The Last Time I Saw Grizzly Bear 399

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter: Watching Grizzly 399 and Her Cub Spirit in the Tetons
There are moments in life that leave you in absolute awe, moments that you know will stay with you forever. Our recent trip to Grand Teton National Park gave Michelle and me one of those moments—an unforgettable encounter with the legendary Grizzly 399 and her cub, Spirit.
The Tetons have always been a special place for us, a destination that calls us back time and again with its rugged beauty, pristine wilderness, and incredible wildlife. But this trip was different. As we drove along Pilgrim Creek Road, we spotted a familiar shape in the distance. A massive grizzly, unmistakable in her stature and presence, was moving through the brush. And beside her, a smaller figure—her cub, Spirit.

We quickly found a safe place to pull over, cameras in hand, hearts racing with excitement. For the next two hours, we stood in awe, watching as the mother and cub went about their day, feeding on vegetation along the roadside. It was a peaceful and humbling experience, witnessing these magnificent creatures so close yet so at ease in their natural habitat.
Grizzly 399 is more than just a bear; she is a legend. At nearly three decades old, she has defied the odds, raising multiple generations of cubs while navigating the challenges of living in close proximity to humans. Seeing her in person, especially with Spirit—her most recent cub—was nothing short of magical.

As the afternoon sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the landscape, we finally had to tear ourselves away. We left with memory cards full of photos and hearts full of gratitude. It was a reminder of why we cherish places like the Tetons, where wild creatures still roam free, and moments like these are possible.
Our trip was unforgettable, but that one experience with Grizzly 399 and Spirit will always stand out. It was more than just wildlife watching; it was a connection to something truly wild and beautiful, a moment of respect and admiration for nature at its finest.

Grizzly Bear 399 was one of the most famous and beloved grizzly bears in North America, known for her remarkable longevity, successful mothering, and frequent sightings in Grand Teton National Park. She gained international fame for raising multiple litters of cubs near roadsides, allowing photographers and wildlife enthusiasts to observe her up close.

Key Facts About Grizzly 399:

• Born: 1996
• Location: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
• Legacy: Successfully raised over 16 cubs across several litters, including a rare set of four cubs in 2020.
• Fame: Became a symbol of wildlife conservation and coexistence due to her tolerance of human presence.
• Death: Tragically struck by a vehicle on October 22, 2024, in Snake River Canyon, Wyoming.

Her Last Cub: Spirit

Her final cub, Spirit, was about 1.5 years old at the time of 399’s passing. Biologists believe Spirit has a strong chance of survival due to its size and the time of year being close to denning season.

Grizzly 399’s legacy continues through her descendants and the inspiration she provided to wildlife lovers worldwide. Do you have a personal connection to her, or were you fortunate enough to photograph her?

I’m sorry to inform you that Grizzly 399, the renowned 28-year-old bear from Grand Teton National Park, was fatally struck by a vehicle on October 22, 2024, on Highway 26/89 in Snake River Canyon, Wyoming.

Her yearling cub, Spirit, was not involved in the incident and was not found at the scene. Wildlife biologists believe that, despite being under two years old, Spirit has a high chance of survival due to its size and the time of year being close to denning season.

The last documented sighting of Grizzly 399 and Spirit together was on August 30, 2024.

If you photographed Grizzly 399 and Spirit during that period, it is likely among the last images captured of them together.