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On October 22, 2024, Grizzly Bear 399, an iconic symbol of Yellowstone ecosystem, was hit by a car and died. Her legacy highlights pressing need for conservation and coexistence strategies. Beloved mother of 18 cubs, she roamed Yellowstone for 28 years, adored by locals and tourists alike.
On the somber evening of October 22, 2024, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem lost one of its most iconic residents, Grizzly Bear 399, known affectionately by many simply as “399.” Her identity was confirmed through ear tags and a microchip, according to a statement from the National Park Service on Wednesday. Her life came to an abrupt end on Highway 26/89 in the Snake River Canyon, a tragic reminder of the ever-present conflict between wildlife and human development. At 28 years old, she was not just a bear but a symbol of the wild heart of America.

Grizzly Bear 399, a cherished symbol of the Yellowstone-Teton ecosystem, was fatally struck by a vehicle on October 22, 2024. Her life’s legacy highlights the urgent need for wildlife conservation and human-wildlife coexistence strategies. Photo: NPS
Notes: Here is some context on grizzly bear/vehicle collisions from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team: From 2009 to 2023, there have been a total of 49 adult and young grizzly bears that died as a result of vehicle accidents in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). The average number of grizzly bear deaths per year due to vehicle collisions during this time period was 3.3 bears.
In the year 2024, including this recent incident, there have already been two recorded grizzly bear mortalities caused by vehicle strikes in the GYE region.
The Life of Grizzly 399
Grizzly 399 was more than just another bear in the vast wilderness of Grand Teton National Park. Born in 1996, she became one of the most observed and beloved grizzly bears in the world. Her life story was one of resilience, motherhood, and adaptation. Over her lifetime, 399 raised multiple litters, contributing significantly to the grizzly population in an area where the survival of each bear counts towards species recovery.
Her ability to thrive alongside human activity made her an ambassador for her species, teaching us about coexistence. Visitors from around the globe came to catch a glimpse of her, often with cubs in tow, showcasing the tender side of these formidable creatures. Her regular appearances along roadsides in Grand Teton National Park provided unparalleled opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and researchers to witness grizzly behavior in the wild.
Grizzly 399 was featured in the documentary film Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons (see my film review), directed by Elizabeth Leiter, is a stunning and emotionally charged documentary that captures the life of Grizzly #399. The film beautifully explores the challenges she faces while raising her unusually large four-cub litter in Grand Teton National Park. Leiter’s work is a poignant reminder of the complex relationship between humans and nature and the urgent need for conservation efforts in the face of climate change and human encroachment. The film appeared on the PBS show, Nature, on May 8, 2024.
A Tragic End on a Dark Road
The circumstances of her death highlight the perilous intersection of wildlife habitats and human infrastructure. Vehicle strikes are a known peril in the Yellowstone ecosystem, where roads cut through migration routes and feeding grounds. Despite efforts to mitigate these risks, such incidents remind us of the challenges in preserving natural behaviors within increasingly fragmented habitats.
The loss of 399 also brings attention to her yearling cub, whose fate remains uncertain. The absence of the cub at the scene offers a glimmer of hope but also underscores the vulnerability of young bears navigating the world without their mother’s guidance. According to a statement by the National Park Service “At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the yearling was also involved in the incident, but the US Fish and Wildlife Service is monitoring the area.”
The Echo of Her Paw Prints
“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. Her progeny roam the wilds, potentially carrying forward her genetic lineage, which is crucial for the biodiversity and health of the grizzly population.
Chip Jenkins, Superintendent of Grand Teton National Park, reflected on 399’s role as an ambassador. “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.
Conservation Challenges and Efforts
The data from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team paints a stark picture of the ongoing threats to grizzly bears. With an average of over three grizzly fatalities per year due to vehicle collisions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, 399’s death is part of a larger, troubling pattern. These incidents are a call to action for enhanced measures like wildlife overpasses, underpasses, and improved signage, alongside public education about driving in bear country.
Reflecting on 399’s Impact
Grizzly 399’s life was a narrative of survival, beauty, and the harsh realities of wildlife in modern times. Her death has resonated deeply within the conservation community and among those who saw her as a living emblem of the wild. Angi Bruce of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department expressed relief for the driver’s safety but also acknowledged the communal sorrow over 399’s demise.
Her story encourages us to ponder our relationship with nature. How do we honor the legacy of such creatures? By advocating for and implementing solutions that protect wildlife corridors, reduce vehicle-wildlife conflicts, and ensure that future generations can witness the majesty of grizzly bears like 399.
Conclusion
As we mourn Grizzly 399, let us also celebrate her life by committing to the conservation of her species and habitat. Her memory should inspire not only sorrow but action. The wild spirit of 399, who roamed the Tetons with such grace, calls on us to ensure that her descendants have a place in this world, safe from the perils that claimed her life.
Herein lies the true tribute to Grizzly 399: a world where humans and wildlife can coexist, where the roar of engines does not silence the call of the wild.
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Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons – A Roaring Tale of Resilience and Conservation
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