U.S. Fish and Wildlife radio-collar two of 399’s cubs - Buckrail

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One of Grizzly 399's cubs photographed in September 2021. Photo: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail

JACKSON, Wyo. — Yesterday, an interagency team from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) successfully radio-collared two yearlings of grizzly 399.

The collaring was done in an effort to better monitor the bears’ location and take steps to mitigate human-bear conflicts. After collaring, the two yearlings, along with a third that was not collared, were released together in the presence of 399 and the remaining yearling.

“The Service recognizes the high level of interest in grizzly bear #399, and we thank all of our partners for coming together to do what we can to ensure both the safety of the public as well as the safety of #399 and her yearlings from growing risks of human-bear conflict,” said Acting FWS Regional Director Matt Hogan. “This preventive step will help us mitigate further conflicts to protect grizzly bear #399, her yearlings, and the public.”

In recent days there has been a significant increase in the frequency of the famous mother and her cubs lingering near human residences and accessing human sources of food, including apiculture beehives, unsecured animal feed and garbage.

The FWS reminds residents and visitors that they have the ability to prevent conflicts and food conditioning from occurring.

“It is important that bears do not feel comfortable near human-occupied dwellings. If grizzly bear 399, or any other bears, are in a residential area, people can make loud noises, such as yelling or banging pots and pans, to make bears feel uncomfortable and help move them along,” said the FWS.

Grizzly bears in the lower-48 states are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), meaning management authority for grizzlies in Wyoming rests with the USFWS, working closely with NPS, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and U.S. Forest Service.

For more information about 399 and keeping yourself and bears safe in bear country, click here.

About The Author

Buckrail @ Caroline

Caroline Chapman is a Community News Reporter who recently made Jackson home. Born and raised in Connecticut, she enjoys reading non-fiction, skiing, hiking, and playing piano in her downtime. She is most passionate about delivering and pursuing stories that directly impact the lives of individuals in the community. Her favorite aspect about living in Jackson is the genuine admiration that Wyomingites share for the land and the life that it sustains.