Grizzly 399 Continues Her Legacy

Grizzly 399 and her 4 cubs in spring of 2020

In the spring of 2023, the iconic grizzly bear known as 399 emerged from her winter hibernation in Grand Teton National Park with a new addition to her family: a single cub.

For those unfamiliar with 399, she is a well-known grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, known for her frequent appearances near roads and trails in Grand Teton National Park and the surrounding areas. She has become somewhat of a celebrity, attracting visitors from all over the world who hope to catch a glimpse of her and her cubs.

Grizzly bear 399 is particularly notable because of her age. At 27 years old, she is well past the average lifespan for a wild grizzly bear. Despite her advanced age, she has given birth to several litters of cubs over the years, including an incredible litter of 4 cubs in 2020. This year, emerging with her new single cub, she has become the oldest documented grizzly in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to have new cubs. All of this has made her something of a symbol of hope for the future of grizzly bears in the region.

Grizzly bears were once widespread throughout North America, but their numbers declined dramatically in the 19th and early 20th centuries due to hunting, habitat loss, and other factors. By the mid-20th century, grizzly bears had disappeared from most of their former range, and were listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in 1975.

Since then, efforts to protect and restore grizzly bear populations have been ongoing, and in recent years, there have been some signs of progress. Grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which includes Grand Teton National Park, have rebounded somewhat in recent decades, thanks in part to conservation efforts and the implementation of measures to reduce conflicts between bears and humans.

Despite these positive developments, grizzly bears still face many challenges. Habitat loss, climate change, and conflicts with humans continue to threaten their survival. The emergence of a new cub with 399 is a reminder that while we have made progress in protecting these magnificent animals, there is still much work to be done.

As visitors flock to Grand Teton National Park to catch a glimpse of 399 and her cub, it is important to remember that these bears are not just tourist attractions, but living, breathing creatures that play an important role in the ecosystem. By respecting their space and taking steps to reduce conflicts with bears, we can help ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the sight of grizzly bears in the wild.

Adam Rice
Secretary of the Board
For the Love of Bears