BAD CRAYFISHBo Welden
Wildlife Guide · Still Wild / Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures
A wildlife guide who has spent more than a decade introducing guests to Grizzly 399 and the wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Voted Jackson Hole's #1 guide.
A Bad Crayfish Productions documentary · Directed by Alex Stavrou
The final year of the world's most famous bear
Available on Amazon in
October 16, 2026
Photo: Savannah Rose
Poster photo: Savannah Rose
The film
When filmmaker Alex Stavrou began following Grizzly 399, he set out to document the extraordinary phenomenon surrounding the world-famous bear. He had no idea he was filming the final year of her life.
The result is 399 Forever, an award-winning feature documentary coming to digital platforms, including Amazon, on October 16.
For nearly three decades, Grizzly 399 became one of the most famous wild animals in the world. Millions followed the legendary Grand Teton grizzly as she raised 18 cubs and became an unlikely symbol of wildlife conservation.
But 399 Forever isn't only about the bear. It's about the community she created.
The film follows the photographers, wildlife guides, conservationists, and devoted followers whose lives became intertwined with 399, while exploring the complicated intersection of wildlife, tourism, social media, and conservation in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
The bear
A 28-year-old matriarch of Grand Teton National Park, known by the number on her research tag, mother to 18 cubs, and watched by more people than any wild bear in history.
Born in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Later collared by researchers and given the number 399.
Emerges from the den with four cubs, drawing record roadside crowds to Grand Teton.
Struck and killed by a vehicle on Highway 89 in Snake River Canyon. Her final year is the subject of this film.
Photo: Savannah Rose
From the film
Festival run
399 Forever won documentary awards at every festival it played and sold out its screenings at the Center for the Arts in Jackson Hole and in Victor, Idaho.
Screenings & conservation partners
Grizzly 399 was and still is a lightning rod to bring attention to local conservation efforts. At 399 Forever screenings, the film has partnered with JH Bear Solutions, Wilderness Workshops and the Audubon Society to bring attention to local conservation efforts.
The people in the film
Wildlife Guide · Still Wild / Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures
A wildlife guide who has spent more than a decade introducing guests to Grizzly 399 and the wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Voted Jackson Hole's #1 guide.
Wildlife Photographer
A wildlife photographer and advocate who dedicated her life to protecting wild animals after a powerful encounter with wildlife changed the course of her own.
Photographer & Conservationist
World-renowned wildlife photographer and conservationist who spent more than 20 years documenting Grizzly 399 and helped share her story with the world.
Photographer · Watts Wildlife
Wildlife photographer and filmmaker who uses photography and YouTube to build awareness for grizzly bears. One of his photographs of 399 helped raise $40,000 for Vital Ground.
Wildlife Photographer · Jackson Hole Wild at Heart
Jackson Hole wildlife photographer and passionate advocate for grizzly bears and the wild places they depend on.
Wildlife Photographer
A photographer who has spent more than a decade documenting Grizzly 399 and her family while working at the Mangelsen gallery in Jackson Hole.
Author · Green Kids Club
Children's author and environmental educator whose book about Grizzly 399 teaches young readers how responsible behavior can help keep bears and people safe.
Executive Director · Jackson Hole Bear Solutions
Conservation advocate working to reduce human-bear conflict by expanding access to bear-resistant trash containers and other practical solutions.
Wildlife Guide · Teton Science Schools
A passionate wildlife guide and educator who has spent two decades in the valley teaching people about Grizzly 399, grizzly bears, and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Team 399
Wildlife guides who became advocates for protecting bears and educating the public through their years following Grizzly 399.
Grizzly Bear Attack Survivor & Advocate
A grizzly bear attack survivor who uses his experience to educate others about bear safety, preparedness, and coexistence.
Wildlife Photographer, Guide & Conservationist
A wildlife photographer and guide dedicated to documenting the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and advocating for its wildlife.
Grizzly Bear Biologist
One of America's leading grizzly bear biologists, whose decades of research and work on grizzly recovery provide important context for the ongoing debate over the species' future.
Zeke Carpenter·Pam Strickland·Kristin Hayes·Mike Koshmyrl·Amber Sampson·Sylvia Borgonovo·Kurt Kemitzer·Gloria Staub·Rafael Sandoval·Roy Cruz·Jen Ritchie·Dwight Vasel·Jennifer Tower·Bernie Scates·Elk Raven Photography
Keep her story going
399 Forever was made independently. Your support helps bring the film and its message about keeping bears and people safe to more screens.