Farewell, 399 (1996-2024): Thank you for all you've done for bears.
399 with her famous foursome in 2020, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA
One of the first Pilgrim Creek crossings in Teton NP
399 and one of her rare solo cubs
Heading up to the den, end of 2021
Rest in peace, 399
399 and her last cub, Spirit, in 2023
Always the great guardian
One of hundreds of road crossings in Teton NP
Grizzly Bear 399, Queen of the Tetons - Forever
Trying to keep up with Mom
"The most famous bear in the world"
Spirit playing with Mom. Be safe, Spirit.
Protective mother in 2021
399 had three sets of triplets between 2006-2013
Are we drinking?
Oh! ... we're swimming...
399 was an attentive mother of 18 cubs over the span of her incredible 28-year life
Welcome to the Get Bear Smart Website
This site was originally created by the Get Bear Smart Society (GBSS), a key founder of the Bear Smart Community movement, including the groundbreaking Whistler Bear Smart program in BC. The Society has been a catalyst in bear education and bear smart communities, helping people manage attractants and encouraging bear managers to choose non-lethal options. GBSS is proud of its role inspiring a paradigm shift in the way humans live alongside bears. The Whistler and other programs continue to serve as a model for other community initiatives. To expand this important work, the GBSS has handed off this site after ceasing operations (27 years!). The Get Bear Smart website is now managed by People and Carnivores … continue
Becoming a Bear Smart Community
See what being Bear Smart means for one small town in Montana.
Explore Bear Smart Resources
-
Live
Bears follow their noses. So the first rule of being Bear Smart is to not attract bears. This starts at home by securing attractants like garbage, birdseed, fruit trees, and pet food.
-
Recreate
Seeing a bear when you’re out hiking, biking, or camping can enhance your wilderness experience. Knowing what to do if you encounter a bear will keep you and the bear safe—and your spirits high!
-
Work
When working in bear country—running a restaurant, drilling oil, or building a house—how you operate makes a difference. You can make your workplace safe for people and bears.
-
Community Initiatives
The Bear Smart Community program provides guidance on how to become Bear Smart—for community members and their towns, cities, subdivisions/HOAs, resorts, or other groups.