A famous, wild grizzly bear who achieved fame among animal lovers has died after being run over by a car.
The bear known as "399" was struck by a vehicle on a highway Oct. 22 in Snake River Canyon, just south of Jackson, Wyoming, near Grand Teton National Park, according to the National Parks Service.
The 28-year-old grizzly became a fixture of the National Park Service, and was known as the oldest reproducing grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone area, according to officials.
"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," Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins said.
Fans of the bear took to 399's Instagram, which has more than 60,000 followers, to share their condolences. "Devastating that it wasn't natural causes. She will forever be remembered as the Queen of the Grizzlies," one user commented. "I'm heartbroken. Seeing her and her four cubs in person was one of the highlights of my life," another user wrote.
The famous bear had reportedly been traveling with a yearling cub at the time of the incident. Officials said they have not been able to locate the cub, but there are no signs that it was involved in the accident.
Officials determined that the bear's death was an accident. "There's nothing to show that he was on a cell phone or distracted driving at all. The bear stepped right out into the road. He was unable to brake in time to avoid the bear, and the collision occurred," Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Patrol Lieutenant John Stetzenbach told the Jackson Hole News&Guide Friday.
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