JACKSON, Wyo. — Grizzly 399 and her cubs are on the move in Jackson Hole. In the last couple of days, the famous bear and her four cubs have been frolicking along Highway 22 and Spring Gulch Road causing traffic jams and drawing the attention of onlookers.
Charlotte Reynolds, communications director at Teton County School District (TCSD) reminded families this morning to be extremely cautious along the bike path and around the areas where 399 has been spotted.
“TCSD received a report of a bear next to the bike path across from Skyline Ranch this morning. Students who will be catching the bus or biking to school along that area should use extra caution and motorist are encouraged to slow down and watch for animals on the road,” said Reynolds.
The 25-year-old griz is undoubtedly expanding her territory as she and her cubs look to pack on weight for upcoming hibernation. During this ‘feeding frenzy’ bears can sometimes act more unpredictably.
Grizzly bears are currently in a state known as hyperphagia in which an adult bear consumes about 30,000 calories a day in preparation for hibernation. With many mouths to feed, the mountain mama is most likely in search of food sources. As residents of one of the most wildlife-rich regions in the United States, it is the responsibility of residents to ensure that we are setting a stellar example of how to coexist with wildlife.
While no more or less important than any other bear, 399 is an icon and very public figure. If she or her cubs were to obtain human food, pet food, birdseed, or any other non-natural food sources, this could put both her and her cubs’ lives in jeopardy.
During the time in which 399 is out and about near town, stay extra vigilant and be prepared to stop. When not interfering with other drivers, use high-beams at night to look for eyes on the side of the road and flash other drivers to alert them to the presence of wildlife.
Proper food storage is also crucial in protecting the livelihood of 399.
“It’s really important that these bears do not receive any food,” said Game and Fish’s Mark Gocke to Buckrail in August.
For the community, that means making sure all attractants are secure. Attractants include pet food, livestock feed, compost, BBQ grills and garbage. Game and Fish is discouraging people from putting out the garbage the night before trash collection to make sure bears do not have access.
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Editor’s Note:
In the risk of putting news out that draws people to the area, it is the belief of Buckrail that a ‘heads up’ will help more than hurt. 399 has made a legacy of being near people and roads without confrontation. She is wily about vehicle traffic and is likely passing along this experience to her cubs.
