The Legacy of Grizzly Bear 399

Grizzly bear 399, renowned as one of the most beloved bears in the world, tragically passed away after being struck by a car on Tuesday, just south of Jackson, Wyoming. At the age of 28, she held the title of the oldest recorded reproducing female grizzly in the greater Yellowstone area.

Affectionately known as “399,” this majestic bear captured the hearts of millions as she roamed along busy roadsides, often accompanied by her playful cubs. Her popularity drew photographers and tourists from far and wide during the spring and summer months. The stunning images of her and her cubs not only graced the covers of numerous books but also adorned the walls of prestigious art galleries. An Instagram account dedicated to her has amassed over 55,000 followers, and a PBS documentary celebrated her as the “Queen of the Tetons.”

“She became an unexpected ambassador for her species, and what a remarkable ambassador she was,” expressed Jack Bayles, co-owner of a wildlife tour company named Team 399, based in Jackson. However, the very fame that brought her adoration also led to her frequent encounters with humans, ultimately placing her life in jeopardy. Her untimely death follows a summer marked by an alarming rise in grizzly bear fatalities across the Yellowstone region.

“She didn’t deserve to end her life in such a tragic manner,” lamented Mr. Bayles.

Historically, grizzly bears faced relentless hunting, trapping, and poisoning, driving them to the brink of extinction in the Lower 48 states. Today, researchers estimate that over 1,000 grizzly bears inhabit the Yellowstone region, which spans parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. In recent decades, these magnificent animals have oscillated on and off the endangered species list.

Many conservationists argue that grizzly bears still require federal protections due to ongoing threats, such as food scarcity exacerbated by climate change and human-induced fatalities, like the unfortunate incident that claimed 399’s life. Conversely, various wildlife managers, especially in the western states, contend that bear populations have sufficiently recovered and advocate for the legalization of grizzly hunting.