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Grizzly 399’s Legacy Returns: On November 1, 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in partnership with Grand Teton National Park, honored the legacy of grizzly bear #399 by returning her ashes to the Pilgrim Creek area of the park, where she spent much of her life.
On November 1, 2024, Grand Teton National Park welcomed back the spirit of one of its most beloved and iconic inhabitants, grizzly bear #399. In partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the park brought #399’s ashes back to her home in the Pilgrim Creek area, where she had spent the majority of her remarkable 28-year life, captivating visitors from around the world. Her return to this beautiful, rugged landscape was a tribute not only to the bear herself but to her role in the story of grizzly conservation in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE).
Grizzly 399 leads her four cubs across Pilgrim Creek in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming on June 6, 2020, showcasing the enduring legacy of this iconic bear and her contribution to grizzly conservation.
This somber event followed an accidental vehicle collision that claimed the life of grizzly #399 just days earlier, on October 22, 2024. The collision occurred around 40 miles south of Grand Teton, leaving park officials and wildlife managers to decide how best to honor this extraordinary bear’s legacy. With input from the public, who had been deeply affected by the loss, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opted to cremate her remains and return her to her natural home.
“399 will always be a part of this special place,” said Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins. His words were a reflection of the many ways #399 had made an impact—on her habitat, her species, and the countless people who had witnessed her life unfold in the wild. Jenkins continued, “However, there is still work to do to ensure her descendants and all grizzly bears continue to thrive in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. It’s up to all of us to make sure they do.”
Grizzly #399 was not just any bear; she was a powerful symbol of grizzly resilience, known for her remarkable longevity and mothering abilities. She was one of only 12 grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem documented to live past the age of 28, making her a rare survivor among her species. She even became the oldest documented bear to give birth in the ecosystem, delivering her last cub in 2023 at the age of 27. Over the course of her life, she raised 18 cubs, helping to build a stronger and more resilient grizzly population in the area. Her dedication to her offspring made her not only a subject of admiration but a critical contributor to the GYE’s grizzly bear population.
Grizzly 399 and cubs in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.
Hilary Cooley, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator, reflected on #399’s ability to captivate the world. “Grizzly bear #399 captivated people around the world, inspiring many to learn about the conservation of this important species,” Cooley said. “We received an outpouring of appreciation for #399 and aimed to honor these sentiments in handling her remains.” Her words resonate with the thousands who have visited the park and spotted #399, often accompanied by her cubs, strolling along well-traveled paths, showing a side of grizzly life that people rarely witness up close.
However, #399’s death also underscores a significant and growing challenge in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem: the conflict between human activities and wildlife. Grizzly bear #399’s tragic accident is part of a wider pattern, as vehicle collisions have increasingly claimed grizzly lives. Between 2009 and 2023, 49 grizzly bear fatalities resulted from vehicle strikes in the ecosystem, averaging about 3.3 grizzly deaths per year. These statistics highlight the fragility of the balance between human presence in these lands and the safety of the wildlife that call it home. In 2024 alone, including #399’s passing, two grizzlies have been killed by vehicles in the region.
For those wondering about #399’s offspring, the bear’s most recent yearling, born just last year, has yet to be spotted following the accident. While concerns linger for the young bear’s safety, wildlife experts believe the yearling has a strong chance of survival. With an instinctual knowledge gained from months by its mother’s side, the yearling is likely capable of foraging and finding its way through the colder months ahead. For now, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided not to intervene or capture the bear.
As the park community mourns, attention shifts to what comes next for grizzly bears in the GYE. The National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are focusing on education and conservation initiatives, hoping to carry forward #399’s legacy by promoting coexistence. The park encourages visitors and the public to learn about safety practices, such as bear-aware techniques, that help protect both humans and wildlife. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is a delicate environment, and ensuring its future as a sanctuary for grizzlies requires responsible behavior from everyone who visits.
The loss of #399 is a poignant reminder of the work yet to be done to preserve these ecosystems. Over the years, #399’s life illustrated the highs and lows of grizzly conservation. Her journey from cub to elder, each year producing and raising more cubs, symbolized hope for a thriving grizzly population. Her presence in the ecosystem, like many of her descendants, was a testament to the success of collaborative conservation efforts.
Grizzly bears like #399 are not only fascinating creatures but also essential components of their environment. Their behaviors, from foraging to territory-marking, play a role in maintaining ecological balance. Long-lived and successful mothers like #399 contribute disproportionately to the health of grizzly populations, passing along critical survival skills and helping to ensure future generations. With her loss, we are reminded of the challenges and the importance of safeguarding these keystone species.
Despite the tragedy, #399’s legacy lives on through the conservation efforts she inspired. Organizations like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service remain committed to protecting grizzly habitats, mitigating vehicle collision risks, and raising awareness among park visitors and local communities. Wildlife corridors and improved signage are among the practical measures being pursued to help reduce grizzly-vehicle incidents.
Visitors to Grand Teton and the surrounding areas have a rare privilege: a chance to witness grizzlies like #399 and learn about these bears’ vital role in the ecosystem. Yet, with that privilege comes a shared responsibility to respect the bears’ habitat and contribute to a future where humans and wildlife can thrive together. As part of her enduring legacy, #399 has inspired conservationists, tourists, and local communities alike to reflect on their connection to nature and the importance of protecting it for generations to come.
Grizzly bear #399’s final resting place in Pilgrim Creek feels fitting, a place filled with her memories—where she taught her cubs to hunt, navigate the land, and interact with their environment. For those who have followed her life and legacy, she leaves a powerful example of resilience and the delicate balance of life in the wild. The return of her ashes to her homeland is a celebration of that balance and a reminder of our duty to protect it.
What to Read Next:
In Memoriam: Grizzly Bear 399 – A Legacy of Wilderness and Wonder
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Massachusetts Man Survives Grizzly Bear Attack in Grand Teton National Park
Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons – A Roaring Tale of Resilience and Conservation
