For nearly three decades, Grizzly Bear 399 embodied the resilience, adaptability, and wild beauty of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. As the most famous grizzly in the world, she offered an extraordinary and rare window into the life of a wild bear—and in doing so, inspired millions.
Born in 1996, Grizzly 399 raised at least eighteen cubs over the course of her life, many of them in visible areas within Grand Teton National Park, where visitors from around the world had the unforgettable opportunity to witness her in her natural habitat. From emerging with a rare four-cub litter during the COVID-19 pandemic to successfully raising a cub at the record age of 24, 399 became a symbol of endurance and maternal strength.
399's fame also brought to light the real challenges grizzlies face in a modern, human-dominated landscape. Of her eighteen known cubs, ten have died—many from human-related causes such as vehicle collisions or management removals due to conflicts. In the final years of her life, 399 traveled far beyond the park’s boundaries in search of resources, underscoring the reality that Grand Teton alone is not enough to contain a grizzly’s range. These wide-ranging animals rely on ecosystem-scale conservation efforts and cross-jurisdictional cooperation to survive.
Carrying Her Legacy Forward
Grizzly 399’s story is not just one of individual significance—it represents a broader movement toward coexistence. As the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem continues to support a growing population of grizzly bears, programs like the Wildlife Brigade and Bear Wise Jackson Hole play a critical role in educating communities, investing in bear-resistant infrastructure, and helping prevent conflicts between people and wildlife.
To continue this important work and honor the enduring legacy of Grizzly 399, Grand Teton National Park Foundation has created the 399 Memorial Fund—a permanent fund dedicated to advancing bear conservation and education in Grand Teton National Park and the surrounding region.
This fund supports:
- Bear Conservation Initiatives – Including research and the installation of bear-resistant infrastructure to keep both wildlife and people safe.
- The Wildlife Brigade – A dedicated team that helps manage wildlife viewing opportunities, educates visitors on responsible bear behavior, and promotes safety for all.
- Bear Wise Jackson Hole – A collaborative program that works with local agencies and communities to prevent human-bear conflicts through outreach, education, and tools for safe coexistence.
By contributing to the 399 Memorial Fund, you can help continue the work that conserves bears like 399 in Grand Teton and throughout the Greater Yellowstone. Together, we can ensure that her legacy inspires future generations to protect and cherish these magnificent creatures. Over time, our goal is to have this fund become an endowment to honor 399 in perpetuity. Click here to learn more and donate today. Thank you!