
(DailyEmailNews.com) – In sad news for wildlife enthusiasts, America’s beloved grizzly bear, No. 399, met a tragic end on a Wyoming highway.
Known as the “Queen of the Tetons,” 28-year-old No. 399 was struck by a vehicle in Snake River Canyon.
Identified by her ear tags and microchip, the bear was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator Hilary Cooley stated, “People from around the world have followed grizzly bear 399 for several decades.”
“At 28 years old, she was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem,” she added.
Over the past 15 years, 49 grizzly bears have died due to vehicle collisions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, averaging 3.3 bears per year.
This year alone, two grizzlies have already died in similar circumstances, including No. 399.
“Wildlife vehicle collisions and conflict are unfortunate. We are thankful the driver is okay and understand the community is saddened to hear that grizzly bear 399 has died,” said Wyoming Game and Fish Department Deputy Director Angi Bruce.
No. 399 leaves behind a legacy of 18 cubs, including a yearling cub whose whereabouts are currently unknown. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is monitoring the area for the missing cub.
After being severely reduced by European colonizers, the grizzly bear population has been recovering due to conservation efforts.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are now an estimated 1,923 grizzlies in the contiguous U.S.
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