JACKSON, Wyo. — Within 24 hours of the announcement of Grizzly 399’s death on Wednesday, Oct. 23, Buckrail readers have started sharing their favorite moments with the iconic mama bear. The slideshow of photos below shows what an icon she was.
The outpouring of love for 399 is a testament to how meaningful her life was to so many.
399 and her Spirit in May 2024. Photo: Josh Campos 
Photo: Madison Webb Photography 
Photo: Madison Webb Photography 
Photo: Madison Webb Photography 
Photo: Madison Webb Photography 
Photo: Emily Paige 
Photo: Emily Paige 
Photo: Emily Paige 
Photo: BB’s Blog 
Photo: BB’s Blog 
Photo: BB’s Blog 
399 and her four cubs near the Moran Junction in 2020. Photo: Valerie Goettler 
399 and her four cubs near the Moran Junction in 2020. Photo: Valerie Goettler 
Photo: Ann Smith 
Photo: BB’s Blog 
Photo: Barbara S 
Photo: Barbara S 
399 and her Spirit in May 2024. Photo: Josh Campos 
399 in Redtop area in May 2024. Photo: John Patton 
399 in Redtop area in May 2024. Photo: John Patton
Grizzly 399 surprised the world when she came out of her den with quadruplet cubs in the spring of 2020. At the height of her fame, she traveled around the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem with her large brood, teaching them how to survive. This video below captures 399 and her four cubs navigating through snowy sagebrush.
A mother and a grandmother, 399 defied the odds by living to the ripe old age of 28. She bore 18 cubs since 2004, with eight who reached adulthood, according to Wildlife Photographer Thomas Mangelsen. Her yearling cub Spirit is believed to have survived her. The National Park Service has been monitoring the area for his whereabouts.
