Oldest grizzly found in Wyoming

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

Recently, biologists in Yellowstone National Park discovered the oldest male grizzly bear ever recorded in the park’s history.  

Bear 168 was 34 years old when he was euthanized by park officials. Male grizzly bears lived to be an average of 22 years while females have been recorded living to 30. 

Bear 168 was tattooed by park officials with his identification number in 1989, when he was approximately three years old. 

When he was discovered he weighed about 170 pounds, which is approximately 270 pounds lighter than the average adult male grizzly bear.  

He had three teeth left and was unable to eat or hunt. He was found attacking cattle by latching on to them and using the pressure of his jaw to break bones.  

Female grizzly bear 399 from Grand Teton National Park is currently 24 years old and many believe she might live to be one of the oldest grizzlies in history. Despite her age she raised four cubs this year and has raised 12 others.  

Yellowstone has been managing to increase their grizzly bear population since 1983 with the establishment of bear management areas meant to draw bears away from the direct human population. 

In 2019 the grizzly bear population in Yellowstone National Park was 728 grizzly bears.