JACKSON, Wyo. — Authorities reported on Friday that the driver involved in the tragic incident that led to the death of a well-known grizzly bear near Grand Teton National Park was not speeding, and the occurrence has been deemed an accident.
The bear, famously known as Grizzly No. 399, was struck on Tuesday night in the Snake River Canyon, south of Jackson. This event has brought a wave of sadness among tourists, wildlife experts, and photographers who have followed and documented the bear and her numerous cubs throughout the years on social media.
According to Lincoln County Sheriff’s Patrol Lt. John Stetzenbach, the bear unexpectedly wandered onto the roadway, making it impossible for the driver to stop in time to prevent the collision. “The collision truly was an accident,” he emphasized, noting that the driver was not under the influence of distractions and did not receive any citations following the event. The vehicle involved, a Subaru, had to be removed from the location due to the damage caused by the incident.
The identity of the driver has not been disclosed, as Stetzenbach mentioned that some online remarks unjustly directed blame toward them for the bear’s demise.
At 28 years old, Grizzly No. 399 held the title of the oldest known female grizzly capable of reproduction within the Yellowstone ecosystem. Each spring, she was a much-anticipated sight as wildlife watchers looked forward to her exiting her den to reveal the number of cubs she had given birth to over winter, with updates quickly shared online. Over her lifetime, she had 18 recognized cubs across eight litters, including a notable litter of four in 2020. Standing approximately 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall and weighing around 400 pounds (180 kilograms), she was a remarkable figure in the area.
Named after the identification tag placed in her ear by researchers, Grizzly No. 399 was frequently spotted near roadways in Grand Teton, often drawing both admirers and causing traffic disruptions.
Wildlife biologist Justin Schwabedissen from Grand Teton remarked on Thursday that he believes her yearling cub, which appears to have escaped injury from the incident, has a good chance of surviving independently.
