Grand Teton’s beloved bear Grizzly 399 meets tragic demise in a vehicle incident

Grizzly Bear 399 struck by vehicle in Snake River Canyon

By Sarah Joseph Published October 24, 2024

Bear 399 and her cub at Grand Teton National Park — NPS / NPS

On the evening of Tuesday, October 22, 2024, one of the most iconic grizzly bears in North America, Grizzly Bear 399, was fatally struck by a vehicle on Highway 26/89 in Snake River Canyon, south of Jackson, Wyoming. While we are grateful that the driver did not sustain any injuries, this tragic accident has shaken the ecosystem and the world at large.

Grand Teton National Park mourns this national treasure

Teton Range, Wyoming — Cristopher Maximillian / Unsplash

The identity of Grizzly Bear 399 was confirmed through her ear tags and a microchip. At 28 years old, she was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly in the region. This particular bear had captivated wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists, and visitors from around the globe for nearly three decades, making her one of the most recognized grizzlies in the world.

Recommended Videos

At the time of her death, Grizzly 399 was accompanied by her yearling cub, but the cub’s whereabouts remain unknown. There is currently no indication that the cub was involved in the collision, though the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is closely monitoring the area to ensure the cub’s safety. Experts are hopeful that the young bear may be able to survive on its own, given that it has reached the age when grizzly cubs often begin to venture out independently. However, the sudden loss is sure to have been a deep emotional blow.

The loss of Grizzly 399 highlights a broader issue — vehicle collisions with wildlife. These incidents are an all-too-common occurrence since highways often intersect critical habitats. When driving through these areas, reduce your speed, especially at dawn and dusk. Follow posted speed limits, and be alert. Always have a second person in the passenger seat to help you look, and make sure to use your high beams. Be extra cautious in fog, rain, snow, or darkness. That way, you can reduce the risk of another tragedy.

Topics

National Parks

Contributor

Sarah is a lover of all things outdoors. With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, she is always…

Outdoors

Why you need to be just as wary of moose as bear attacks (and what to do when you encounter one)

You know what to do when you encounter a bear, but how do you handle a moose?

Moose sitting in a field in an open clearing during the day

Moose are majestic and peaceful-looking animals that we're lucky to see in wild spaces. But are moose dangerous? Like bears, they are unpredictable creatures that may not take kindly to our presence. And if you're taking a long-distance hike or are in a remote area, you're likely to see one. So what do you do when a moose comes your way? Here are our thoughts, as well as some helpful tips to stay safe during a moose encounter.

Unforeseen moose attack in Colorado Springs
On September 12, two hikers alongside their three dogs encountered a distressed cow moose on the Craigs Trail in Colorado Springs. According to the report, they spotted the moose about 1 mile into their hike in a scenic opening. Although the three dogs were leashed and the hikers did their best to move along the trail at a safe distance, the moose began to close in on them. As the moose neared, the dogs barked in response to the moose’s presence. This didn't deter the moose, and the animal then trampled a hiker. Despite their efforts to escape the moose and flee, the persistent creature pursued them relentlessly along the trail.
After some time, they outran the moose and made it safely to their car. The injured individual was able to walk and the two then immediately headed to the hospital. Thankfully, their injuries were minor. The bull moose reportedly attacked because it was accompanied by a young calf. It's well understood that when a moose is threatened by a predator, such as the barking dogs, it will defend its young at all costs.
This story serves as a stern reminder that it's important to be aware of our surroundings when heading into wild spaces. Colorado Parks & Wildlife has responded to the incident by posting warning signs in areas with known moose activity, including the Craigs Trail.
But a moose encounter can happen anywhere, with their populations increasing by over one-third over the past decade. Here are a few tips for how to safely deal with a moose sighting if one of these creatures gets too close for comfort.

Outdoors

Grand Canyon closures expected to last into 2025 – what to know before you go hiking or camping

Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon? Hold that thought

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon (Arizona)

Are you planning a trip to the Grand Canyon? You'd better hold that thought. The National Park Service has just announced a series of closures for various trails and campgrounds within Grand Canyon National Park that could impact your trip. Fortunately, they aren't permanent, and they are mostly construction-related closures. In this article, we will explore the details of these closures, their expected durations, and the importance of adhering to the guidelines set forth by the National Park Service.
Grand Canyon North Rim closures
The Transcanyon Waterline construction-related closures will affect several popular areas within the Grand Canyon. The closures are as follows:

Silver Bridge: September 15 to December 31, 2025.

Outdoors

To avoid a bear attack, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park closed a road

Hungry bears get hangry, too

Black bears looking for food

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a haven for both nature enthusiasts and wildlife. However, coexisting with the park's wildlife has its responsibilities, especially when it comes to respecting and protecting its resident black bear population. A recent incident involving a bear encounter has prompted park officials to take a proactive step toward ensuring the safety of both visitors and these magnificent creatures.
Why Great Smoky Mountains National Park closed a road
On a seemingly ordinary day in the Cades Cove area, a visitor had an unexpected and heart-pounding encounter with one of the park's iconic residents — a black bear. While the visitor remained unharmed, the incident shed light on a concerning issue that has been gradually developing: bears becoming habituated to human presence and vehicles.