Grizzly #399

If you are from Jackson Hole or have visited Grand Teton National Park during the last several years, then you know who Grizzly 399 is. You may even follow her on Facebook or Instagram. She has been followed by many people for years due to her habit of staying near humans to keep her many offspring safe from predation. In May of 2020, at the age of 24, she emerged from her den with quadruplets and her popularity has soared. To date, she has had a total of 16 children and grandchildren.

In the winter of 2020, Jennifer and I were in Jackson Hole the week between Christmas and New Year. We had just come down off of the backside of Blacktail Butte after a little hike in the snow. As we pulled out of the parking lot onto Gros Ventre Road there was a “bear jam”, so we pulled over to see what was going on. It turned out to be 399 with her four cubs in tow, going up Blacktail Bute about 100 yards from where we had just been hiking! They were on their way to their den for the winter. What a treat to get to see them all! She is the true inspiration behind this latest detailed carving.