Young Grizzly from Notable Grand Teton Bear Family Killed in Vehicle Collision

A 5-year-old male grizzly bear, known as Grizzly 1058 and a member of one of Wyoming’s most well-known bear families, has died after being struck by a vehicle in Grand Teton National Park, park officials confirmed Tuesday.

Grizzly 1058, one of the four cubs born in 2020 to the iconic Grizzly 399, was found deceased approximately 125 yards from Highway 26 near the Buffalo Fork River. Rangers believe the bear was hit by a vehicle and managed to move into nearby willows before succumbing to its injuries. Officials stated he may have been dead for several days before being discovered.

The incident mirrors the fate of his mother, Grizzly 399, who was fatally struck by a vehicle in October 2024. She was considered the most famous grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem due to her frequent appearances near park roads and her unusually large litters. Over her lifetime, she gave birth to 18 known cubs, including the 2020 quadruplets, and lived to the age of 28 — an impressive lifespan for a wild grizzly.

Grizzly 1058 had lived independently since being weaned in 2022 and was rarely spotted in the park. He was confirmed through identification tags and was described as being in good condition for his age and the season. Following protocol, his remains were returned to the landscape within Grand Teton National Park.

His death marks another loss from Grizzly 399’s 2020 litter. One of his siblings, Grizzly 1057, was euthanized in 2022 after repeated human-bear conflicts. That leaves two cubs from the famed litter whose status remains uncertain.

The National Park Service used the occasion to remind drivers to be vigilant, particularly during low-light hours when wildlife are most active. They encourage all visitors to obey speed limits, stay alert, and report wildlife-related incidents to the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center.

Fans and wildlife observers expressed sadness over the loss. Wildlife photographer Savannah Rose, who has closely followed Grizzly 399’s family over the years, called the news “incredibly sad for 399’s legacy,” noting that another piece of the bear’s storied lineage has been lost.

Meanwhile, speculation continues about the whereabouts of “Spirit,” Grizzly 399’s last cub, born in early 2023. Though unconfirmed reports suggest potential sightings, park officials have not verified them.

With input from ABC News, Buckrail, and Cowboy State Daily.