Jackson Hole Mourns Beloved Grizzly 399, a Legendary Figure in Wildlife Conservation

Jackson Hole and wildlife enthusiasts worldwide are mourning the death of Grizzly 399, an iconic 28-year-old grizzly bear, whose presence inspired a loyal following and sparked international media coverage, Wyo File reports.

Renowned for her resilience and adaptability, 399 spent years captivating the public with her survival skills and devotion to raising her cubs amidst the bustling roadsides of Grand Teton National Park. Her passing, caused by a vehicle accident in Snake River Canyon, has left a profound impact on those who followed her life and legacy.

Tom Mangelsen, a wildlife photographer who documented Grizzly 399 for nearly two decades, was deeply affected by the loss. While driving with friend Julia Nell, he received word of her death. The news triggered what Nell described as “animalistic” grief, as Mangelsen mourned the bear he had watched and photographed for so long. Nell and Mangelsen joined friends and fellow enthusiasts at his home over the weekend to celebrate the life of the remarkable bear, sharing memories and reflecting on the bonds forged through countless encounters with her.

For 18 years, Mangelsen observed Grizzly 399 as she navigated life on a busy, often hazardous landscape. With her unique presence in the valley and her road-side cub rearing, she grew from a “minor celebrity” into a globally known figure. As an ambassador for her species, Grizzly 399 became a symbol of resilience, inspiring advocates, researchers, and photographers alike. Her calm tolerance of onlookers and her ability to avoid human conflict made her story a singular chapter in grizzly conservation.

Tributes poured in from conservationists, photographers, and park staff who had come to view Grizzly 399 as a beloved ambassador. Tyler Brasington, a ranger in Grand Teton National Park, described her as embodying the traits of resilience, adaptability, and tolerance.

“She taught me the importance of resilience,” Brasington said.

He noted how she became a mirror for people seeking to learn about grizzly behavior and themselves. Wildlife activist Ann Smith echoed this sentiment, describing the connection she felt after tracking the bear for nearly 20 years.

“It’s probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with in my life,” she remarked.

Smith underscored the unique place 399 held in the hearts of those who had grown to see her as part of their lives.

Grizzly 399’s life was not without hardship. She raised 18 cubs, some of whom were lost to road accidents. She weathered encounters with human developments that threatened her natural habits, adapting to new food sources that included human-related options, a shift that worried wildlife officials. In one instance, federal wildlife officials even dispatched a special team to prevent conflicts as she wandered near developed areas. While her unique case prompted cautious oversight, these protections were not extended to her offspring, who encountered more difficulties as they dispersed.

Her longevity and resilience, however, were marked by several record-breaking feats. At age 24, she emerged from hibernation with four cubs, an exceptionally rare litter size for a grizzly. Three years later, at 27, she again defied odds, emerging with a single cub and setting a record as the oldest known grizzly in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to bear a litter.

Grizzly 399’s influence reached beyond Jackson Hole. International media outlets shared news of her passing, a testament to her impact on the global conversation about wildlife conservation. As a result of her fame, advocacy groups, including Mangelsen’s “Shoot ‘em with a camera” campaign, successfully promoted non-lethal conservation methods. Her life spurred discussions on grizzly protections, and in 2018, her presence even led to proposals for no-hunting zones along the eastern boundary of Grand Teton National Park.

In the wake of her death, the Jackson Hole community has organized a candlelight vigil to honor her memory, scheduled for Saturday at the Jackson Town Square. Friends and fans continue to advocate for her legacy, urging a dignified remembrance for the bear who became a conservation icon. Many hope her ashes will be scattered in Teton Park, where she spent much of her life, as a fitting tribute to the beloved grizzly who inspired so many to appreciate the natural world.