Son of the World’s Most Famous Grizzly Bear Fatally Struck by a Car in Grand Teton National Park

Son of the Most Famous Grizzly Bear in the World tragically Killed in Grand Teton National Park

In a devastating turn of events, a young grizzly bear named Grizzly No. 1058, who was part of the renowned grizzly family in Grand Teton National Park, has met a tragic end after being struck by a vehicle. This 5-year-old bear was one of the four cubs of the late Grizzly Bear No. 399, and tragically suffered a fate similar to his mother, who was also fatally struck by a vehicle in October 2024.

The park officials made the grim discovery of Grizzly No. 1058’s body on Tuesday, May 6th, about 125 yards from Highway 26 near the Buffalo Fork River. It is believed that the young bear had likely succumbed to the injuries from the collision several days before his body was found. Identified through ear tags and a PIT microchip, his remains were respectfully returned to the Grand Teton National Park landscape.

The loss of Grizzly No. 1058 is a significant blow to the grizzly family in the area. The four cubs, including No. 1058, were first seen with their mother in May 2020 and had been occasionally spotted in the park after being weaned in 2022. Unfortunately, this spring, No. 1058 was noticeably absent, adding to the sadness surrounding the fate of the beloved bear family.

Grizzly Bear No. 399, the mother of No. 1058, held a special place in the hearts of many. At around 28 years old, she was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Her gentle nature and interactions with tourists, biologists, and wildlife enthusiasts earned her a dedicated following, with numerous books, documentaries, and social media pages documenting her life.

The tragic demise of both Grizzly Bear No. 399 and her offspring serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that these majestic creatures face in their natural habitat, particularly from human activities such as vehicle collisions. The loss of No. 1058 is not only a loss to the grizzly family but also a loss to the conservation community and all those who cherished these iconic bears.

According to park officials, fatal vehicle collisions have claimed the lives of 51 grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem between 2009 and 2024. These incidents highlight the need for continued efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats, as well as raise awareness about the importance of coexisting harmoniously with these magnificent creatures.

As the community mourns the loss of Grizzly No. 1058 and reflects on the legacy of Grizzly Bear No. 399, there is a renewed call for increased vigilance and caution on the roads near wildlife habitats. The hope is that through education, conservation efforts, and responsible behaviour, such tragic incidents can be prevented in the future, ensuring the safety and well-being of the precious wildlife that graces our natural landscapes. Let this be a reminder of the delicate balance we must maintain to preserve our natural heritage for generations to come.