The ashes of iconic Grizzly Bear 399 were returned to the Pilgrim Creek area of Grand Teton National Park on Friday, November 1, through a partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the park. The return acts to recognize the bear’s connection to the area and the passions she sparked among the visitors of the park.
“399 will always be part of this special place. However, there is still work to do to ensure her descendants and all grizzly bears continue to thrive in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. It’s up to all of us to make sure they do.” – Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins
Grizzly Bear 399 was killed in a vehicle collision on October 22, shocking the world inspired by her. She did have a yearling at the time, which has not yet been located. However nothing indicates that the young bear was struck in the accident and, given the bears age, the chance of surviving alone seems strong. No plans are in place to capture the animal.
“Grizzly bear #399 captivated people around the world, inspiring many to learn about the conservation of this important species. We received an outpouring of appreciation for #399 and aimed to honor these sentiments in handling her remains.” – Hilary Cooley, Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Grizzly Bear 399 was born in 1996 and had garnered a large following around the world with 54.7k people following an Instagram dedicated solely to her. According to that page, she’s had 28 cubs and grand cubs, including a set of four in 2020.
“The National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will continue to work with partners to find ways to honor the legacy of grizzly bear #399 through education and conservation efforts.” – NPS