Fatal shooting of Yellowstone's most well-known bear 'Scarface' investigated

When it comes to grizzly bears, and those living in Yellowstone National Park in particular, few are better known than the one they call Scarface, reports Time.

For more than 2 decades, the animal fascinated visitors, researchers, and photographers alike – that is when he wasn't otherwise occupied battling other bears.

However, it wasn't one of his usual opponents that did him the greatest harm.

According to the Washington Post, the bear was shot and killed in November, though news of his death was only recently announced by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks department.

As grizzly bears are listed as threatened in the United States, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is conducting an investigation.

Scarface was not only the most photographed and studied bear at the park, he was considered the most easily recognizable.

His lifetime spent fighting over food, mates, and territory left him with very distinctive facial marks, notes KPAX.

RELATED: See photos of bears around the world: