The wildlife community mourns the loss of Bear 399, a celebrated grizzly who captivated the hearts of nature enthusiasts and travelers at Grand Teton National Park for nearly three decades. On Wednesday, Wyoming wildlife officials confirmed that the 28-year-old, 400-pound grizzly bear was struck and killed by a vehicle in the Snake River Canyon, just south of Jackson.
Bear 399 was a remarkable grizzly, renowned for her unusual visibility along the park’s roadsides and her role as a matriarch to a line of cubs that brought her international fame. Known affectionately to wildlife enthusiasts as “399,” the grizzly was often photographed by visitors as she foraged, rested, and even played along the park’s trails and roads. Her Instagram following grew rapidly over the years, bringing awareness to grizzly behavior and the delicate balance between human interaction and wildlife preservation.
The death of Bear 399 comes as a somber reminder of the dangers wildlife faces as human activity encroaches upon their natural habitats. At 28 years old, she was among the oldest grizzlies known to still be reproducing, defying typical life expectancy for grizzlies, which is around 25 years. Her resilience and successful reproduction were celebrated by wildlife advocates, as she raised numerous cubs throughout her life, many of whom continue her legacy within the park.
Bear 399’s life was influential not only in connecting people to the beauty of Wyoming’s grizzly population but also in bringing attention to wildlife conservation and the risks animals face on the roads that intersect their habitats. Her frequent sightings spurred local conservation initiatives, advocating for speed reduction and increased signage on roads near high bear traffic areas. Her tragic death serves as a renewed call for protective measures to safeguard these endangered animals.
In her nearly three decades, Bear 399 symbolized the wild spirit of Grand Teton National Park. She leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire conservation efforts and foster a deep respect for the natural world.
