Grizzly Bear 399 and 4 Cubs

     "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.  In fact, it is only the seventh time documented that a Grizzly Sow has had 4 cubs in one birthing.  

     Griz 399  has been referred to as one of the greatest Momma Bears of all time.  These captured images are a testament to that.  

     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