"As the world’s most-photographed bear, Grizzly 399’s tragic death is also a stark reminder of the responsibility that humans have in making sure wildlife can safely move across large, connected landscapes." -- NPCA Northern Rockies Connectivity Program Coordinator Allison Michalski
Statement by Allison Michalski, Northern Rockies Connectivity Program Coordinator for the National Parks Conservation Association
“It is with great sadness that NPCA acknowledges the death of Grizzly 399, killed in a wildlife-vehicle collision on Tuesday evening. Grizzly 399 made Grand Teton National Park and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem her home over the last 28 years and left a deep imprint on the hearts and minds of people locally and across the world. We marked each spring by seeing 399 emerge from hibernation, counting the number of cubs in tow, and her absence will be deeply felt. She became ‘Queen of the Tetons’ and an ambassador for the important role that national parks play in protecting grizzly bears and the equally important role that lands adjacent to our parks have in ensuring bears thrive beyond park boundaries.
"As the world’s most-photographed bear, Grizzly 399’s tragic death is also a stark reminder of the responsibility that humans have in making sure wildlife can safely move across large, connected landscapes.
"Wyoming is set to receive more than $24 million for wildlife crossing projects in the state’s southwest, as a direct result of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act’s $350 million dollar Wildlife Vehicle Collision Pilot program. As visitation to national parks and gateway communities continues to grow, we must continue to invest in on-the-ground solutions that reduce vehicle collisions with wildlife and ensure the safety of drivers who live, work, and recreate on these lands.”
