With one cub, Grizzly 399 is the oldest known grizzly mother in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Famous bruin arrives with youngster, the oldest GYE grizzly to bear a litter.

By Billy Arnold
Billy Arnold
Environmental Reporter

Author email
May 17, 2023
May 17, 2023 Updated May 18, 2023
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Grizzly 399 is back. The famed bruin emerged from the forest for the first time this year on Tuesday, flanked by a single cub. At 27, she is oldest known bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to give birth.

CHRISTI WOOD-DUTRO

About an hour earlier, Grizzly 399 had crossed the road.

Her small, newly born cub of the year poked along behind her. When the duo approached a crowd of 60 or so wildlife watchers and photographers, Grand Teton National Park’s bear brigade sent the people packing.

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Delighted wildlife watchers look on Tuesday as Grizzly 399 and her cub of the year cross Teton Park Road.
JILL HALL / COURTESY PHOTO

Delighted wildlife watchers look on Tuesday as Grizzly 399 and her cub of the year cross Teton Park Road.
JILL HALL / COURTESY PHOTO

399 and cub — Grizzly 399 scans her surroundings as her fresh cub peeks around her hind leg in this shot from valley wildlife photographer Christi Wood-Dutro.
CHRISTI WOOD-DUTRO / COURTESY PHOTO

Grizzly 399 scans her surroundings as her fresh cub peeks around her hind leg in this shot from valley wildlife photographer Christi Wood-Dutro.
CHRISTI WOOD-DUTRO / COURTESY PHOTO

Contact Billy Arnold at 732-7063 or barnold@jhnewsandguide.com.

Bear safety tips

A grizzly bear sighting might be on wildlife watchers' bucket lists, but Grand Teton National Park officials remind visitors that there are rules in place to ensure safety for bears and humans.

All of Teton County is now considered occupied bear habitat for both grizzlies and black bears.

“Years of concerted conservation efforts have helped bear species thrive through active management and education,” said Chip Jenkins, superintendent of Grand Teton National Park. “Grizzly bear No. 399 is an ambassador for her species and visitors travel from all over the world to see her and her cubs, so we must continue to implement the best bear safety practices for bears to thrive in the GYE.”

The following information was provided by the park:

Park visitors are asked to secure, or properly store, all attractants that could draw a bear into a campsite or developed area. Ensuring bears do not obtain unnatural foods is crucial to bear and human safety. Once a bear becomes conditioned to human food, risks to the bear and humans increase. Whether you live here or are visiting the area, please do your part to help protect bears.

If you see a bear:

Preferably, park in a pull-out away from the road. If there is no pull-out, park on the side of the road, and ensure you are on the shoulder with all four tires to the right of the white stripe.

Be careful as you leave your vehicle, especially on a blind corner.

Watch for others walking or exiting their vehicles.

Allow the bear space. Stay back 100 yards, or 300 feet, from any bear for your safety — it’s the law.

Secure all attractants to ensure a bear does not obtain a food reward.

Pay attention to and comply with what park staff are asking you to do and be ready to move quickly.

If you are exploring the backcountry:

Be alert and aware of your surroundings.

Make noise, especially in areas with limited visibility or where sound is muffled.

Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it readily accessible.

Hike in groups of three or more people.

Do not run. Back away slowly if you encounter a bear.

During your visit:

Keep a clean camp. Store all attractants, including coolers, cooking gear, and pet food, inside a bear-resistant storage locker or a hard-sided vehicle with the doors locked and windows up. Properly store garbage until you can deposit it into a bear-resistant dumpster.

Never abandon your picnic table or backpack. Make sure someone stays with your food.

If you want a closer look at a bear, use a spotting scope, binoculars or a telephoto lens.

Park in designated areas and never block travel lanes.

Respect all wildlife closure areas. You can view all park closures at go.nps.gov/tetonclosures.

Report any bear activity to the closest visitor center or park ranger so staff can respond swiftly to reduce potential conflicts. For more information about bears in the Tetons, please visit go.nps.gov/tetonbears.

Billy Arnold

Environmental Reporter

Billy Arnold has been covering the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the people who manage it since January 2022. He previously spent two years covering Teton County government, and a year editing Scene. Tips welcomed.