The notorious Grizzly Sow, 399, finally met her match. A traffic incident at the Grand Teton entrance was her demise. She died from a tourist car accident in the Snake River Canyon, south of Jackson, Wyoming.
399 was a popular Grizzly that was at least 28 years old. She was the oldest known living sow that was still reproducing. During some seasons, she gave birth to up to 4 cubs. Researchers had previously captured and tagged her as bear #399.
It is rare when older sows continue to reproduce. In an area populated with a healthy population of suitors, she managed to have cubs each season. There was never any evidence that she had ever been a nuisance bear, other than causing traffic bear jams.
This big sow was popular with photographers, biologists, and tourists. Many folks sought her out since she usually had cubs nearby. Many of her cubs were able to survive due to due her ability to fight off males which often feed on them.
A yearling cub was with the mother when she was killed. The cub ran off and has not been seen since the incident.
Bear be gone!
Montana Grant
