Grizzly 399: World's Most Famous Mother Bear, The

Jackson Hole Grizzly 399, the most famous grizzly bear in the world, has been tracked by photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen for two decades, and a new book highlights her importance and the plight of American grizzlies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 05 September 2023
Publisher: Rizzoli International Publications

The most famous population of grizzly bears in the world resides in the ecosystem that encompasses Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Among them, the most visible queen has been Jackson Hole Grizzly 399. Throughout her long life, accompanied by her cubs, she has navigated the intersection between wilderness and human presence. Her harrowing journey has profoundly impacted tens of millions of people worldwide, altering their perceptions of both grizzlies and conservation.

Over the past two decades, renowned nature photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen has dedicated himself to tracking Grizzly 399 and her cubs, capturing over one million photographs along the way. In collaboration with conservation writer Todd Wilkinson, Mangelsen returns with a highly anticipated new volume that brings the significance of 399 and the challenges faced by American grizzlies to the forefront, inspiring readers to join the dedicated army of advocates working to preserve this region of public lands for generations to come.

Jackson Hole Grizzly 399's story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of these magnificent creatures. Born in 1987, she emerged as a dominant female in the Jackson Hole bear community, known for her exceptional size and strength. Her journey has been marked by numerous conflicts with humans, including encounters with livestock and conflicts over food resources. Despite these challenges, 399 has managed to thrive, raising her cubs and maintaining her position as a leader in the bear community.

Through Mangelsen's photographs and Wilkinson's storytelling, readers gain a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by grizzlies in the modern world. The book highlights the importance of preserving wild spaces and the delicate balance between human activities and the natural world. It also sheds light on the ongoing efforts to protect and restore grizzly populations, including habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and public education campaigns.

One of the most captivating aspects of Jackson Hole Grizzly 399's story is her ability to navigate the human-wilderness interface. Despite the encroachment of development and infrastructure, 399 has managed to retain her sense of wildness and her connection to the natural world. She has learned to tolerate the presence of people and has even developed a fondness for certain individuals, such as wildlife biologist Randy Newberg, who has spent countless hours studying her and her cubs.

Through their work, Mangelsen and Wilkinson hope to inspire a sense of awe and appreciation for grizzlies and the critical role they play in maintaining the health of ecosystems. They believe that by raising awareness and promoting conservation efforts, we can help ensure that these magnificent creatures continue to thrive in the wild for generations to come.

Jackson Hole Grizzly 399's journey is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving the natural world. Her story reminds us that we are all interconnected and that our actions can have a profound impact on the world around us. By working together to protect and conserve these iconic species, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and future generations.

Weight: 2082g
Dimension: 286 x 352 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780847899241