JACKSON, Wyo. — After the heartbreak of Grizzly 399’s death, community members have found different ways to celebrate her life.
The Jackson Elementary School has placed a photo of 399 on its Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead ofrenda (offering), to welcome her returning spirit. Día de los Muertos is a national holiday in Mexico that is traditionally celebrated in the U.S. on Nov. 1 and 2.
According to Cal Poly Pomona University Library, many Mexicans believe that the spirits of the dead return to enjoy a visit with their friends and relatives on this day. Every ofrenda includes the four elements: water, wind, earth and fire. Water is left in a pitcher so the spirits can quench their thirst.
Residents have also been paying their respects to 399 by leaving bouquets of flowers in front of a colorful wildlife mural located on the outside wall of Hatch Taqueria & Tequilas on 120 W Broadway Ave. In the mural, Grizzly 399 and her quadruplet cubs are sitting in a river and surrounded by other free-roaming creatures, including swans, mule deer, beavers, wolves, a badger, a skunk and a weasel.
The artist, Helen Seay, said via Facebook that the 32 feet long mural is the second largest wall that she has painted and that it’s “a beautiful tribute to honor the legend, the queen Grizzly 399.”
The project was funded by Wyoming Untrapped as a way to highlight the interconnection of animals in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Wyoming Untrapped Co-Founder and President Lisa Robertson told Buckrail that the year-long mural project was serendipitously completed on the day that Grizzly 399 died.
“On the day we finished it, we had a photographer come to take photos of the mural, and then we heard the news of her death,” Robertson said. “It was surreal that the mural was finished on the day of her death. I went right to the wall and put my arm across 399. Then people started to come to place down flowers. We all mourn her greatly.”
Another altar to honor 399 is located underneath the southwest antler arch on Town Square.
Visitors and residents have placed flowers, photos and teddy bears in front of a lit up sign that says “399.” Passerbys are welcome to take a moment to reflect on her extraordinary life. Each day, the altar has accumulated more offerings, hand-written notes and small bears.
The National Park Service announced on Facebook after Grizzly 399’s death that it joins Jackson Hole community members and all those around the world in remembering Wyoming’s legendary bear.
Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) has asked people, “What’s your 399 story?” on its Facebook page, as a way to share her indelible impression.
“Whether you’ve seen her in person or not, 399 has made a lasting impact on many of us,” GTNP said via Facebook. “Her presence has extended well beyond the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Throughout grizzly bear 399’s life, she inspired many visitors and neighbors to care for wildlife.”
