People are asking questions in the wake of the death of Grand Teton National Park’s famous Grizzly 399, killed in a collision with a Subaru on Tuesday night.
One of the most-asked is what does it mean for 399’s huge 2023 cub of the year Spirit
The cub wasn’t found with 399 at the scene of the crash near milepost 126 on Highway 26/89 in Lincoln County, Wyoming.
Although Spirit likely would have denned up with his mother over the winter before she kicked him off onto his own, the cub should be OK to make his way now, said Grand Teton park bear biologist Justin Schwabedissen said Wednesday.
“There are no sightings yet” of Spirit since the accident that killed his mom, “although officials are monitoring that area,” he said.
He expects Spirit has a good shot at surviving.
“Based on its size and the time of year being close to denning season, and based on historic data of other yearlings at this time of year, there are high chances of survival going forward for the yearling,” Schwabedissen said.
A Free Spirit
It’s never been clearly determined whether Spirit is male or female, but the world was thrilled when the cub first appeared with its mother in May 2023.
Grizzly cubs typically stay with their mothers until age 2, so under normal circumstances, Spirit likely would have split from 399 sometime during summer 2025.
Despite 399's death, there is cautious optimism that Spirit will survive.
Recent sightings indicate that the cub is in great health, Wyoming Game and Fish spokeswoman Breanna Ball told Cowboy State Daily.
“There is a high likelihood of survival, especially this late in the year,” Ball said. “Based on the pictures our team has seen, the yearling appears healthy and plump.”
Wildlife Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven, who has photographed 399 and her cubs for years, said he also hopes for the best.
“Thoughts are with Spirit, her cub, and fingers crossed she'll be able to have her instinct to guide her to a suitable den in a few weeks’ time,” he said.
Wildlife photographer Savannah Rose Burgess said that she, too, was counting on 399's great mothering skills to see the cub through.
“My concerns for her cub are that I hope he or she can navigate back to the relative safety of the park and den despite the tragic and terrible loss of his or her mother during such a crucial time for their survival,” Burgess said.
“She prepared the cub well for life ahead and I want to cling to that optimism on this horrible day,” she added.
Mark Heinz can be reached at mark@cowboystatedaily.com and Greg Johnson can be reached at greg@cowboystatedaily.com.
