A beloved Wyoming grizzly bear, who drew particular attention for the four cubs she raised in 2020, has died after a vehicle collision.

According to Grand Teton National Park, grizzly bear 399 was struck and killed by a vehicle on the evening of October 22 along Highway 26/89 south of Jackson, Wyoming. Her identity was confirmed via her ear tags and microchip. She had a yearling with her at the time, but the cub’s whereabouts are currently unknown. It’s not believed to have been injured.

399 was a fixture in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) and often referred to as Queen of the Tetons. At 28, she was the oldest known female grizzly still reproducing in the GYE. She had had eight litters, with the most famous being her brood of four in 2020. They provided a bit of entertainment during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today we mourn the loss of Grizzly 399, the most famous bear in Grand Teton National Park and the star of our documentary "Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons." ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ofeYHs4FEX

— Nature (@PBSNature) October 23, 2024

On a post from the Facebook page Team 399 that shared the news of the bear’s death, Priscilla Priebe commented, “This is so personal for many. For me, she was my comic relief during Covid & her march through Jackson w her quads & police escort.”

399 often patrolled near roads with her cubs, increasing her visibility. It’s believed that doing so helped keep male grizzlies at bay. Males are known to kill cubs, with one theory suggesting they do so to get females into heat. Regardless of her reason for doing so, she was often seen around Grand Teton, delighting visitors who relished the chance to see a mama and her cubs in the wild.

Social media sites like that of Team 399 helped other wildlife enthusiasts enjoy her family’s escapades from afar.

Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins says, “The grizzly bear is an iconic species that helps make the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem so extraordinary. Grizzly bear 399 has been perhaps the most prominent ambassador for the species. She has inspired countless visitors into conservation stewardship around the world and will be missed.”

Unfortunately, according to Teton, 399 is the 51st grizzly to be killed by a vehicle in the GYE since 2009. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department shares some tips for avoiding these sorts of collisions: Be as aware as you can, use high beams, scan across the road rights of way frequently, look for eyeshine, and ask passengers to help you look out for wildlife.