Grizzly 399 Queen of the Tetons Tribute

Grizzly Bear 399

Queen of the Tetons

Grand Teton National Park

Sadness overcame me when I read the news that day. Our beloved Queen of the Tetons was tragically taken away. Word followed that there was a swerve. A Spirit saved, a Spirit risen. The greatest Mama Bear of all-time would have done anything for her cubs during her time on earth all the way to the end. A candle-light vigil and ashes to Pilgrim. Grizzly Bear 399 is Legendary. Please Rest in Peace. We will miss you and never forget.

Grizzly 399 Tribute

I honor and cherish Grizzly Bear 399 and her cubs with my Tribute. I followed 399 for several years and was amazed how she would love and care for her cubs. Please read my Tribute to the Queen of the Tetons above.

A portion of the proceeds from Grizzly 399 sales will be used to donate metal prints to auctions and benefits for groups like Kiwanis of Belgrade, Hope and the Holidays (toys for kids and holiday food baskets whose families can't afford them), Eagle Mount (Bozeman), school auctions (Belgrade School and Billings Central HS Mayfair Auction), Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (Gallatin Valley) and The MT Media Coalition. My donations in this past year outpaced my 399 sales. Photography is not a full-time job for me, more of a passion thing and a way I can give back and support my local community.

I want to honor and pay Tribute to Grizzly Bear 399. I loved the example she set. She taught us how loving and caring a Grizzly Bear can be and in doing so she taught us to be better humans. Spread the love, not the hate.

Griz 399 & 4 Cubs | 2020 & 2021

The Story of Grizzly Bear 399 & 4 Cubs (2020 - 2021)

"Grizzly Bear 399 is quite possibly one of the world's most famous grizzly bears, especially in the world of wildlife photography. Grizzly Bears are often named by the number assigned by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST). According to the park rangers, Grizzly 399 turned 24 years old in 2020. Life expectancy for most grizzly bears is around 25. So not only were they pleased to see her come back out in the spring of 2020, but everyone was amazed that she arrived with 4 COY (cubs-of-the-year).

Grizzly Bear 399 has had cubs arriving every other year or every third year throughout her life, but never 4 cubs (also affectionately known as the Quads). In fact, it is only the seventh time documented that a Grizzly Sow has had 4 cubs in one birthing.

Grizzly Bear 399 has been referred to as one of the greatest Mama Bears of all time. These captured images are a testament to that. It is just amazing how much love and care that 399 shows her cubs.

I feel honored and blessed to be able to have seen and photograph these amazing creatures."

Montana Photographer Terry Sweeney

grizzly bear 399 and 4 cubs; wildlife and scenic photography; nature photography

Terrence Sweeney Photography

Grizzly 399 Queen of the Tetons Tribute

Grizzly 399 Tribute

GRIZZLY BEAR 399 AND 4 CUBS GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK

Griz 399 & 4 Cubs | 2020 & 2021

The Story of Grizzly Bear 399 & 4 Cubs (2020 - 2021)