We have some family visiting, this being their first trip to the Yellowstone Region. After a day of seeing the Yellowstone tour sights, we took them down to the Tetons. On our way down we told them the story of 399. Our 14-year-old niece was captivated by the story and wanted 399 to be the first grizzly she ever saw. She got to see her first moose along Rockefeller Pkwy, a good look at a yearling coming out of some willows. Across from Jackson Lake Lodge there were lots of cars so we pulled over. 399 had been out, but had been out of sight for about 30 minutes. After breakfast she still was not visible. So we went south and took a hike along with seeing some other sights.
After 4-5 hours we were headed back and came to the Jackson Lake Dam. There were some people on the bridge and we could just barely see 2 bears across the river from the boat Launch area. Our hopes increased after we crossed the bridge as we could see several large groups of people down by the river looking across to the area where we saw the 2 bears. The parking lots were coned off, but we found a spot along the road and started to walk to the river. As we rounded a curve, we could see the 2 bears. After putting the binoculars on them, we could confirm it was 399 and her yearling cub, "Spirit". Our niece was so excited especially after I set up the scope and had a real good look at them! She got her wish!!
It was so great to see them in this setting. Although there were quite a few people, there was plenty of room to spread out. They were fairly close, but across the river so there was not threat to them or people trying to get close enough for a selfie. They were grazing and seemed very relaxed--just being bears. 399 looks great for a 28-year-old bear and the cub is quite large, about 3/4 the size of his Mama. What a great first trip to the Tetons for the relatives!
May 24 399 is Alive and Well
Re: May 24 399 is Alive and Well
There were zero bear jams in that area for 4 of the days we were in that area.
No one sitting along the highway watching for them, not even the die hard followers of 399. She and her cub must be out of that area and they were keeping it quiet.
No one sitting along the highway watching for them, not even the die hard followers of 399. She and her cub must be out of that area and they were keeping it quiet.
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karenandbill
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- Joined: Thu Apr 30, 2020 10:55 am
Re: May 24 399 is Alive and Well
Sorry you weren't able to see her. I've heard that typically when the weather warms up, she heads to the high country. Not sure where, but most of the grizzlies are gone now, even in Yellowstone. However, we did see a young adult on Saturday in Hayden grazing in the still-green grass fairly close to the road. Also we just missed seeing "Raspberry" with her cub out by Yellowstone Lake. But usually we don't see then that low this time of year.
--Bill
--Bill