Grizzly 399 cremated and ashes scattered at Pilgrim Creek in Grand Teton Park

After more than a week of debate over how to end the story of the world’s most famous bear, Grizzly 399 was cremated and her ashes scattered in the place she called home.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced early Friday that 399 people had been cremated and her ashes scattered in the Pilgrim Creek area of ​​Grand Teton National Park.

The beloved bear was hit by a car south of Jackson on Oct. 22.

The most common sightings at Pilgrim Creek were Grizzly 399 and the 18 cubs she raised over the years. And many of her most devoted followers insisted that her ashes be scattered there. They disagreed with the idea of ​​using her skin for a full-length taxidermy mount in a museum.

Jackson local Sue Cedarholm, who along with renowned wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen had been tracking 399 for more than 20 years, was pleased to hear of the decision to cremate Grizzly 399 and scatter her ashes.

“I think it’s incredible,” she told Cowboy State Daily, congratulating FWS, the National Park Service and other agencies and parties involved in the decision.

She said Friday was a gorgeous, clear day in the Jackson area, suitable for 399 funerals.

“This is the perfect day for her to come back to earth. We have a fresh layer of snow, which is great,” Cedarholm said.

“It’s also a little sad because it means she’s really gone,” she added.

Made out of respect

Because grizzlies in the Lower 48 states remain federally protected, FWS is the agency primarily responsible for the bears.

That’s why the FWS took possession of 399’s remains after she was killed, sparking speculation and debate about what could or should be done with the remains.

The decision to cremate 399 and scatter her ashes at Pilgrim Creek was made out of respect for the beloved bear, according to an FWS statement.

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in partnership with Grand Teton National Park, honored the legacy of Grizzly Bear No. 399 by returning her ashes to the Pilgrim Creek area of ​​the park where she spent most of her life,” the agency said.

“Following respectful cremation, the remains of Grizzly Bear No. 399 were transported back to Grand Teton National Park, recognizing Grizzly Bear No. 399’s connection to the area and the interest it has generated among visitors to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem,” FWS said.

“399 will always be a part of this special place,” Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins added in the FWS statement. “However, much remains to be done to ensure that her descendants and all grizzly bears continue to thrive in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We all need to make sure they do.”

This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Mark Heinz can be contacted at [email protected].