidents.
They are careless acts by selfish irresponsible drivers.
So these accidents are not accidents? The drivers must be aiming at the animals with intent? Nobody does that, Bob. Note that the cops made no mention of that behavior. Sounds like it happened at night too, Bears don’t wear glow-n-the-dark safety orange vests either. IT WAS AN ACCIDENT.
Agreed, it was an accident and not intentional.
We frequently travel to the Teton Park/Yellowstone area and had the pleasure of seeing bear 399 and her four cubs about 4 or 5 years ago right after they had killed an elk calf in the area just south of Jackson Lake Lodge. 399 was an ambassador for grizzlies and repopulated Teton Park with her offspring. I am sorry about her demise and recommend the YouTube video about her “Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons”
I don’t blame the driver- it was just an accident and he was driving the speed limit, But it was at night- I really try to avoid driving at night in the parks because it can be hard to see and avoid wildlife. Dangerous for wildlife and the drivers.
With the ever increasing volume of vehicle traffic in our National Parks and wildlife growing accustomed to vehicles, things like this are bound to happen. Sadly, Bear 399 wasn’t an ambassador because she hid in the back country….
Thank ypu, Russ and Tina! Very sad to hear of her untimely demise. Have a great week and safe travels!