Rajit Singh
Grand Teton grizzly bear No. 399, a beloved wildlife icon for decades, was tragically killed in Wyoming’s Snake River Canyon. Learn about her legacy and what her loss means for grizzly conservation efforts.
Table of Contents
The Legacy of Grizzly Bear No. 399
Grizzly bear No. 399, the most famous bear of Grand Teton National Park, was struck by a vehicle in Snake River Canyon, Wyoming, marking a tragic end to her 28-year life. Known for her extraordinary longevity and mothering prowess, No. 399 had delighted visitors, biologists, and photographers alike for decades, becoming an iconic figure in the Yellowstone ecosystem.
A Life Dedicated to Motherhood
At 28, No. 399 was the oldest reproducing female grizzly in the Yellowstone region, a rare achievement for her species. Over the years, she birthed 18 cubs across eight litters, continuing to reproduce well into old age. Visitors eagerly awaited her emergence from her den each spring, excited to catch a glimpse of her and her cubs in the wild.
Her frequent presence near roads made her one of the most recognizable bears, drawing hundreds of spectators, eager to see her cubs play in meadows filled with wildflowers. Grand Teton bear biologist Justin Schwabedissen fondly recalled how she brought joy to tourists, including a retired factory worker who cried at the chance to see a bear in the wild.
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Tragic End to a Beloved Icon
On a quiet Tuesday night, the famous grizzly was hit by a vehicle on a highway in Snake River Canyon. The driver was unharmed, but No. 399 did not survive. She was accompanied by one of her yearling cubs, whose fate remains unknown.
News of her death spread quickly, with over 2,000 comments posted on a Facebook page dedicated to tracking the grizzly. Followers from around the world mourned her loss, calling her a “magnificent queen” and an “incredible ambassador for her species.”
A Fight for Grizzly Conservation
No. 399’s life was marked by the ongoing debate surrounding grizzly bear conservation. Grizzly populations had once dwindled to just over 100 animals by 1975 but have since rebounded to around 1,000 in the Yellowstone region. Despite this recovery, their federal protection status remains a point of contention between government biologists and conservation groups, especially as climate change threatens key food sources like whitebark pine cones.
Grizzly vehicle collisions are a growing concern, with No. 399 being the second bear killed by a car in the region this year. Since 2009, 51 grizzlies have died in vehicle-related accidents, raising alarms about wildlife safety in high-traffic areas.
Remembering No. 399
Jack and Gina Bayles, the tour guides behind Team 399, expressed their concern that her death could diminish public interest in grizzly conservation. As an “accidental ambassador,” No. 399 had captivated hearts worldwide. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire conservation efforts to protect future generations of Yellowstone’s grizzlies.
Conclusion
The loss of Grizzly Bear No. 399 is a devastating reminder of the challenges wildlife face in human-occupied landscapes. As conservation groups and government officials continue to debate the future of grizzly bears in the region, her memory will serve as a symbol of hope and resilience for both wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists.
