{"id":2178236,"date":"2024-10-28T12:00:49","date_gmt":"2024-10-28T11:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/focusingonwildlife.com\/news\/?p=2178236"},"modified":"2024-10-26T09:38:32","modified_gmt":"2024-10-26T07:38:32","slug":"much-loved-grizzly-bear-dies-after-being-hit-by-vehicle-in-national-park-her-cub-is-still-missing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/focusingonwildlife.com\/news\/much-loved-grizzly-bear-dies-after-being-hit-by-vehicle-in-national-park-her-cub-is-still-missing\/","title":{"rendered":"Much-loved grizzly bear dies after being hit by vehicle in national park \u2013 her cub is still missing"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

The oldest-known reproducing female grizzly bear had a yearling cub with her at the time of the collision, whose whereabouts is now unknown. Park rangers don\u2019t believe it was involved in the accident but are monitoring the area.<\/p>\n

Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins said, “Grizzly bear 399 has been perhaps the most prominent ambassador for the species. She has inspired countless visitors into conservation stewardship around the world and will be missed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Grizzly
Grizzly bear 399 and cub Spirit emerge from hibernation in May 2023 (Image credit: National Park Service)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Followers were quick to take to social media to express their sorrow and messages of hope for the cub\u2019s wellbeing, with almost 600 messages amassing in less than 24 hours.<\/p>\n

Patty Hudson Riordan said: Such heartbreaking news. So incredibly sad. Grateful for the opportunity to have seen her in May. Thanks for the memories, Queen of the Tetons.<\/p>\n

Tee Tucker posted: I waited for her every spring, hopeful that we\u2019d get another summer of watching her simply being the magnificent creature that she was. When she showed up last spring with Spirit, I was so excited. I hope that Spirit is found safe.<\/p>\n

BK Gill called for change: This would be a good time to raise funds for wildlife corridor bridges and figure out how to enforce speeding laws in high wildlife traffic areas, so that she did not die in vain.<\/p>\n