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The most famous bear attempts to raise four cubs in “Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons” on NATURE – May 8 at 8 pm


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Nature Examines the Plight of the American Grizzly Bear Through the Eyes of Its Most Famous Representative,
“Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons”

New documentary premieres Wednesday, May 8 at 8 pm on PBS, pbs.org/nature, YouTube and the PBS App

 

Grizzly 399's and her three cubs walk down a dirt road in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.
Teton Rush Hour

Known only by her research number, Grizzly 399 has been a fixture in Grand Teton National Park since 2007, becoming the world’s most famous — and photographed — grizzly bear in the world. Now 399 is raising four new cubs in the face of human encroachment, a warming
climate, and the threat of losing protection under the Endangered Species Act. Witness a riveting story full of twists and turns, hope and heartbreak in Nature—Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons, premiering Wednesday, May 8 at 8 pm on PBS, pbs.org/nature, YouTube and the PBS App.

From producers Lucky 8 and Elizabeth Leiter, the film explores 399’s life through those closest to her, including world-renowned nature photographer Thomas Mangelsen, grizzly biologists, National Park Service rangers, local ranchers and more. The stakes for 399 and her progeny are higher than ever as Wyoming, Idaho and Montana seek to remove grizzlies from the endangered species list, which would make it legal to hunt them. Nature—Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons examines the urgent and contentious debate over the future of the iconic
American species through the life of one exceptional mama bear, who stands as a symbol of the clash between humans and the wild.

Grizzly bear cub walking through a meadow in Grand Teton National Park.
Grizzly bear cub walking through a meadow in Grand Teton National Park.

“The story of 399 offers a wonderful window into the life of the modern American grizzly, but it also intersects with so many urgent issues facing wildlife and the environment today, from climate change to the potential delisting that will have a massive impact on grizzlies in this
region,’ said Executive Producer Kim Woodard. “We were proud to work with Elizabeth to bring the legend of 399 to life in a film that aims to be as thought-provoking as it is engaging and inspirational.”