Aeternum vale...Farewell, forever: the tragedy of Yellowstone’s beloved GB 264

Photos: Jim Peaco, NPS

GB 264 called the northwest corner of Yellowstone her home. From the north Gallatin’s, all the way to Norris, 264 was reserved, but not shy when it came to giving visitors a spectacle. She was one of the more visible, well-known grizzlies during her 12 years in Yellowstone National Park. This was probably because she was collared, making her easily recognizable, and the mere fact she frequented near and around the roadway. Her popularity over the years soared. Visitors would come to the park just for a chance sighting of her.
 
During her 12 years, she produced cubs on three occasions. During 1997, she gave birth to two cubs-of-the-year (COY). Unfortunately, GB 264 was captured for management purposes on June 18, 1997; at this time, one of her two cubs was euthanized due of injuries. Later that year, 264 would lose her second and only remaining cub. In 1999, GB 264 was observed with two COY emerging from her den, only then to lose both of them later that year. In 2000, GB 264 emerged from her den with another litter of two COY; in 2002 she was observed with two cubs. 

​Around 6:30pm on Saturday, June 15, 2003, the park was notified that a bear had been hit near Norris. Upon arrival, rangers discovered GB 264 near Norris campground. The driver of the vehicle stated that the bear darted out into the roadway when it was struck. Park officials deemed that speed was not a factor in the incident. Park rangers brought 264 to Mammoth for an assessment, and then drove her to a veterinarian in Bozeman, MT. Veterinary exam found her back was broken, and the lower half of her body was paralyzed. The following day, Sunday, June 16, 2003, GB264 was euthanized.
 
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/injuries-fatal-to-popular-grizzly/article_0fb40f69-4392-5244-8d5f-e134e02d7f9c.html 

Photos: Jim Peaco, NPS