Famed Grand Teton grizzly’s cub dies after being hit by vehicle

One of Grizzly 399’s cubs was found dead Tuesday.

A news release from Grand Teton National Park reported the body of Grizzly 1058, a 5-year-old male, was found inside the park along U.S. Highway 26 east of the Buffalo Fork River.

During an investigation, law enforcement and wildlife rangers determined the bear was hit by a vehicle. It apparently walked to a patch of willows about 125 yards from the road before it died.

Officials aren’t sure exactly when the crash happened, but say the bear may have been dead for several days when the body was found.

“The bear appeared to be in good condition for his age and the time of year. The bear’s remains were put back onto the landscape in Grand Teton National Park,” the news release says.

Officials have not identified who’s responsible.

Grizzly 1058 was one of four cubs from 399’s litter. Jackson Hole News & Guide reported he is the second of her cubs killed by humans and the third of her 18 offspring killed in a vehicle collision.

Grizzly 1057 was euthanized in 2022 after looking for food in a neighborhood near Cora, Wyoming. Grizzly 399 was killed in a vehicle collision last October.

“GB 1058 had occasionally been observed in the park since he was weened in 2022, but no confirmed sightings of him this spring had been reported,” officials said in a news release.

Park officials are urging the public to be aware of wildlife when traveling in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. They’re often grazing near roads and can be difficult to see.

Drivers are encouraged to obey the posted speed limit and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. Slow down and use caution, pay attention to surroundings and report any wildlife-vehicle collisions to the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center. The number is (307) 739-3301.