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A popular grizzly bear known as Grizzly 399, a resident of Grand Teton National Park near Yellowstone National Park, was unfortunately fatally struck by a car south of Jackson, Wyoming. The accident happened on Highway 26/89, and 399 was later identified by her tags and microchip.

The oldest breeding female grizzly bear had a one-year-old cub with her at the time of the collision, whose whereabouts are now unknown. The park does not believe he was involved in the accident, but is monitoring the area.

Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins said, “Grizzly bear 399 was perhaps the most prominent ambassador of the species. She has inspired countless visitors to conservation management around the world and will be missed.”

Followers rushed to social media to express their sadness and messages of hope for the pup’s well-being, with nearly 600 messages racked up in less than 24 hours.

Patty Hudson Riordan said: Such heartbreaking news. So incredibly sad. Grateful for the opportunity to see her in May. Thanks for the memories, Queen of the Tetons.

Tee Tucker posted: I waited for her every spring, hoping that we would have another summer where we would see her simply being the magnificent creature that she was. When it came out last spring with Spirit, I was so excited. I hope Spirit is found safe.

BK Gill called for change: This would be a good time to fundraise for wildlife corridor bridges and figure out how to enforce speed laws in high wildlife areas so she doesn’t die in vain.

The accident comes as plans for two passengers to prevent animals from being hit by cars in Yellowstone takes a step closer to realisation, with government funding awarded.

The crossings would provide a safe way for animals to cross the highway near Dome Mountain, an area with frequent animal collisions.

Elsewhere, figures on vehicle collisions with grizzly bears have been released from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team:

• Between 2009 and 2023, there were 49 grizzly bear deaths (due to vehicle collisions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE).

• That’s 3.3 bears per year.

• So far in 2024, there have been two grizzly bear deaths from vehicle strikes in Yellowstone.

There are currently at least 1,923 grizzly bears in the lower 48 US states.