JACKSON – On the evening of Tuesday, October 22, 2024, grizzly bear 399 was fatally struck by a vehicle on Highway 26/89 in Snake River Canyon, south of Jackson, WY. The bear's identity was confirmed through ear tags and a microchip.
Grizzly bear 399 had a yearling cub with her, whose whereabouts are currently unknown. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the yearling was also involved in the incident, but the Service is monitoring the area.
Unfortunately, vehicle collisions with wildlife, including grizzly bears, are not uncommon across their range. The Service is working with state and local agencies to gather more information.
“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.
Background information on grizzly bear/vehicle collisions from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team:
- From 2009-2023, there have been 49 grizzly bear mortalities due to vehicle collisions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (all sex and age classes combined).
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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OCTOBER 24, 2024 UPDATE:
Late Tuesday night (October 22, 2024), Wyoming Game and Fish (WYG&F) was notified of a vehicle collision involving a grizzly bear in Lincoln County. As is typical in such cases involving wildlife collisions, Wyoming Highway Patrol dispatched WYG&F staff to the scene. The bear was deceased upon arrival. WYG&F coordinated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) at that time. After confirming that the bear was #399, USFWS staff also responded to search for any signs of the yearling.
Both USFWS and WYG&F evaluated the bear’s remains and confirmed fatal injuries consistent with a vehicle collision. Based on our evaluation and evidence from the scene, this incident is considered an accidental vehicle mortality and USFWS is not investigating further.
Grizzly #399’s yearling does not have a tracking collar and has not been located, however there is no indication it was involved in the collision. Given the bear’s age and the time of year, it has a strong chance of surviving on its own. There are currently no plans to capture the yearling. USFWS is monitoring the area to discourage it from remaining near the road.
USFWS recognizes and honors the legacy of grizzly bear #399. USFWS currently has possession of #399’s remains and is in the early stages of determining the next steps.
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