399 Forever: A New Documentary Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Grizzly 399

A new documentary, 399 Forever, tells the story of Grand Teton's most iconic grizzly bear and the remarkable following she developed throughout her life. Filmed during what would become her final year, the documentary offers a closer look at Grizzly 399's life and the people who spent years observing, photographing, and advocating for her.

Directed by filmmaker Alex Stavrou, 399 Forever was just released on October 16, 2026, on Amazon Prime Video.

Born in 1996, Grizzly 399 became one of the most recognizable bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Over her twenty-eight years, she raised eighteen cubs and inspired an extraordinary interest in the region's wildlife. Her frequent appearances near roads in Grand Teton National Park made her particularly visible to visitors, offering people from around the world the opportunity to observe a wild grizzly bear in her natural habitat.

Through interviews with photographers, wildlife guides, and conservationists, the film examines the fandom surrounding 399 and what her popularity reveals about the relationship between people and wildlife. It also considers the influence of photography and social media on wildlife viewing and the challenges that can arise when wild animals become widely recognized.

Grizzly 399 died on October 22, 2024, but her influence continues to extend far beyond Grand Teton. Her story has helped bring attention to the importance of protecting grizzly bears and the landscapes they depend on.

In honor of her legacy, Grand Teton National Park Foundation established a Memorial Fund that supports bear conservation and research projects throughout the park. Learn more about how to support this special fund. Thank you!

Wyoming Whiskey is also celebrating 399 with the release of a second edition of its Queen of the Tetons collection, with proceeds from each bottle sold supporting bear conservation through Grand Teton National Park Foundation.

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