Local sheriff makes shock announcement after death of Yellowstones Grizzly 399
A local sheriff in Wyoming made a shocking announcement following the tragic death of the most famous bear in the world.
A local sheriff in Wyoming made a shocking announcement following the tragic death of the most famous bear in the world.
Grizzly 399, the beloved 28-year-old bear who lived near the famed Yellowstone National Park, attracted huge crowds of tourists and photographers to the region - hoping to capture a photo of her in her element with her cubs.
But the driver who ultimately struck and killed the mama bear on Tuesday night was cleared of all wrong-doing, despite heartbroken fans calling for authorities to hold them accountable.
It truly was an accident, Lt. John Stetzenback of the Lincoln County Sheriffs office told Cowboy State Daily.
The mama bear was struck and killed by a Subaru in the Snake River Canyon in western Wyoming earlier this week while with her youngest cub - prompting an investigation.
The driver who ultimately killed Grizzly 399 - also known as the most famous bear in the world - will face no consequences for the collision that caused her tragic death on Tuesday
Heartbroken fans have taken to the crash site located at milepost 126 in the Snake River Canyon in western Wyoming to set up memorials and leave flowers dedicated to the grizzly
But it was concluded by the Sheriffs office that the driver didnt break any laws and there was no foul-play involved.
Despite angry fans taking to social media to question and ridicule the unnamed driver, evidence collected at the scene points to the devastating reality of a true accident.
When investigating wildlife crash scenes, law enforcement looks for evidence relating to the speed limit, the size of the car, the size of the animal, skid marks on the road and damage to the car.
Skid marks can indicate that the driver made an effort to slow down before hitting the animal, with extensive marks pointing to a higher rate of speed.
Law enforcement officials said that because there were no marks at the crash site, it appears that the driver had been going an appropriate speed - traveling at or very close to the 55mph speed limit on Highway 89.
Lt. John Stetzenback of the Lincoln County Sheriffs (left) has stated that it truly was an accident, following the investigation
The mama bear was with her youngest cub - who survived - at the time of the accident, but the one-year-old grizzly has not been located since her mothers death
Its pretty safe to say the driver was driving within normal parameters of the speed limits, Stetzenbach told Buckrail.
They certainly did not have any excess speed. They were not careless. They were very aware there were animals.
Although the car did have $1,000 damage to its front-end, there wasnt enough ruin to indicate that the driver was speeding, especially considering the size and weight of the grizzly.
Grizzly 399 was hit at milepost 126 at around 10.30pm - an area with no streetlights in sight.
Its pretty dark, its not lit, Stetzenback told Cowboy State Daily.
By the time the driver got out of the car to inspect the condition of the grizzly, she was already dead.
Heartbroken fans called for authorities to hold the driver accountable, but evidence from the scene shows that the driver did nothing wrong and there was no foul-play involved
Three bears typically are killed each year while visiting roads in the area, and grizzly 399 was the second death this year
He waited at the scene of the collision for law enforcement to arrive before the car was later towed away.
In a vehicle versus animal call, if upon investigation its determined that, yes, the driver most likely was driving at the posted speed limit, we generally will not ticket on something like that, Stetzenbach told Buckrail.
The mama bear was different than most grizzlies. She was in frequent contact with humanity, despite most of her species avoiding roads and humans at any cost, The New York Times reported.
She also avoided raiding garbage cans, stealing food from bird feeders or munching on cattle - behaviors that have resulted in the removal of other bears who have become habituated to people.
But her interest in visiting roadways proved to be a dangerous act.
Three bears typically are killed each year while visiting roads in the area. She was the second death this year, the Times added.
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
The investigation concluded that the driver was not distracted in any capacity - no intoxication levels and no evidence pointing to the fact that he was texting
It was concluded that the driver was not distracted in any capacity - no intoxication levels and no evidence pointing to him texting.
The driver was 100 percent paying attention, Stetzenback told Buckrail. They were driving along, being cautious, and all of a sudden, there is is.
Although it has been determined that the driver did nothing wrong, people can still take away a lesson or two from her catastrophic death - including remembering to stay mindful of wildlife when driving in Wyoming at night.
Fifty-five is a pretty safe speed, but its always safer during the day than nighttime driving, Stetzenbach told Cowboy State Daily, also noting that he usually drives around 15 mph below the speed limit himself while in the particular area.
Her youngest cub, who is only one year old, has not been seen since her mother was killed.
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.
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.
The mama bear was different than most grizzlies - making frequent contact with humanity and roadways despite most of her species avoiding both when possible
A lesson or two can be learned from her catastrophic death - including staying mindful of wildlife when driving in Wyoming at night
All that is known about the driver is that he was a Wyoming man who was traveling west toward Star Valley on the night of the crash, Cowboy State Daily reported.
It wouldnt fare very well for the driver if his ID was known, Stetzenbach added.
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.
Heartbroken travelers have taken to the crash site to set up memorials and grieve the beloved mama.
There will be other bears, Jack Bayles, co-owner of a Jackson-based wildlife tour company told The Times.
But there will never be another 399.
