Struck By Vehicle in Snake River Canyon
Grizzly bear 399, a well-known 28-year-old female grizzly in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, was fatally struck by a vehicle on Highway 26/89 in Snake River Canyon on Tuesday evening, October 22, 2024. Identified through ear tags and a microchip, bear 399 was accompanied by a yearling cub at the time of the incident. The cub’s current whereabouts are unknown, but there is no evidence suggesting it was involved in the collision.
Vehicle collisions with wildlife, including grizzlies, are not uncommon in the area. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is coordinating with state and local agencies to investigate the incident further.
Grizzly bear 399, considered the oldest known reproducing female in the ecosystem, was widely followed by people worldwide. Her story inspired many to support conservation efforts. Since 2009, there have been 49 grizzly bear deaths from vehicle collisions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, averaging about 3.3 fatalities per year. This year, including bear 399, there have been two such incidents.
The community has expressed sadness over the loss, and officials are continuing to monitor the area for the cub.
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