One of the most famous grizzly bears in the world died last month in a vehicle collision. Late last week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in partnership with Grand Teton National Park, honored the legacy of Bear 399 by returning her ashes to the Pilgrim Creek area of the park, where she spent much of her life.
Dozens of wildlife lovers gathered in a candlelight vigil in Jackson, Wyoming to honor Bear 399’s legacy. According to AP, some 1,300 others watched online.
After several speaker remarks, vigil-goers were invited to light their candles and observe 399 seconds of silence in honor of Bear 399. Local performer Lynnette Turner-Parry ended the vigil with an a cappella performance of “What a Wonderful World.”
In her 28 years, Bear 399 birthed 18 cubs, including her latest that was nearby when she was struck and killed. Although the cub has not been spotted since the collision, experts are saying the yearling has a strong chance of surviving independently, and there are no current plans to capture it.
Bear 399 had a tendency to stay near the road but never developed aggressive behavior toward the thousands of humans that watched her every move. This quickly led to her becoming a fan favorite in Grand Teton.
“Grizzly bear #399 captivated people around the world, inspiring many to learn about the conservation of this important species,” said Hilary Cooley, Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
After the accident, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service received considerable public interest on how to honor the bear’s legacy. Taking into account the range of thoughts shared by the public, as well as operational and safety considerations, wildlife managers cremated her remains and returned them to her natural habitat.
“399 will always be part of this special place,” said Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “However, there is still work to do to ensure her descendants and all grizzly bears continue to thrive in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. It’s up to all of us to make sure they do.”
Bear 399’s life brought global attention to the grizzly population in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and underscored the unique opportunity and responsibility to coexist with these iconic animals. Learn more about coexisting with grizzly bears at https://igbconline.org/be-bear-aware/.
