Wyoming’s cherished Grizzly 399 and her oversized yearling cub are making a stunning appearance in some of the earliest video footage of the season.
According to wildlife photographer and tour guide Ryan Kempfer, who captured the footage, both mama bear and her cub, affectionately known as Spirit, are in great shape.
Kempfer, using a spotting scope from a considerable distance, filmed 399 and Spirit foraging in the brush and timber around 5 p.m. on Tuesday.
In the video clip he shared, 399 initially appears alone, scouring the area for springtime treats. Shortly after, Spirit emerges from the right, appearing almost as large as his famous mother.
Kempfer described his sighting of 399 and Spirit on Tuesday as a stroke of luck and perfect timing. He’s no stranger to Grizzly 399, having guided tourists to observe her and other wildlife in and around Grand Teton National Park for several years.
On that particular day, Kempfer and his wife, Kris Kassar, were in the process of moving from Salida, Colorado, to Jackson, Wyoming. They decided to take a break from the move and see if they could spot any wildlife in the park.
Pulling over at the Teton Overlook, Kempfer quickly spotted a grizzly near the tree line. Soon after, a second grizzly appeared, leading him to suspect he had stumbled upon 399 and Spirit.
The pair of grizzlies emerged from hibernation this year after a brief sighting on April 21. Spirit, born last year, has gained attention for his remarkable size, likely due to not having any littermates to compete with, unlike 399’s previous cubs.
Kempfer recognized 399 by her distinctive facial characteristics and mannerisms, confirming the identity of the bears.
As more people arrived to admire the bears, Kempfer shifted into guide mode, allowing others to take turns observing through his spotting scope.
Reflecting on the experience, Kempfer expressed gratitude for the unexpected encounter, describing it as a remarkable gift to witness Grizzly 399 and her cub in the wild once again.
