Friend, we want to share some sad news. Grizzly 399 was struck and killed by a vehicle this week, highlighting the increasing dangers wildlife face today. Her loss is felt deeply, as she was a beloved national icon.

We are heartbroken. However, we are turning our pain into action. The Sierra Club is calling on our loyal supporters to rush an urgent gift to help protect grizzly bears. We are:

Advocating for continued federal protections under the Endangered Species Act.
Promoting wildlife crossings to help animals safely navigate roads and reduce collisions.
Educating the public to foster appreciation and inspire conservation action.

Can we count on you to honor Grizzly 399 with an urgent gift for wildlife?

Grizzly bear sow #399 and her cubs (four)

Remembering Grizzly 399

Dear Friend,

We are heartbroken to share the news of Grizzly 399's passing. She was a beloved icon of Grand Teton National Park and the Northern Rockies. Grizzly 399 was known for her remarkable journey as a mother to roughly 18 cubs over the course of her life and a symbol of resilience at 28 years old. She was a true ambassador of the grizzly species to nature lovers around the world.

Tragically, she was fatally struck by a vehicle, highlighting the dangers wildlife face in our increasingly fragmented landscapes. Human-caused mortality is a significant—and avoidable—threat to grizzly bears and other cherished species.

Grizzly 399’s Legacy

Name: Grizzly 399 – named in 2001 when fitted with a radio collar for research.

Age: 28 – born in 1996, she was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Weight: Almost 400 pounds.

Offspring: Birthed at least 18 cubs in her lifetime, including a rare set of quadruplets in 2020. Her offspring are known to reproduce prolifically, meaning Grizzly 399 has many grandchildren and continues to impact her territory.

Nicknames: Queen of the Tetons and the World’s Most Famous Bear.

The news of her death is sending ripples through the conservation community. News outlets from the Washington Post to the New York Times are sharing this important story. People around the world are heartbroken.

Grizzly 399 was more than just a bear; she represented the beauty and fragility of the natural world. Her story illustrates the profound connections between humans and wildlife. Sadly, her death underscores a growing crisis: the increasing dangers that wildlife face from roads, urban development, climate change, and more.

In this difficult moment, we must unite and turn our sorrow into action. Today, we invite you to honor Grizzly 399 by supporting our efforts to protect this fragile species. Her untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect wildlife and their habitats.

DONATE NOW

Your gift will help the Sierra Club continue our vital work to ensure that Grizzly 399's offspring–and all grizzly bears–thrive for future generations, including:

Pushing for continued federal protections for grizzly bears through the Endangered Species Act, as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers removing these protections due to petitions from Wyoming and Montana. This decision, expected by early 2025, could jeopardize grizzly recovery in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide ecosystems.
Advocating on Capitol Hill and beyond for increased wildlife crossings, we are campaigning for overpasses and underpasses that allow animals to navigate busy roads safely. These essential structures will protect wildlife and enhance public safety by reducing vehicle collisions.
Educating the public about grizzly bears helps to foster appreciation for the species and its habitat. Through events like film screenings, workshops, volunteer opportunities, and more, we raise awareness about their challenges and inspire community action for wildlife protection.

Grizzly 399's legacy is a call to action. We must work together to ensure that future generations of wildlife thrive in safe environments.

Let’s honor Grizzly 399 by taking a stand for the wildlife that inspires us all. Will you make an urgent gift today to support our vital work?

DONATE TO PROTECT GRIZZLY BEARS

Thank you for your commitment to protecting our planet and its precious wildlife.

Sincerely,
Ben Greuel
National Wildlife Campaign Manager
Sierra Club

This email was sent to: [email protected]

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