JACKSON, Wyo. — A free public event honoring grizzly bears, with a special focus on the legendary grizzly 399, will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at the Center for the Arts.
The event will open at 5:30 p.m. with a screening of the film, “Return of the Grizzly.” The 37-minute documentary is narrated by Jeff Bridges and the story follows the path and challenges facing explorer bears, the young male bears who pioneer new habitats.
After the film, wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen and Kristin Combs, the Executive Director of Wyoming Wildlife Advocates, will share anecdotes, stories and insights from their time observing and researching grizzly bears.
During Mangelsen’s presentation, he will talk about his experiences documenting the life of the most famous bear living right now, grizzly 399. The photographer shared with Buckrail that he has spent 17 years photographing grizzly 399.
“There has never been a bear in history that has beaten the odds like 399,” Mangelsen said. “At age 24, she had four cubs. Less than 2% of grizzlies in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem have had 4 cubs. She’s an extraordinary mom and over the course of the years, has given birth to 18 cubs, and about two dozen of her cubs have gone on to have cubs of their own.”
Mangelsen spoke of his great admiration of this supermom bear in her ability to co-exist with humans for 27 years. He explains that 399’s intelligence is apparent in how she has adapted to her environment.
“In a National Park with millions of visitors, she looks both ways to make sure traffic isn’t coming,” Mangelsen said. “She has navigated all the human lands to survive and has never been in serious trouble. She’s not a garbage bear, she’s avoided trash cans while walking right by them. She’s been a model bear and taught her cubs to be like her. It’s been difficult for her to survive.”
The film’s trailer can be seen here. The event is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the film will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a Q&A.
