Michelle Darnell Photography

05/05/2026

10/24/2024

I was devastated to learn last night that Grizzly 399, the matriarch of Grand Teton NP, was hit by a car and killed Tuesday night. I met her my 1st day of my 1st visit to Grand Teton, in June of 2020 when she had just made a debut with her quads.

Grizzly 399 was smart. She figured out early on that the male grizzlies - who would kill her cubs to throw her back into heat - avoided humans, so she raised her broods by the side of the roads in Grand Teton, providing tourists a unique glimpse into the life of grizzly bears. She also figured out very quickly that humans, cars, etc. would move out of her way if she approached so she appeared to have no fear.

With that in mind, I suppose it was inevitable she'd have an unfortunate high-speed encounter with a car eventually. I suppose I was just hoping she'd get up and walk away from it, like her daughter 610 did in October of 2023.

Grizzly 399 leaves behind her yearling cub, who apparently was not injured in the incident, but whose whereabouts after-the-fact are unknown. We hope the cub is big enough to survive on its own, especially having such a smart bear as a mother.

My heart is with the people of Jackson & Grand Teton, and the worldwide community of photographers, wildlife conservationists, and everyone else whose lives have been touched by 399.

07/25/2024

The fire reached the town of Jasper in Jasper National Park last night. My heart and prayers go out to the community and everyone for whom Jasper holds a special meaning. And thank you to the fire fighters and first responders on the ground, trying to save as much critical infrastructure as they can.

This photo was taken 7 weeks ago, less than 0.5km outside of town.

06/10/2024

Maligne Lake

06/09/2024

Maligne Lake & Spirit Island, Jasper National Park

01/14/2024

Happy Sunday, everyone! I hope you are safe and warm this chilling weekend!

11/05/2023

Thank you, Montana Call of the Wild Photography for this share. Happy "Fall Back" Sunday!