Wyoming

World famous grizzly bear killed in Wyoming vehicle strike

Published

1 year ago

October 23, 2024

World famous grizzly bear killed in Wyoming vehicle strike

A world famous grizzly bear at Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park was killed by a vehicle, according to officials on Wednesday.

The female grizzly, known as No. 399, was an extremely popular figure in the park, attracting nature photographers and wildlife fans from across the country. The grizzly was confirmed dead on Wednesday after being struck by a vehicle on Tuesday night in Jackson, Wyoming.

What We Know About the Collision

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) announced that the grizzly bear was fatally struck by a car south of Jackson on Highway 26/89 in the Snake River Canyon, and the bear’s identity was confirmed through ear tags and a microchip.

In addition, according to the agency, the bear had a yearling cub with her, whose whereabouts were unknown as of Wednesday morning.

“At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the yearling was also involved in the incident, but the Service is monitoring the area,” the news release from the agency added.

While vehicle collisions with wildlife, including grizzly bears, are not uncommon, the FWS is working with state and local agencies to gather more information.

“Wildlife vehicle collisions and conflict are unfortunate. We are thankful the driver is okay and understand the community is saddened to hear that grizzly bear 399 has died,” said Angi Bruce, director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

A Grizzly bear named “No. 399” walks with her four cubs along the main highway near Signal Mountain on June 15, 2020, outside Jackson, Wyoming. No. 399 was killed be a vehicle, according to officials…

George Frey/Getty Images

What We Know About Grizzly 399

Grizzly 399 became famous for raising numerous cubs close to the park’s roads, allowing visitors a rare glimpse of a mother bear in her natural habitat. Over the years, she earned a devoted following with her life documented across social media and even celebrated in a book and featured in a PBS nature episode, making her a symbol of the park’s wildlife and the larger conservation efforts in the Rockies.

“The grizzly bear is an iconic species that helps make the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem so extraordinary,” Chip Jenkins, Grand Teton National Park superintendent said in a press release. “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.”

Grizzly Bear Deaths Due to Collisions

The bear’s death serves as a reminder of the dangers that wildlife faces near human activity. Despite ongoing efforts to protect these animals within national park boundaries, park authorities continue to advocate for safe driving practices to help prevent further tragic losses of wildlife.

In addition, this is not the first time 399’s family has been hit by a vehicle.

Grizzly 610, an offspring of 399, had a scare in October 2023 when the bear was apparently struck by a semitruck and laid injured by the roadside for hours while her cubs watched from a distance. She later appeared to fully recover on her own and rejoined her cubs.

According to the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, there have been 49 grizzly bear mortalities due to vehicle collisions in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) from 2009-2023 with an average number of 3.3. grizzly bear deaths per year.

In 2024, including this incident, there have been two grizzly bear deaths from vehicle strikes in the GYE.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.

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Wyoming

Penn State wrestling wins 75th straight dual meet by beating Wyoming 40-7: Full results

Published

5 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

Penn State wrestling wins 75th straight dual meet by beating Wyoming 40-7: Full results

Penn State beats Wyoming 40-7

12/13/2025 08:30:01 PM

Penn State won its 75th consecutive dual meet by beating Wyoming 40-7 on the road Saturday night. The Lions won eight of 10 bouts, including four victories by fall.

Penn State returns to the mat next Saturday in Nashville. The Lions wrestle North Dakota State and Stanford at the Collegiate Wrestling Duals. If they win both, they will pass Oklahoma State for the Division I record for most consecutive dual victories with 77.

Here are the full results from Saturday night:

125 pounds: No. 2 Luke Lilledahl (So.), Penn State TF Sefton Douglass, Wyoming, 18-3 (3:26) (PSU 5-0)
133 pounds: No. 10 Marcus Blaze (Fr.), PSU F Luke Willochell, Wyoming (3:39) (PSU 11-0)
141 pounds: Nate Desmond (Fr.) Penn State d. John Alden, Wyoming, 11-4 (PSU 15-0)
149 pounds: No. 1 Shayne Van Ness (Jr.), PSU F No. 30 30 Gabe Willochell, Wyoming, 2:54 (PSU 20-0)
157 pounds: No. 15 PJ Duke (Fr.), Penn State F No. 23 Jared Hill, Wyoming, 4:09 (PSU 26-0)
165 pounds: No. 1 Mitchell Mesenbrink (Jr.), PSU F Sloan Swan, Wyoming, 2:00 (35-0 PSU)
174 pounds: No. 1 Levi Haines (Sr.), Penn State TF No. 28 Riley Davis, Wyoming, 18-1 (4:50) (PSU 37-0)
184 pounds: No. 4 Rocco Welsh (So.), PSU d. No. 12 Eddie Neitenbach, Wyoming, 4-1 (PSU 40-0)
197 pounds: No. 2 Joey Novak, Wyoming md. Connor Mirasola, 10-2 (PSU 40-4)
285 pounds: No. 10 Christian Carroll, Wyoming d. No. 11 Cole Mirasola, 10-4 (PSU 40-7)

FINAL: PSU 40, Wyoming 7

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Wyoming

6 Colorado, Wyoming hot springs worth the drive this winter

Published

17 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

6 Colorado, Wyoming hot springs worth the drive this winter

Colorado and Wyoming offer numerous natural hot springs resorts for a winter getaway.
Locations range from a two-hour drive from Fort Collins to over 300 miles away.
Amenities vary by resort, including tropical atriums, geothermal caves and cold river plunges.

Weary of winter already?

Kick back in one of the many natural hot tubs our area has to offer.

Colorado and Wyoming are sprinkled with natural hot springs, with various resorts each offering something different — think untouched natural scenery, tropical plant-laden atriums and cold riverside plunge pools.

Virtually dip your toes in with this list and see if any stick out to you for a future winter getaway.

Hot springs to visit in Colorado, Wyoming

Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Where: 44200 County Road 36, Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Need to relax? Head to Strawberry Park Hot Springs where you’ll find thermal mineral water pools surrounded by Steamboat Springs’ natural beauty.

The pools are open to both its day visitors — admission costs $20 per person for a two-hour reservation — and overnight lodgers. It also offers up massage options and aqua therapy in private pools.

Located about 165 miles from Fort Collins, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a roughly 3.5-hour drive away. From Nov. 1 through May 1, four-wheel drive with snow tires or chains are required to get to the hot springs. To avoid tough road conditions, Strawberry Park encourages contacting its shuttle partners to schedule drop off and pick up.

Pets, outside food, glass, alcohol and smoking are prohibited.

Minors are not permitted after dark, and clothing is optional after dark.

Hot Sulphur Springs

Where: 5609 Spring Road, Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado

Soak your worries away at Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa. The resort — once used as a winter campground for Native Americans — is now home to 20 manmade pools supplied by a handful of natural hot springs that flow through the resort and into the Colorado River, according to its website. Located about 130 miles away, the springs are a roughly 3-hour drive from Fort Collins.

Its pools — which run from 98 to 112 degrees — are open yearround and welcome walk-ins. Adult day passes cost $30, senior day passes cost $23 and children’s passes (ages 4-11) cost $16. Towels and robes are also available for rent.

Pets (except trained service animals), outside food, glass containers, alcohol, smoking and vaping are prohibited.

Indian Hot Springs

Where: 302 Soda Creek Road, Idaho Springs, Colorado

Located the closest to Fort Collins on this list, Indian Hot Springs is a quick two-hour jaunt down Interstates 25 and 70. Once there, you’ll find a large indoor mineral water swimming pool and tropical plant-strewn atrium as well as private baths, outdoor tubs and geothermal caves.

Regular admission to the indoor swimming pool costs $30 per person Monday through Thursday and $35 per person Friday through Sunday. Caves are open to visitors 18 years old and older and can be accessed for $35 per person Monday through Thursday and $40 per person Friday through Sunday. Prices are different when “summit pricing” is in effect. Check the calendar on the Indian Hot Springs website for those dates.

Private baths and outdoor tubs can be reserved for varying rates. For more information, or to make a reservation, visit the Indian Hot Springs website.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

Where: 415 E. 6th St., Glenwood Springs, Colorado

At more than 200 miles away, Glenwood Springs is a bit of a hike — but that hike comes with beautiful scenery and, of course, hot springs. Try its Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, a fixture since 1888 that offers up a collection of hot springs pools, including its historic Grand Pool, an athletic club and other amenities.

Day passes range from $38 to $55 for adults and teenagers and $27 to $34 for children, with pricing varying based on off-peak and peak times. Reservations are not required. For more information, visit the resort website.

The Springs Resort

Where: 323 Hot Springs Blvd., Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Located more than 300 miles away in Pagosa Springs, The Springs Resort is a worthy weekend trip contender instead of a day drive. But despite its distance, it has plenty to offer — more than 50 hot springs pools, cold river plunges, a waterfall, steam grotto and more.

You can either stay at its resort or reserve a day pass to visit its pools, with general admission passes costing $69 for adults and $37 for children ages 3-12. For more information, or to make a reservation, visit the resort website.

Hot Springs State Park

Where: 51 US Highway 20 North, Thermopolis, Wyoming

Colorado can’t have all the fun. While located quite a ways away — 350 miles from Fort Collins — Wyoming has some impressive natural hot springs of its own in Thermopolis’ Hot Springs State Park. There are three soaking pools and a free and open-to-the-public Wyoming State Bath House. The bath house is open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12-5:30 p.m. Sundays in the winter. For more information, call 307-864-2176.

Want more Fort Collins development news? Subscribe to The Buzz, the Coloradoan’s weekly dive into local business, development, real estate and restaurant news.

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Wyoming

Cowgirls play at Minnesota on Sunday

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

LARAMIE, Wyo. — The Wyoming Cowgirls will return to action Sunday with their final non-conference game of the season when they travel to face Big Ten foe Minnesota on Sunday. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m.

Wyoming is coming off a 58-46 loss at Colorado on Dec. 7. Malene Pedersen and Henna Sandvik led the Cowgirls with 11 points each in the loss, while Kelly Walsh High School grad Logann Alvar also finished in double figures, with 10 points.

Madi Symons had a solid all-around game, grabbing a team-high five rebounds while also leading the way with four assists and blocking a pair of shots.

The Cowgirls recorded 12 assists on 18 made baskets against the Buffs and have assisted on better than 65% of their made field goals this season. Wyoming is averaging 14 assists per game in 2025-26, good for fourth in the Mountain West.

Defensively, UW has been solid all season long. The Cowgirls enter Sunday ranking third in the league in opponent scoring, surrendering 57 points per game. Wyoming also allows just 38.6-percent shooting from the field overall and 24.8-percent from 3-point range. Both marks rank third-best in the conference.

Although she missed her first free throw of the season in the loss, Pedersen is still shooting 94% at the line. She is also shooting just under 55% from 3-point range this season, a mark that ranks third in the country.

Entering the week, Pedersen was the only Division 1 player in out of 466 qualified athletes who was shooting 90% or better from the free throw line and better than 50% from 3-point range. On the season, Pedersen is second in the MW with 17.1 points per game and shooting 52.5-percent from the floor. Her 2.13 3-pointers made per game are sixth in the league.

Through eight games this season, Alvar and Sandvik average 8.3 and 8.0 points per game, respectively.

Payton Muma leads the team with 23 assists and 13 steals. Symons, meanwhile, leads Wyoming averaging 4.5 rebounds per game while Lana Beslic’s 4.4 boards per game and 19 assists are both second on the squad.

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