Grizzly bears are an iconic but struggling species in a human-dominated world. Although not considered globally endangered, they are protected as a threatened species in the lower 48 states, according to US Fish and Wildlife Service. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always keep them safe and an incredibly popular and well-known individual, the grizzly bear 399died in late October, The New York Times reported.

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Grizzly bear 399 he was hit and killed by a car at the age of 28 Times. Hers was one of many grizzly bear deaths this year, nearly reaching record numbers.

Grizzly bear 399 was loved as the oldest breeding female on record in the Yellowstone area. She has raised 18 pups over the years.

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One of the reasons she was so well known is that she often walked with her cubs on the roads of Yellowstone National Park. While this provided an opportunity for visitor observations, photographs and documentary appearances, it also meant that she was frequently in human spaces. And that led to her death.

“She was an accidental ambassador for her species and what a great ambassador she was,” said Jack Bayles, co-owner of the Team 399 tour company, according to Times. “It didn’t deserve to turn out like this.”

Why is the death of grizzly bear 399 important?

There are estimated to be more than 1,000 grizzly bears in the Yellowstone area, which stretches between Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, according to Times. Of that number, nearly 70 have died this year. Forty-four were killed by wildlife managers because of their interactions with humans and livestock; 11 were killed by people in self-defense; and the rest died in accidents, some caused by human-made structures such as power lines and irrigation ditches, The Times disclosure.

The protected status of grizzly bears is controversial. Some argue that the species has recovered, pointing to the 200 cubs born in the wild each year. Others note the effects of human activity on the species, including deaths such as 399 and growing food shortages due to the climate crisis. If bears lose their protected status or become subject to hunting, their numbers could decline again.

What is happening to grizzly bear populations?

Grizzlies remain a protected species under US law. Park visitors and other wildlife lovers can do their best to keep individual bears safe—and bear-proof—by properly storing and disposing of food and trash. This helps keep bears from becoming habituated to people and human food, which can lead to otherwise lethal encounters.

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