Famous Grizzly Bear Killed in Wyoming Highway Accident

Grizzly Bear 399, a well-known figure among wildlife enthusiasts, was tragically killed in a vehicle collision in Wyoming, according to the National Park Service. The 28-year-old bear, who had gained fame for being the oldest known reproducing female in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, was struck while traveling with her yearling cub near Snake River Canyon. While the cub’s status remains unclear, there is no sign it was harmed.

Beloved by many, 399 became a symbol of her species over the years, inspiring wildlife photographers and conservationists alike. Thomas D. Mangelsen, a photographer, once called her his muse, remarking on her intelligence and beauty.

Grizzly Bear 399’s death brings attention to the ongoing issue of vehicle-related wildlife fatalities, with 49 grizzly bears dying in such accidents between 2009 and 2023. Grizzlies, once spread across much of the western U.S., have seen a population rebound due to Conservation efforts, but the loss of this iconic bear is a sobering reminder of the challenges they still face.

Latest Petitions to Sign:

• Petition: Demand All Correctional Facilities Implement a Disaster Response Plan
• Petition: Tell Hawaii to Ban Octopus Farming and the Sale of Commercially Farmed Octopuses
• Petition: Tell the International Whaling Commission to Reconsider Approving Whale Sanctuary
• Petition: Pledge Your Support for Black Cat Adoption
• Petition: Demand Accountability for Man Who Left Dogs in Kennels for More Than Two Weeks
• Petition: Tell Portland Police to Do Everything They Can to Find Dog Who Was Brutally Abused
• Petition: Help Prevent the Implementation of Project 2025
• Petition: Help Save Healthy Racing Dogs from Being “Euthanized”
• Petition: Help Ensure People in Mental Health Crises Receive Help to Prevent Animal Abuse
• Petition: Tell Major Seat Maker to Stop Using Leather for Its Car Seats

Related Content:

• Rare Grizzly Bear “Supermom” Sighting in Yellowstone
• Canadian Province Reinstates Grizzly Bear Hunting Amid Conservation Outcry
• Grizzly Bear Attack Prompts Mountain Closure
• Grizzly Bear Survival Program Launched

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!