Iconic Yellowstone mama bear is struck and killed by car

A beloved 28-year-old grizzly bear once dubbed the most famous bear who ever lived has been struck and killed by a car.

Grizzly 399 lived near the famed Yellowstone National Park and drew huge crowds to the region.

Photographers and tourists alike would always keep an eye out for Grizzly 399, hoping to capture a photo of her in her element with her cubs.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service revealed shed been tragically killed in a car accident.

A beloved 28-year-old grizzly bear once dubbed the most famous bear who ever lived has been struck and killed by a car. The bear, known as 399, is pictured here with some of her cubs 

The mother bear was with her youngest cub when she was hit by the car in the Snake River Canyon. 399 is pictured in 2011 

The mother bear was with her youngest cub when she was hit by the car in the Snake River Canyon. Her one year old cub has not been seen since.

Authorities identified her by her ear tags and a microchip.

Angi Bruce, director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, said the collisions with wildlife are unfortunate, but said she was thankful the driver is OK.

[I] understand the community is saddened to hear that grizzly bear 399 has died.

Wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen described Grizzly 399 in a 2018 Outside story as the most famous bear who ever lived. He first photographed her in 2006.

Over the course of her life, Grizzly 399 is estimated to have birthed at least 18 cubs, and was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly bear within Yellowstone.

Grizzly 399 lived near the famed Yellowstone National Park and drew huge crowds to the region. She is pictured roaming across a wintry landscape 

Photographers and tourists alike would always keep an eye out for Grizzly 399 , hoping to capture a photo of her in her element with her cubs

Grand Teton National Park superintendent Chip Jenkins said grizzly bears are 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.

She is the third bear to be fatally struck by a car in the region this year. 

Mourners have called on authorities to ensure Grizzly 399 is buried in a place of honor and respect.

Another said: I am so saddened by this news. 399 has been in the valley almost as long as I have. She was an incredible ambassador for her species and provided the opportunity for so many people to experience the incredible life of a wild grizzly bear.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service revealed shed been tragically killed in a car accident