Grizzly 399 was killed in a car accident south of Jackson Hole, WY Tuesday. She was estimated to be about 28 years old. The mother bear became an icon of Yellowstone wildlife as the oldest known reproducing female in the Yellowstone ecosystem. Her latest cub, Spirit, was with her when the accident occurred and may have been involved. He has not been seen since Tuesday night when the accident occurred on a highway in the Snake River canyon. 399 adopted a strategy to protect her cubs from aggressive males by staying close to human traffic, which of course
made her a favorite of tourists and wildlife photographers. She is estimated to leave behind more than 20 cubs and grand cubs. The sow was hazed by wildlife managers after repeatedly coming close to residences in south Jackson Hole looking for food in 2021, but on the whole she had a good record of coexistence with humans.
[photo credit: T. Mangelsen]Forty-nine bears have been killed this year in traffic accidents. Conservationists say more needs to be done, such as building wildlife crossings, to protect wildlife from human traffic. Grizzly bear population has risen considerably to more than 1000 individuals since legal protection under the Endangered Species Act began in the 1970s. The vehicle involved is reportedly "totaled", but the driver unharmed. No traffic violations have been reported. The speed limit in the area is 55 mph. An ambassador for her species, 399 will be missed by thousands of her admirers around the world.
