Remembering Grizzly 399 – The Queen of the Tetons

Grizzly 399 was far more than “just a bear.” She was legendary. She became a symbol of resilience, beauty, and the wild spirit of the Teton Range. Her passing marks the end of an era, and it is with a deep sense of reverence that we reflect on her remarkable story.

Purchase a Grizzly 399 memorial shirt through FLOAT through the end of the year and $8 from your purchase will directly support our work to keep these majestic bears protected.

Grizzly 399, often referred to as the “Queen of the Tetons,” captivated the hearts of many who were fortunate enough to witness her majestic presence. She was not only one of the most photographed bears in North America but also a mother of extraordinary resilience. Born in the wilds of the Teton wilderness, 399’s journey was one of survival, motherhood, and the complex relationship between humans and wildlife.

She was born in 1996 and came to be the bear we know today in 2006, when she first rose to prominence as a young mother with her three cubs. She navigated the challenges of motherhood in a landscape that was both perilous and beautiful. Over the years, 399 became a familiar face in the Teton National Park and the surrounding areas, often seen with her cubs, teaching them the ways of the wild. Her ability to thrive in such a challenging environment became a testament to the strength and intelligence of the grizzly bear. Despite the dangers she faced, including human encounters and changing landscapes, Grizzly 399 remained an enduring figure.

Memorialize 399’s legacy and help to keep grizzly bears across the West protected under the Endangered Species Act with your shirt purchase through FLOAT. This is only available for a limited time and your purchase directly supports the Endangered Species Coalition’s work to keep bears protected.

Her legacy is not just one of survival but of connection. 399 fostered an incredible awareness about wildlife conservation, helping to foster a greater respect for the need to protect grizzly bears and their habitats. Her unique relationship with the public also highlighted the importance of responsible wildlife viewing, education, and conservation efforts.

While we will deeply miss Grizzly 399, her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who admired her, and in the ongoing conservation efforts that will ensure the protection of her kin and the Teton ecosystem.

Join us in honoring and celebrating Grizzly 399 with your shirt purchase through FLOAT this week. The proceeds from the sale of this shirt directly support the Endangered Species Coalition’s work to keep grizzly bears protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Thank you for your commitment to wildlife and wild places.

Sincerely,

Susan Holmes
Executive Director