A 20-year old female grizzly, known as Grizzly 399, makes headlines once again. She makes her territory in Grand Teton National Park and the adjoining national forest. How popular is she? Well she is the only grizzly bear I know of with their own social media accounts.
399 was born in Pilgrim Creek, Wyoming in 1996 and has reared sixteen cubs in her lifetime. Currently she has four yearly cubs in her care. 399 is unique in multiple ways. First, she regularly gives birth to triplets when most bears give birth to single cubs or twins. Secondly, she seems to have decided it is safer to be near humans rather than away from them.
It is no doubt that these two components are part of what make her so famous.
For Grizzly 399 she is currently making headlines for being filmed while killing an elk calf with her cubs. At 7 feet tall and 400 pounds this mama bear knows how to hunt. As a result she passes this knowledge onto each set of cubs.
Since her early years Grizzly 399 has been seen teaching her cubs how to hunt calves. In some cases this has even happened in plain sight near Jackson Lake Lodge.
As previously stated she also spends time near roads. This also tends to allow to public to keep an eye on her activities. Unlike many bears that become comfortable around humans, 399 has rarely had any incidents. By incidents of course I mean negative confrontations with humans.
Regardless of Grizzly 399’s celebrity status you should always err on the side of caution. She is still a wild bear and a protective mother. Keep your distance and enjoy safely.
Have you ever seen a wild grizzly bear? Do you follow Grizzly 399? Let us know in the comments!
