A grizzly bear that delighted Grand Teton guests for many years has been killed by a car in Wyoming

A well-known grizzly bear beloved for many years by numerous vacationers, biologists {and professional} wildlife photographers in Grand Teton Nationwide Park is lifeless after being struck by a car in western Wyoming.

Grizzly No. 399 died Tuesday night time on a freeway in Snake River Canyon south of Jackson, park officers stated in a press release Wednesday.

At the very least 28 years previous, the bear was the oldest identified reproducing feminine grizzly within the Yellowstone ecosystem. Every spring, wildlife fans awaited her emergence from her den to see what number of cubs she had birthed over the winter.

Named for the identification tag affixed by researchers to her ear, she amazed all by persevering with to breed into previous age. In contrast to many grizzly bears, she was usually seen close to roads in Grand Teton, drawing crowds and visitors jams. Scientists speculate such habits stored male grizzlies at a distance so they might not be a risk to her cubs. Some consider male grizzlies kill cubs to carry the mom into warmth.

A yearling cub was with the bear when she was struck and although not believed to have been damage, the cub’s whereabouts had been unknown, in line with the assertion.

The driving force was unhurt. No additional particulars concerning the crash had been instantly launched.

“Wildlife car collisions and battle are unlucky. We’re grateful the driving force is okay and perceive the group is saddened to listen to that grizzly bear 399 has died,” Wyoming Recreation and Fish Division Director Angi Bruce stated within the assertion.

Information of the bear’s demise unfold shortly on a Fb web page that tracks the sow and different wildlife in Grand Teton and Yellowstone nationwide parks. Greater than 1,000 individuals shortly posted feedback calling her a queen, a legend and an envoy for grizzly bears. They had been heartbroken and devastated by her demise, calling it a tragic loss. Many expressed concern for her cub.

Many contemplate the Yellowstone area’s grizzlies a conservation success story. Whereas they continue to be protected underneath the Endangered Species Act, their numbers have surged as a lot as tenfold, to as many as 1,000 animals, because the Nineteen Seventies.

Inhabitants development has meant extra encounters with individuals and livestock, nevertheless, with the bears usually on the shedding finish. Hunters generally mistake grizzlies for legal-to-hunt black bears or kill grizzlies in self-defense — and wildlife managers usually kill grizzlies that prey on cattle and sheep.

For extra CNN information and newsletters create an account at CNN.com