Beloved Grizzly No. 399, Icon of Grand Teton, Dies in Tragic Accident

Beloved Grizzly No. 399, a 28-year-old icon in Grand Teton National Park, has died after being struck by a vehicle in Wyoming. Beloved Grizzly No. 399, a 28-year-old icon in Grand Teton National Park, has died after being struck by a vehicle in Wyoming.

Park officials confirmed her death on September 29; the driver involved was unhurt, but her yearling cub's whereabouts remain unknown. Park officials confirmed her death on September 29; the driver involved was unhurt, but her yearling cub's whereabouts remain unknown.

No. 399 was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly in the Yellowstone ecosystem, celebrated for her unique reproductive longevity. No. 399 was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly in the Yellowstone ecosystem, celebrated for her unique reproductive longevity.

Each spring, wildlife enthusiasts eagerly awaited her emergence from hibernation to see how many cubs she would have. Each spring, wildlife enthusiasts eagerly awaited her emergence from hibernation to see how many cubs she would have.

Known for often being seen near roads, she drew crowds of visitors and photographers, causing traffic jams. Known for often being seen near roads, she drew crowds of visitors and photographers, causing traffic jams.

Over her lifetime, she had 18 cubs in eight litters, including a litter of four in 2020, captivating many onlookers. Over her lifetime, she had 18 cubs in eight litters, including a litter of four in 2020, captivating many onlookers.

Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief online, with fans calling her a “magnificent queen” and an “incredible ambassador for her species.” Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief online, with fans calling her a “magnificent queen” and an “incredible ambassador for her species.”

Conservationists fear her passing might lead to decreased interest in grizzly bears, highlighting her role as a wildlife ambassador. Conservationists fear her passing might lead to decreased interest in grizzly bears, highlighting her role as a wildlife ambassador.

Grizzlies once roamed widely in the U.S., but their numbers dwindled; No. 399 lived through a time of political strife regarding grizzly management. Grizzlies once roamed widely in the U.S., but their numbers dwindled; No. 399 lived through a time of political strife regarding grizzly management.

Vehicle collisions are a significant threat to grizzly populations; No. 399 was the second bear killed by a vehicle in the area this year. Vehicle collisions are a significant threat to grizzly populations; No. 399 was the second bear killed by a vehicle in the area this year.