We regret to inform you all that grizzly bear 399, has been killed in a vehicular collision. She was struck on Highway 26/89 in Snake River Canyon, south of Jackson, Wyoming on Tuesday the 22nd. 399 was arguably the most famous and well-photographed bear in the world, a true staple of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). She was an ambassador of sorts for grizzly bears worldwide. 

This tragedy reinstates the need for more crossing structures on our highways! The GYE is home to so many charismatic and ecologically crucial species such as grizzly bears, bison, wolves, elk, and mountain lions to name a few. Wildlife vehicle collisions are amongst the most frequent cause for crashes along US-191, with the West Yellowstone region having some highest bison-vehicle collisions in all of the Lower 48 states! Two more bison have already met 399's fate this year alone. The average cost of a moose collision is $30,000! Bison weigh up to 500 pounds more than moose, increasing the cost to society, in addition to the loss of both human and animal life. Sign our petition to support crossing structure implementation near West Yellowstone, MT, and help us prevent another tragedy like this from happening to other grizzlies and GYE wildlife.

For the GYE,

Jackson Doyel (photo credit)

Wildlife Biologist