Tribute Service for Grizzly No. 399, the Cherished Grand Teton Bear Fatally Struck by a Vehicle

Grizzly No. 399, a beloved figure in the Teton Range for nearly three decades, charmed countless visitors with her adventures and expanding family tree. Tragically, her journey came to an end when she was hit by a vehicle on October 22 on a highway in western Wyoming. Her passing has led to an outpouring of grief from nature enthusiasts, with many braving the cold in Jackson for a candlelight vigil that was streamed to over 1,300 viewers online.

Bo Weldon, a wildlife guide, addressed the gathering, highlighting the shared journey of grief that the community must navigate. “Although we feel crushed by this loss, we stand together,” he remarked as attendees huddled under the drizzling rain.

Known as the “Queen of the Tetons,” Grizzly No. 399 was featured in a PBS documentary and had an Instagram following exceeding 60,000. She was known to frequent popular tourist areas within Grand Teton National Park, becoming an emblem for wildlife conservation and a beacon for those advocating for the protection of America’s natural areas.

Grizzly No. 399, who was tagged by researchers and known as the oldest reproductive female grizzly in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, played a key role in the recovery of the species. The region’s grizzly population has surged from just over 100 in the 1970s to approximately 1,000 today, thanks in part to her contributions.

Over her lifetime, Grizzly No. 399 had 18 cubs across eight litters, with some of her offspring now being spotted as parents themselves. Following her death, her ashes were spread in the Pilgrim Creek area of Grand Teton National Park—a place where she had spent considerable time.

Jacob Krank, who served as the event’s master of ceremonies, recounted his first encounter with No. 399 from 13 years prior when he drove into the park. “I remember seeing this magnificent grizzly with her cubs right in the road,” he shared. “I could hear her breathing and the sound of her paws on the ground. It felt like she was welcoming me back.” This ceremony was organized in response to requests from the public following her death, with many people expressing their desire to commemorate her legacy at The Mangelsen Images of Nature Gallery in Jackson, a gallery recognized for its bear photography.

The attendees participated in a moment of silence while listening to Louis Armstrong’s rendition of “What a Wonderful World,” all while trying to shield their candles from the persistent wind and rain. Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins remarked, “399 will be a lasting presence in this special place. Nonetheless, we have more work to do to ensure that her legacy and all grizzly bears continue to flourish in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.”

Grizzly bears have experienced fluctuation on the endangered species list and currently remain federally protected. However, some officials in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho are advocating for the removal of those protections as the bear population rebounds. They seek to regain management control over the bears, including limited hunting of the species.

Each year, approximately three grizzlies fall victim to vehicle collisions in the greater Yellowstone region, according to park research statistics. With No. 399’s tragic incident, she became the second grizzly this year to die from such an accident. Authorities have confirmed the death as an accident, with the driver unharmed and not speeding at the time.

In a somber but hopeful note, wildlife experts emphasize that the survival of her cub, known informally as “Rowdy” or “Spirit,” is possible, especially considering that it was not involved in the collision. The yearling’s whereabouts remain unknown two weeks after the incident, but there are expectations that it may adapt to living independently.