Photo by C.Sagan
Two cars swerving to avoid each other and a grizzly sitting on the side of the road resulted in the bear’s death on June 21. Experts believe that the bear was likely “Brownie,” one of the two year-old cubs of the 16-year-old mother bear known around the park as “399.”
Initial investigation found that the driver heading south on Highway 26/89/191 swerved to miss the bear, frightening the northbound driver who swerved, overcorrected, and struck the bear. “At some point while the vehicle careened through the sage, it collided with the bear—the animal was not struck on the road surface,” reported National Parks Traveler.
Neither car was going faster than the highway’s 55-mile-per-hour speed limit.
The bear was still alive when authorities arrived on the scene, but passed away shortly thereafter. Park biologists removed the bear and took hair, tissue samples and a tooth to determine the age of the bear. The analysis found the bear to be 130 pounds and of average health.
Officials have also sent DNA samples to an outside lab in order to determine if the bear is in fact 399′s son Brownie. Wildlife photographer Tom Mangelesen, who has photographed the mother bear and her cubs, Brownie and Ash, extensively, said he’s “98 percent” sure that the dead bear is Brownie.
“There’s light-colored banding on neck, rump and shoulder,” Mangelesen told the Jackson Hole News and Guide as he looked over images of the bear alive and dead, side by side. “A really black tail. It’s pretty indicative.”
What a tragedy!!!!!
Yes, what a tragic thing to happen. When will people slow down and keep an eye out for the wildlife, after all it is their home!
Do you understand accident??!!! They werent speeding. Its my home too. GOD Bless
es, it really is a tragedy! I have travelled this road and there is a tendency to speed as there are long distances to travel. But we all need to remember that while we are just sightseeing the anmials live here … and hopefully not die here (at least due to our cars) !!
55mph speed limit is too fast. The ONLY reason people are on this road is because of the flora, fauna and wonderful views! There can be no excuse for destroying wildlife in its natural habitat!
I agree 55 is to fast on this road. Slow down and think of someone else besides yourself.
This saddens me. It’s been a few years since I’ve been back so I don’t remember the particular hwy, but the beauty of the area is one that I always remember. I’m glad the drivers & passengers are ok, but I wish the bear was as well. Poor thing.
If 55 is to fast, get the state to lower the speed limit. Give the people a break.
I think it missed Liz McCabe.
We saw brownie ,ONE day before it got tragically killed by a car. When I read that it died, the next day, it really saddened me. I keep looking at the video of Brownie, that I shot the day before.
A.Satish
It’s a bear holy shit it’s not a human u guys need to chill I promise there is another brownie out there just waitin to eat you
When we were out in the park the bearswerer on the hillside and the tournists would slow down od park on side of road to take picture which is normal we all want pictures. but we have to remember that this is their home we are just visiting them. so we should that a little more care. I know it wasn’t on purpose but its hard to replace them.
Micheal -
We were just out there the week of the 21st, it was mine and my husbands first visit. The Tetons were one of the most magnificient sights I’ve ever seen, but w/ all that has been happening out there w/ the fires and this poor bear dying, can’t we just travel a little slower,maybe pay a little more attention………. even though it says 55??? And yes the state should be solicited to change the speed. Thank goodness there were no other deaths like the people who were in their vehicles, I’m sure they are saddened also and Unfortunately it will be a vacation memory they would rather not have, I’m sure. God Bless them also.
PJK
I read in the local newspaper there was another cub? Has anyone seen 399′s other cub Ash since the death of brownie??? A local Wildlife photographer said in the local paper, that he had seen them together days before the crash. It makes me so sad to hear about this & the other animal fatalities in the parks. PLEASE strive to protect the wildlife & by as careful as possible while driving.