Grizzly 399, the famous Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem bear who died in 2024, produced 18 cubs in her lifetime, but over half have died, mostly due to human conflict. Key fates for her offspring include:

What happened to 399 quadruplets?

In total, 11 of 399's 18 cubs have died, mostly in a variety of conflicts with humans. Grizzly 1058 is the third of 399's offspring to be killed by a car. Grizzly 610, 399's daughter, appeared to have been hit by a car in the Buffalo Valley area in 2023, but she walked away unscathed.

How many of 399 cubs are still alive?

Only eight of 399's cubs have reached adulthood. Current Status: Deceased 1996-2024. One, surviving yearling cub, nicknamed Spirit, whereabouts unknown as of October 22, 2024. Given the bear's age and the time of year, it has a strong chance of surviving on its own.

What happened to bear 399 cubs?

Grizzly 399 with four of her cubs in 2020, including Grizzly 1058, who was hit by a car within the Grand Teton National Park boundaries. 399 is believed to have given birth to at least 18 cubs through her lifetime, though many have died. One of Grizzly 399's cubs has been killed by a car in Grand Teton National Park.

Has Spirit been seen since 399 death?

It was know for at least 36 hours before the accident that Grizzly 399 and Spirit had been feeding on roadkill, but the agencies did nothing to protect the famous bears, he said. There have been no verified sightings of Spirit since the accident. Grizzly 399's fans have held out hope that the cub survived.

Grizzly Bear 399: Is her last cub alive?

Was bear 399 killed by car?

On the evening of Tuesday, October 22, 2024, grizzly bear 399 was fatally struck by a vehicle on Highway 26/89 in Snake River Canyon, south of Jackson, WY. Her identity was confirmed through ear tags and a microchip. Grizzly bear 399 had a yearling cub with her, whose whereabouts are currently unknown.

What is the 3 color bear rule?

The "3 color bear rule" is a popular but oversimplified rhyme: "If it's brown, lay down (play dead); if it's black, fight back; if it's white (polar), goodnight," but official guidance stresses that your response depends on the bear's behavior (defensive vs. predatory) and species, not just color, with grizzlies usually requiring playing dead and black bears needing fighting back if attacked, while polar bears are always dangerous.
 

What to do if a grizzly is charging you?

If a bear charges or appears ready to charge:

1. Stand your ground.
2. If it charges, use your bear spray, when the bear comes within 30-60 feet.
3. If the bear is going to touch you, go face down on the ground, cover your neck and head as much as possible, and deploy your bear spray in the bear's face.

Where is Grizzly 399 today?

Following a respectful cremation, grizzly 399's remains were brought back to Grand Teton National Park, recognizing the connection grizzly 399 had to the area and the interest she inspired among visitors to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Is Blondie an offspring of 399?

She is 16 years old and absolutely no relation/lineage to the famed #399. She does however have a daughter, #1063 also known as Fritter, or Bonita. Last year just after we left Grand Teton Blondie showed up with triplets. She unfortunately did not get to raise those babies as it is presumed she lost them to a boar.

What mile marker was 399 killed at?

Milepost 126, the spot where Grizzly 399 was fatally struck by a vehicle, has been a collecting spot for flowers, stuffed animals and messages since the grizzly's death Oct. 22, 2024. A wooden post engraved with the inscription “399” has served as the unofficial memorial for the “Queen of the Tetons.”

Are 399 quads still alive today?

That means that only two of Grizzly 399's 2020 quads are thought to still be alive. Another male from the quad litter, Grizzly 1057, was killed by wildlife agents in July 2022 near the town of Cora for displaying “dangerous behavior” toward humans.

Was bear 399 killed instantly?

Yes, the famous grizzly bear 399 was reported by authorities as being killed almost instantly when struck by a vehicle in Snake River Canyon, Wyoming, on October 22, 2024, though she initially showed signs of life before succumbing to her injuries and moving off the road. The collision occurred at legal speed limits, and the bear was found deceased near the road shortly after.

What smells do grizzly bears hate?

Bears also dislike the strong scent of pine-based cleaners, but avoid using anything with a fresh, lemony or fruity smell. And never mix bleach and ammonia; the combination produces fumes that can be deadly to both people and bears.

Why do we not eat bear meat?

As most people know the danger of eating black bears is the parasite Trichinosis. Trichinosis is a roundworm parasite that lives in the muscle tissues of large carnivores and omnivores such as mountain lions, grizzlies, pigs, wild hogs, and of course, black bears.

What is the 3 bear rule?

The "3 Bear Rule" (or rhyme) in bear safety is "If it's brown, lay down; if it's black, fight back; if it's white, say goodnight," a mnemonic for how to react in an attack, but it's often considered outdated or needs nuance; generally, play dead for defensive grizzly/brown bear attacks and fight back for predatory black bear attacks, while polar bears (white) are extremely dangerous. Modern advice emphasizes bear spray, making noise, and identifying the bear's intent (defensive vs. predatory) before reacting, as black bears usually avoid humans and grizzlies often attack defensively.

Will bear spray stop a charging grizzly?

Bear spray is a specific aerosol spray bear deterrent, whose active ingredients are the potent irritant capsaicin and related capsaicinoids, that is used to deter aggressive or charging bears. It is regarded as a more effective method at deterring a charging bear than firearms.

Should you yell if you see a grizzly bear?

Bears may also react defensively by woofing, growling, snapping their jaws and laying their ears back. Stay calm. Calm behaviour can reassure the bear. Screams or sudden movements may trigger an attack.

Why are you supposed to lay down when you see a brown bear?

You lay down for a brown bear (grizzly) to play dead and signal you're not a threat, as their attacks are usually defensive (protecting cubs, food, or space), and fighting back escalates the danger, while for a black bear, the advice is "fight back" because their attacks are often predatory, viewing you as prey, not a threat. If attacked by a brown bear, lie flat on your stomach (with a pack on for protection), cover your neck, and stay still until it leaves; the goal is to convince the bear you're no longer a danger.

---