On the evening of Tuesday, October 22, 2024, the beloved and iconic grizzly bear 399 was fatally struck by a vehicle on Highway 26/89 in Snake River Canyon, located south of Jackson, Wyoming. The bear, whose identity was confirmed through ear tags and a microchip, was known as the oldest reproducing female grizzly in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), having inspired generations of wildlife enthusiasts worldwide. Read on to nationalparkshop’s post.
A Tragic Loss for Conservation
Grizzly bear 399 was a globally recognized figure, having become a symbol of wildlife conservation and resilience. At 28 years old, she was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly in the GYE, making her a vital part of the region’s ecosystem. The bear was traveling with her yearling cub at the time of the incident, but the cub’s current location remains unknown. There is no evidence that the cub was involved in the collision, and authorities from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are closely monitoring the area to ensure its safety.
Hilary Cooley, Grizzly Bear Recovery CoordinAbout WordPressator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, expressed sorrow over the loss: “People from around the world have followed grizzly bear 399 for several decades. She has inspired countless visitors into conservation stewardship and will be missed”.
Vehicle Collisions: A Persistent Threat to Wildlife
Sadly, vehicle collisions involving wildlife, including grizzly bears, are a frequent occurrence across their natural habitats. From 2009 to 2023, a total of 49 grizzly bears of various age and sex classes have been killed in vehicle collisions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, averaging 3.3 deaths per year. So far in 2024, including the tragic loss of grizzly bear 399, two grizzly bear fatalities have occurred due to vehicle strikes in the GYE.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with state and local agencies, is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. While wildlife-vehicle collisions are a known hazard in regions where animals roam close to roads, steps are being taken to assess the situation and potentially enhance road safety measures in the area.
Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director Angi Bruce noted, “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”.
The Legacy of Grizzly Bear 399
Grizzly bear 399’s influence stretched far beyond the bounds of the GYE. As perhaps the most well-known grizzly bear in the world, she became an ambassador for her species, drawing attention to the importance of preserving wildlife and natural habitats. Over the years, she and her cubs were frequently seen near Grand Teton National Park, providing visitors a rare glimpse into the lives of grizzly bears.
Chip Jenkins, Superintendent of Grand Teton National Park, reflected on her impact: “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”.
Grizzly bear 399’s presence inspired many to become stewards of conservation, encouraging people to respect wildlife and the environment. Her death is a significant loss not just to the local community but to wildlife enthusiasts across the globe.
While no further details have been released about the circumstances of the collision or the fate of 399’s cub, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the risks wildlife face as they navigate human-dominated landscapes. Grizzly bear 399’s legacy, however, will live on through the countless lives she touched, fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world.
The ongoing efforts to minimize wildlife-vehicle collisions will remain critical in preserving the future of grizzly bears and other species within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
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