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World’s Most Famous Grizzly Bear Emerges With New Giant Cub

grizzly bear
Grizzly bear number 399 and her large cub emerging. Image by Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven

Wyoming’s Grizzly 399, the world’s most famous grizzly bear, has emerged from hibernation once again. Each spring, wildlife enthusiasts eagerly await her appearance. This year, she’s made her debut with a massive new cub, to the delight of her global fanbase.

Confirmed Sighting

grizzly bear
Her large cub peering over to try get a look at the new environment after hibernation. Image by Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven

On late Sunday, Grizzly 399 was spotted with her new cub, Spirit, by seasoned wildlife photographers Tom Mangelsen and Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven. By Monday morning, the sighting was confirmed. The news spread quickly, marking another chapter in the story of this iconic bear. Mangelsen and Vangoidtsenhoven have followed 399 for years, capturing her life through their lenses and sharing it with the world.

Earlier Than Last Year

grizzly bear
2024 family portrait. Image by @suecedarholm via Instagram

Grizzly 399 is known for taking her time to emerge from hibernation, often appearing in April. Last year, she kept everyone on edge until mid-May before showing up with Spirit. This year, her early emergence adds to the excitement. The first grizzlies to awaken are typically the large males, but 399’s appearance is always a highlight of the season.

Spirit’s Growth

grizzly bear
Previous years cubs. Image by Thomas D. Mangelsen

Spirit, born last year, has grown exceptionally large. Many attribute his size to being a solo cub, with no siblings to compete for his mother’s milk. This rapid growth ensures a strong start in life. Grizzly 399 has a remarkable track record with her cubs, having successfully raised a rare set of quadruplets in 2020, all of whom survived to independence.

Fame and Legacy

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Gorgeous 399. Image by @oliver.eickelberg via Instagram

Grizzly 399’s fame extends beyond the wilderness of Grand Teton National Park. Her habit of bringing her cubs to visible areas near roadsides has made her a favorite among photographers and visitors. Mangelsen’s work, particularly his contributions to the documentary “399: Queen of the Tetons,” has cemented her status as a beloved figure. Despite her advanced age of 28, experts believe she will live long enough to see Spirit reach independence next year.

Wrapping Up with World’s Most Famous Grizzly Bear Emerges With New Giant Cub

grizzly bear
399 giving us a good stare. Image by @allieroams via Instagram

The world watches in awe as Grizzly 399 continues to defy expectations. Her bond with Spirit, and her ability to thrive at an advanced age, inspire many. As she steps out of hibernation each spring, she reminds us of the resilience and beauty of wildlife. With each appearance, Grizzly 399 and her cubs capture our hearts anew, and this year is no exception.

What do grizzly bears eat?

Grizzly Bear. Image via Depositphotos.

Grizzly bears are omnivores. They eat both plants and animals. Their diet includes berries, roots, fish, and small mammals.

How large do grizzly bears get?

North American Grizzly Bear in snow at spring in Western Canada. Grizzly Bear. Image via Depositphotos.

Male grizzlies can weigh up to 600 pounds. Females are smaller, usually weighing between 300 and 400 pounds.

Where do grizzly bears live?

Grizzly Bear. Image via Depositphotos.

Grizzly bears live in North America. They are found in Alaska, Canada, and the northwestern United States.

How long do grizzly bears live?

Dangerous brown bear, ursus arctos, approaching on green grass from front view in summer. Strong wild animal with threatening look walking on grass with copy space. Grizzly Bear. Image via Depositphotos.

In the wild, grizzly bears can live up to 25 years. In captivity, they can live a bit longer.

Are grizzly bears dangerous to humans?

Mother bear protects her three little puppies in the finnish taiga, matte style. Grizzly Bear. Image via Depositphotos.

Grizzly bears can be dangerous if they feel threatened. It is best to keep a safe distance and avoid surprising them.

How fast can a grizzly bear run?

Grizzly bear in Alaska.
Grizzly bear in America. By Gregory “Slobirdr” Smith – Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos ssp.), CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40573930

Grizzly bears can run up to 35 miles per hour. They are surprisingly fast for their size.

Do grizzly bears hibernate?

A portrait of a wild grizzly bear.
A portrait of a wild grizzly bear. By Jean Beaufort. Image via https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=300112&picture=grizzly-bear, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=82893998

Yes, grizzly bears hibernate during the winter. They find a den and sleep for several months.

How do grizzly bears hunt?

Grizzly bear
Close-up of brown bear. Image via Depositphotos

Grizzly bears use their strong sense of smell to find food. They are also powerful and can take down large prey.

What is the difference between a grizzly bear and a brown bear?

Grizzly Bear. Image via Depositphotos.

Grizzly bears are a subspecies of brown bears. Grizzlies are usually found inland, while brown bears are coastal.

How many cubs do grizzly bears have?

Grizzly bear in typical landscape of tundra in Denali NP, Alaska, US.
Image by roussien on depositphotos.

Grizzly bears usually have 1 to 3 cubs. The cubs stay with their mother for about two years.

339, the famous grizzly bear did better than the average and have 4 cubs one season.

When are grizzly bears most active?

Grizzly
Grizzly bear.

Image by Simon Hurry via Pexels.

Grizzly bears are most active during the early morning and late evening. They often rest during the heat of the day.

Can grizzly bears swim?

A closeup of a grizzly bear with an open mouth standing in a park. Photo by wirestock_creators via depositphotos.com

Yes, grizzly bears are good swimmers. They can cross rivers and lakes in search of food.

What do grizzly bear tracks look like?

Grizzly Bear. Image via Depositphotos.

Grizzly bear tracks are large and have five toes. The claws are also visible in the tracks.

How do grizzly bears communicate?

The Kamchatka brown bear, Ursus arctos beringianus catches salmons at Kuril Lake in Kamchatka, in the water. Grizzly Bear. Image via Depositphotos.

Grizzly bears communicate through vocalizations, body language, and scent marking. They have a range of sounds for different situations.

Why are grizzly bears important to the ecosystem?

Grizzly Bear. Image via Depositphotos.

Grizzly bears help control prey populations and spread seeds through their scat. They play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their habitat.

Let me know what you think of this famous grizzly bear in the comments below!

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