Emotional Farewell Tribute to Iconic Mother Grizzly Bear

“She captivated people around the world, inspiring many to learn about the conservation of this important species.”

Those are the words of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator Hillary Cooley, assisting in the ceremony honoring one of the mothers-of-all-mothers in the grizzly bear realm. And while she was given a number rather than some majestic name, her legend will live on in the wilds she called home for nearly 30 years.

As we shared last month, in late October, Grizzly Bear 399 was fatally struck by a vehicle on a Highway in the Snake River Canyon, south of Jackson, Wyoming. Her identity was confirmed through ear tags and a microchip. Grizzly Bear 399 had a yearling cub with her, whose whereabouts are currently unknown.

On November 1, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in partnership with Grand Teton National Park, honored 399's legacy by returning her ashes to the Pilgrim Creek area of the park, where she spent much of her life. Following a respectful cremation, her remains were brought back to the park, recognizing the connection she had to the area and the interest she inspired among visitors to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

At 28 years old, 399 was one of only 12 known grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to reach the age of 28 or older. She is the oldest documented grizzly bear to reproduce in the Ecosystem. Her last yearling was born in 2023 when she was 27 years old. That was her 18th offspring!

Grizzly Bear #399’s life brought global attention to the grizzly population in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service say they will continue to work with partners to find ways to honor the legacy of 399 through education and conservation efforts.