Famous Bear, Grizzly 399, Kills Elk Calf on Camera
Grizzly 399 is the world’s most famous female grizzly bear, with her own Facebook and Twitter accounts. Many people track her movements and document her hunts.
Naturalist and guide Rafael Sandoval recently witnessed Grizzly 399 charge at and kill a wild elk calf, capturing the entire event on film.
Sandoval gave permission to the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance to publish the stunning photos on its Facebook page.
The photos show Grizzly 399 and her four cubs running across a rural road towards the camera.
Grizzly 399 spots the elk calf
Then 399 spots a large elk calf and chases it across a mountain meadow. The photos show the bear’s claws as it closes in on the elk.
Finally, 399 catches and kills the calf, and her cubs swarm the fresh meat.
Grizzly 399 closes in for the kill.
In the Jackson Hole Facebook post, Sandoval commented, “As prey species like elk, bison, and deer begin dropping calves, bears switch to more savory menu options.”
Another witness, JoAnne Westbrook, commented, “I am forever amazed at the power of the grizzly bear. It was incredible to see the mother bear let her cubs eat first and ensure their safety. The mother elk crying for her baby was also heart-wrenching.”
Grizzly 399 is skilled at catching newborn elk. In May, she was documented on YouTube killing and eating another calf with her four cubs.
Grizzly 399 resides in Grand Teton National Park and the Bridger-Teton National Forest. She was born in a den in Pilgrim Creek, Wyoming, in 1996 and was given her number by the Yellowstone Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team.
A fresh kill for her cubs.
She stands 7 feet tall, weighs 400 pounds, and can run faster than a racehorse. Despite living near humans, she has never had a deadly encounter with people. The 20-year-old sow has successfully reared 16 cubs.
She stands 7 feet tall, weighs 400 pounds, and can run faster than a racehorse. Despite living near humans, she has never had a deadly encounter with people. The 20-year-old sow has successfully reared 16 cubs.
A skilled hunter, dedicated conservationist, and advocate for ethical practices. Respected in the hunting community, he balances human activity with environmental preservation.