Grizzly 399

Named simply by her research number, Grizzly 399 was the most famous bear in the world. Residing in Grand Teton National Park and the Bridger-Teton National Forest, she was an icon of Jackson Hole. Known as Queen of the Tetons and the Matriarch, she became a beloved symbol of wildlife conservation and the resilience of grizzly populations. Throughout her life she successfully raised numerous cubs, even bearing litters later in life. Her unusual tolerance of human presence allowed visitors and photographers to observe her from safe distances, helping to raise awareness about grizzly bear behavior and the importance of coexistence. Despite overcoming various challenges throughout her life, she was killed in an accidental vehicle collision on October 22, 2024. 399’s life is celebrated as a testament to successful conservation efforts and the enduring spirit of grizzly bears in the wild.

To honor Grizzly 399’s legacy, 10% of all Limited Edition 399 print sales will be donated to the Wildlife Brigade in GTNP. The Wildlife Brigade is a team of trained volunteers and seasonal wildlife management rangers who promote ethical wildlife viewing practices, assist with people and traffic management during roadside wildlife jams, patrol developed areas to look for unsecured food and other bear attractants, and educate visitors about how to keep themselves and bears safe while enjoying Grand Teton National Park. To learn more visit Grand Teton National Park Foundation website.

*Prints available on Fuji Crystal paper, metal or acrylic. Other media is available by request.

*10% of all Limited Edition 399 print sales will be donated to the Wildlife Brigade in GTNP

Grizzly bears 399 & Spirit, walking through a field of sagebrush in their natural habitat. The bears are captured in mid-stride, showcasing their powerful builds and thick, brown fur, which glistens slightly in the soft light. Image by Aaron J Hill Photography. Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, May 2024.

Trekking the Sage

Limited Edition 399 | Artist Proof 39

Trekking the Sage captures the famous Grizzly 399 and her cub, Spirit, in Grand Teton National Park near Jackson Lake Lodge. The mother bear, known for her resilience and role in conservation awareness, stands protectively beside her cub. Both bears are set against the sagebrush-covered terrain, with their thick, brown fur contrasting beautifully against the muted greens and grays of the landscape. This rare and intimate glimpse of Grizzly 399 and Spirit highlights the unique wildlife of the park and the bond between mother and cub.

Buy Now
This captivating photograph features Grizzly bear 399 and her yearling cub Spirit walking side by side through a field of sagebrush. The bears are captured in profile, their heads turned slightly to the left, creating a striking parallel composition. Their thick, brown fur appears rich and textured, reflecting the natural light and emphasizing the details of their coats. Image by Aaron J Hill Photography. Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, May 2024.

Traveler

Limited Edition 399 | Artist Proof 39

Traveler captures the iconic Grizzly 399 and her cub, Spirit, near Signal Mountain in Grand Teton National Park. The mother and cub walk in sync, heads aligned and focused forward, embodying a quiet strength and resilience. The dense fur of the grizzlies contrasts beautifully with the soft, muted colors of the sagebrush around them. This photograph highlights the unique bond between the legendary bear and her offspring, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

Buy Now
This striking photograph captures a close-up side profile of Grizzly Bear 399 in her natural habitat. The bear's rich brown fur is beautifully detailed, with individual hairs visible, adding texture and depth to the image. The bear's head is turned slightly to the right, its nose lifted as if sniffing the air, highlighting the keen sense of smell these creatures possess. Image by Aaron J Hill Photography. Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, May 2024.

Queen of the Tetons

Limited Edition 399 | Artist Proof 39

This close-up image captures the profile of Grizzly 399 as she peacefully roams in Grand Teton National Park. Her face is calm and contemplative, beautifully framed by the surrounding sagebrush which softens the scene. The image highlights her thick brown fur and gentle expression, offering a glimpse into the serene presence of this iconic bear in her natural habitat.

Buy Now
This photo features Grizzly Bear 399 and her cub, Spirit, exploring near Signal Mountain in Grand Teton National Park. The cub appears inquisitive, glancing off to the side, while 399 looks directly at the camera, her gaze calm and steady. The contrast between their rich, brown coats and the light sagebrush creates a natural frame that beautifully highlights their presence in the wild. This image captures a special moment between mother and cub as they navigate the landscape together.

Teton Legends

Limited Edition 399 | Artist Proof 39

Teton Legends features Grizzly 399 and her cub, Spirit, exploring Grand Teton National Park. The cub appears inquisitive, glancing off to the side, while 399 looks directly at the camera, her gaze calm and steady. The contrast between their rich, brown coats and the light sagebrush creates a natural frame that beautifully highlights their presence in the wild. This image captures a special moment between mother and cub as they navigate the landscape together.

Buy Now
In this photograph taken in Grand Teton National Park, Grizzly 399 stands alert amidst the sagebrush, her muscular frame and thick brown coat blending into the natural surroundings. Her head is turned to the side, showcasing her iconic profile against a backdrop of green pine trees. This image captures her strength and presence as the park's most famous grizzly.

Guardian of Grand Teton

Limited Edition 399 | Artist Proof 39

Grizzly 399 standing alert among the sagebrush. With her rich brown fur and powerful build, she looks off to the side, highlighting her strong profile against a blurred backdrop of green forest. The image emphasizes her natural beauty and the rugged habitat she called home, offering a glimpse into the life of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem’s most beloved grizzly bears.

Buy Now

Grizzly 399: The Queen of the Tetons

Grizzly Bear 399, also known as the “Queen of the Tetons,” was the most famous grizzly bear in the world. Born in 1996 in Grand Teton National Park, she became a symbol of strength and motherhood. The famous bear showed us that humans and wildlife can live together. This article tells the story of her life, her family, and her lasting legacy.

Grizzly 399’s Early Life

Grizzly Bear 399 was born in the Pilgrim Creek area of Grand Teton National Park. This park is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Her mother taught her important survival skills. She learned to hunt, forage, and avoid dangers in the wild. The Pilgrim Creek was a good place for a young bear. This area, south of Yellowstone, gave her the start she needed for a long and impactful life.

Becoming Famous

Grizzly 399 became famous in the mid-2000s. She often stayed near roads in Grand Teton National Park. She strategically used the human presence and traffic to protect her cubs from predatory male grizzly bears. This behavior helped her become a favorite of visitors and photographers.

Tourists and photographers came from all over to see her. People shared these pictures widely on social media, making her an international star. For wildlife photographers, she became a dream subject. Many dedicated grizzly 399 photographers spent years following her story.

Grizzly 399’s fame also brought attention to the importance of protecting grizzly bears and their habitats. Her ability to live close to humans without conflict made her a unique ambassador for her species.

Her Role as a Mother

One of the most special things about Grizzly 399 was her role as a mother. Over her life, she raised 22 cubs. This made her one of the most successful grizzly mothers ever recorded and resulted in a large family tree. She also had multiple cubs multiple times.

  • Triplets: In 2006 and 2011, Grizzly 399 gave birth to triplets. 
  • Quadruplets: In 2020, Grizzly 399 gave birth to quadruplets, which was unheard of for a mother grizzly at her age. 
  • Daughter 610: One of Grizzly 399’s triplets. In 2024, someone spotted 610 with her own cubs.

Her cubs were part of her fame. She was often spotted teaching them how to find food and safely cross roads. Some of her cubs, like Grizzly 610, became famous in their own right. These cubs carried on her legacy by raising families of their own.

Grizzly 399 showed great skill as a mother. Human presence often kept other predators away, giving her family a unique advantage. Her success as a mother helped make sure her genetic line would keep thriving in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Challenges in the Wild

Life in the wild is never easy, Grizzly 399 faced many challenges. She had to find enough food and protect her cubs from danger. Busy roads in Grand Teton were one of the biggest risks. Vehicle collisions are a major threat to wildlife, including grizzly bears.

Grizzly 399 also had to deal with competition for food. Other bears, wolves, and even harsh weather made survival hard. Despite these challenges, she adapted and thrived. Her ability to overcome obstacles inspired many people.

The hardest times for Grizzly 399 came during years when food was scarce. Bears need to eat a lot before hibernation, and a lack of food can be deadly. But her determination to survive, even in difficult conditions, showed her incredible resilience.

The End of an Era

On October 22, 2024, Grizzly 399’s life ended sadly. South of Jackson in the Snake River Canyon she was feeding on an elk carcass with her cub Spirit. A passing vehicle accidently hit and killed her.

News of her death spread quickly on social media. Many people shared their favorite grizzly 399 photos and stories. The Fish and Wildlife Service called her death a great loss. The incident acted as a wake-up call to the dangers wildlife face.

Her death sparked discussions about how to protect bears and other animals in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Conservationists called for better measures to prevent vehicle collisions and protect wildlife corridors. Grizzly 399’s tragic end became a powerful reminder of the need for coexistence.

Remembering Grizzly 399

Grizzly 399’s death was heartbreaking. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Grand Teton National Park cremated her remains and spread the ashes in the Pilgrim Creek area where she called home.