Context:

A 5-year-old bear known as Grizzly No. 1058, part of a famous grizzly family in Grand Teton National Park, was killed by a vehicle, echoing the fate of his mother, Grizzly No. 399, who died similarly the previous year. Grizzly No. 1058, one of four cubs from a 2020 litter, was found near Highway 26, having died in a patch of willows after being hit, and may have been deceased for several days. Grizzly No. 399, celebrated as the world's most famous grizzly, had 18 cubs over eight litters and was often seen near roads, attracting tourists and causing traffic jams. Despite the driver's compliance with speed limits, her death was deemed an accident. Park officials confirmed the familial link between the two bears through wildlife tags, though no further details about No. 1058's accident have been disclosed.

Dive Deeper:

• Grizzly No. 1058, a 5-year-old bear from a well-known grizzly family in Grand Teton National Park, was killed by a vehicle, the same fate that befell his mother, Grizzly No. 399, in the previous year.

• Grizzly No. 1058 was found 125 yards from Highway 26 near the Buffalo Fork River and had not been seen since he was weaned in 2022, with no sightings reported this spring.

• Grizzly No. 399 was renowned globally, often referred to as the world's most famous grizzly bear, and had a notable presence near park roads, where she was frequently observed by tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.

• At the time of her death, Grizzly No. 399 was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly in the Yellowstone ecosystem, having birthed 18 cubs in eight litters over her lifetime.

• The death of Grizzly No. 399 was ruled an accident as the driver who struck her was not speeding, and the park has not released further details regarding the accident involving Grizzly No. 1058.

• Wildlife tags were used by park officials to confirm the relationship between Grizzly No. 399 and her cub, Grizzly No. 1058, demonstrating the continuity of the family lineage despite the tragic incidents.

• The public eagerly anticipated Grizzly No. 399's emergence each spring to see the number of cubs she birthed, a testament to her popularity and the fascination she inspired among park visitors and wildlife enthusiasts.