The Queen Of The Tetons

In the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, a legendary grizzly bear roamed, captivating the hearts of wildlife enthusiasts and scientists alike. Known as 399, this remarkable bear was more than just a symbol of wild majesty – she was a matriarch, a protector, and a testament to the resilience of grizzly bears in the American West.

399's story began in the late 1990s, when she was first collared and tracked by wildlife biologists. As she grew older, her fame spread, and she became a beloved fixture in the Teton landscape. Her 18 years of life were marked by incredible adaptability, intelligence, and a fierce devotion to her cubs. She raised numerous litters, teaching them the ways of the wild and ensuring the continuation of her genetic lineage.

On October 10, 2024, tragedy struck when 399 was involved in a fatal collision with a vehicle on a road near her habitat. The news sent shockwaves through the wildlife community, with many mourning the loss of this incredible bear. However, her legacy lived on through her cubs, particularly Spirit, who was just two years old at the time of the accident.