Grizzly bear No. 399, an iconic figure in Grand Teton National Park, has died after being hit by a vehicle in western Wyoming. At 28 years old, she was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly in the Yellowstone ecosystem and had become famous for her frequent appearances near roads, allowing tourists, biologists, and photographers to observe her closely. No. 399 was known for continuing to raise cubs into old age, making her a symbol of resilience.
Her death occurred on a highway in Snake River Canyon, and while the driver was unharmed, her yearling cub's whereabouts remain unknown. Her passing has saddened many, with fans mourning the loss of a bear considered a legend and an ambassador for her species.