A Once-In-A-Lifetime Photo Op... Twice! Grizzly 399 First Appearance of 2021

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[@SteveMattheis]

The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/stevemattheis04211

[@Cruiser_Nomads]

It always amazes me and totally disappoints, why some people would rather kill than watch something live!

[@DebCamPhoto]

I saw 399 several years ago, but so wonderful to see she made it through the winter with all 4. I understand your love and respect for these bears. I photograph black bears often in the Great Smoky Mountains and there are a few favorites I look forward to seeing every year. Your excitement and bear buzz is relatable. Your gorgeous photos of these bears brought tears to my eyes.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@cesarm8811]

So cool Steve, your right the bears are such spectacular animals. Hope and pray that people protect them. Looking forward to your next video.

[@boscomac2434]

399 is a sweetheart! You go girl!!! 👍👍👍

[@bjm260]

399 & CUBS R FULL & FLUFFY. SHE GOT THEM THREW HIBERNATION. WHAT A MOM. TY SO MUCH 🙂 .

[@loricollins3163]

Happy Spring Steve! Glorious Grizzlies on this good day! Yay!

[@Grammyofboys]

Bear 399 is the Princess Diana of the bear world. Hopefully she gets to live her life out though.

[@jerjaws]

The paw tracks one. My fav

[@SteveMattheis]

Me too...👍

[@akountreegal]

Beautiful....Beautiful. Thank you for sharing such a magical moment...

[@edwardslizewski717]

Great photos in a breathtaking place. You were fortunate but you were well prepared.

[@philipculbertson55]

That last shot with 610 and 399, heading toward each other on the two prints was awesome. That will make a great wall display. Really spectacular.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@markmay8942]

I am sitting in a city of 3 million wishing I was in a bear jam. For a few short minutes your videos take me to another place. Keep them coming!!

[@SteveMattheis]

Haha good point...

[@namidem2701]

Impressive pictures of 399 and her quads in the white landscape of snow

[@trolfek]

I got the Bear Buzz just watching this. So, so, special. The Queen. 🐻 👑 🏔

[@tc6912]

Awesome photos. When I watched the first time, I did not realize what a celebrity 399 is. After a little research on her, this video has much deeper meaning.

[@SteveMattheis]

Yep... she's a special bear

[@faerphoto]

Thank you so much for sharing those experiences with us. I'm glad to hear that even after all your encounters, you still feel the buzz. It's magical for sure. I loved the video clips and all the photos. The pair of photos was the icing on the cake. I hope more people can come to appreciate these wonderful creatures and keep them protected. The more people who put out great content like this, the better. Thanks again. Cheers from Maine. :) Paula

[@FengShuiPhysiologist]

Steve - nice work again. I am glad that you shared the chaos of the bear jam. Last summer when they were out was the worst I have ever seen around here. We left Jackson and avoided the parks until November. I fear this summer will be far worse. Thanks.

[@SteveMattheis]

Yep...

[@GeorgeSBlonsky]

Kudos to you Steve.. awesome images..!! ..not sure I could have coped with quite as much decorum as you did when wildlife photography becomes a competitive sport..! all the best.. g

[@verlenelewis9866]

These photos brought such a smile to my face! Got to love that 399 survived another winter.

[@mikeanderson9957]

That was the first time I ever danced to one of your videos. Love the song at beginning. Oh yeah....amazing video as well. Ill be up there first part of June. Hopefully bears will still be out and about.

[@SteveMattheis]

Keep on dancing 👍

[@wattswildlifephoto]

Another awesome video Steve, and phenomenal photos as always. I’ll be spending this whole summer in Greater Yellowstone and I’m really hoping to get to photograph 399 and the cubs myself!

[@SteveMattheis]

Good luck out there

[@veeriabroadcast]

Bears keep me sane during covid, it sounds stupid but I learn so much about them and watching them in the wild is on my bucket list, hopefully I get to see that soon. Thank you for the vdo.

[@TinManLee]

Once a lifetime indeed. The small in frame. Huge congrats!!!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@CanonR5II]

Wow Steve! Those images of 399 and her cubs are amazing, we shared in your bear buzz! ... super happy for you! We are headed back in June and maybe we’ll be lucky enough to run into you again!

[@ninalerner823]

The family is magnificent. Thank you greatly for this great thrill, always, violet

[@susanstevenson8333]

Thanks for sharing the magic! Love the 2012 and 2021 shots. Very cool! You got great closeups on them. Woo hoo!

[@seanchem1]

Really special moments. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@mikecrowley6485]

Unbelievable Steve. You are blessed to be able to see all of these beautiful creatures, and that's before you stop to look at the stunning scenery that always seem to surround you. Beautiful selection of photos again 👍🏻, Why anyone would want to hunt them I do not know.

[@hootbaez6185]

Congratulations, Steve. You nailed it. What a magical encounter that must have been.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@randyschwager2515]

WOW! You are so fortunate to be able to photograph these Bears! Your images are spectacular!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@carolynbetz4449]

Love your video as always. Headed that direction this Fall. My goal is to see 399 and her cubs. Here’s hoping!

[@biologyuppsala5389]

Lovely animals and stunning mountain views. Too bad they had to build a road there.

[@alandearson1270]

Stunning footage of the 399 family.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@Kayahdog]

I think you now have your matched set! I love the simplicity of just the bears and their trailing tracks...nature at its best. Great job, especially under such tight time constraints, but that’s what pro’s do, right? Get the shot.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@TheMrSarcastic]

The Grand Dame of the Tetons. Wonderful news that the four survived the winter! Sadly, I won’t be able to head out this year to see and photograph 399+4.

[@ChrisMosner]

Thanks, Steve. Inspirational and majestic.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@bobcat6653]

Thank you, thank you for sharing this!

[@SteveMattheis]

🙏

[@davidmurphy7847]

Some really great shots Steve.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@filton12]

I have the bear buzz now too.

[@SteveMattheis]

Yes!

[@tamiboelter5491]

I purchased a silhouette of 610 from you. You make magical photos!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks Tami!🙏

[@jamesmonte3165]

Fantastic video Steve

[@bruceleventhal3292]

Holy $h!T! Steve, these are amazing... I love the simplicity of the family on the snow... The one image of the tracks (right to left) with bears on the left is pure magic... Congratulations.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@perrypasloski158]

those are awesome shots, thanks for sharing, what a great experieince!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@tshays189]

OMG, pumped for you! that as excellent!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@birdsofray]

Nicely done, Steve! We missed it by a week. Oh well. Congrats!!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@johndecriscio9586]

Wonderful!!!!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@MarcoValkvideos]

Awesome Steve. Thank you for sharing. What a bear she is! Oh man do I feel homesick

[@themountainwanderer]

Simply fantastic! It depends on a lot on luck. If you can be there when they first appear somewhere and get setup (and they move in the right direction or stay put) you can get your shots. But once the bear jam forms and the rangers arrive you will have tough time getting a view. That's why I hope to get an extended time in the park sometime in the future so that I can get more chances.

[@SteveMattheis]

You know what they say about luck...

[@samdavidson9532]

Unreal!!

[@livetroy]

Nice work Steve!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@MichaelCantwell]

Amazing shots, Steve. I'm planning on being in the area in late August. When will 399 begin to shove her cubs off on their own? Wil she still care for them all this season or beyond?

[@SteveMattheis]

She should keep them for another year

[@MichaelCantwell]

@@SteveMattheis Thanks, hopefully I'll get to see them when I visit. I'd be happy to take ya to lunch while I'm in town. I promise no photo talk, well maybe a tiny bit but not much.

[@jennydanek6530]

Beautiful photos! Making my first trip out in a little over a month. Can't wait.

[@SteveMattheis]

Good luck out there👍

[@ivorgottschalk6432]

Exciting but also makes one appreciate the pleasure of hiking away from any crowds to photograph less iconic species.

[@tc6912]

Ya, I wonder if there are slightly more remote areas that you can hike into to avoid the crowd and see the bears a little more relaxed?

[@SteveMattheis]

Backcountry bears are very risky in the Tetons.

[@tc6912]

My wife and I have started to casually plan a trip up there next May. Our thoughts would be that a paid guide could help us avoid the crowds and minimize the risk. Surely there must be lesser traveled roads or open trails that still keep you a safe distance from the bears. However, I have noticed in other situations that animals do not fear the car until they see the two legged critter coming out.

[@xiaokejia6404]

Amazing!

[@davidbarber9527]

I absolutely Love your channel Beautiful images

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@michelbosman1047]

Congratulations Steve , what an epic shot with the mountains peaks in the background 👌

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@rgs455atw]

Magical stuff !!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@sharonlee782]

Stunning images Steve, how amazing to have both images, that’s pretty special 💜

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@malgosiak123]

Beautiful images of the sweet Bear family on the frozen lake.Great contrast and an amazing nature story. Thank you for sharing!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@mpicxphoto]

I really enjoy watching your videos. Awesome pictures. Greetings from Germany. Stay Safe.

[@hacky296]

Awesome.....just simply awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@DanimalJ3666]

Steve, I noticed you had your shutter speed at 1/1600 for many of your shots, why such a high shutter speed? Do you get blur with a lower shutter and lower iso because they are actually moving faster than we can tell?

[@SteveMattheis]

Faster increases the margin of error, and there was plenty of light to do it.

[@DanimalJ3666]

@@SteveMattheis awesome thank you!

[@CaseyFinnerty]

Awesome photos. Thank you so much for sharing. I'm planning a late July trip to GT. I have my fingers crossed to see 399 & the cubs (and you?) when I'm there. Cheers.

[@sandyvilahu538]

Outstanding! Thanks for sharing. I'm heading to the Tetons in October and hoping to see and photograph the amazing wildlife.

[@naturallyadriftphotoadvent123]

You are fueling the fire with these videos! I can hardly wait to get out there and photograph something other than birds this September! Speaking of I better get the family rolling and head out to Montezuma Wildlife Refuge who knows maybe we'll catch a deer or a turtle too. Grizzlies bears and wolves can't wait!

[@talicoate]

I was there that day too. We got to see 399 and cubs walk right in front of our jeep in willow flats. I usually rent larger lenses for my trips to the Tetons. Since we were just passing through the area this time, I only had a 24-105. Still got amazing photos. I need to look through my photos to see if I have one of you in your car. She was leading quite a parade that day.

[@TheGuitarsadist]

Me and my family are planning a trip to Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier this Octorber for a couple of weeks, is the bear activity normally still pretty good then along with other wildlife. Thank you

[@beths2140]

I have one of your photos in my living room that my son Sean surprised me with at Christmas a few years ago. Now I need a bigger house or at least additional wall space for all my pictures of 399 through the years.

[@Nat_P.]

Why are they calles Grizzly 399/610? What does that mean? And how do you know which is which?

[@deborahselincourt8060]

I saw my first bear last October. I am still buzzing about it. Thanks for this, 399 is gorgeous

[@Livebylightphoto]

This may be an odd question. But do you have any tips on how to get good bear photos from a car? I struggle getting great photos from the car but obviously want to be safe and respectful to the bears

[@elizabethwhite6364]

Wonderful! Magical! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@DeeDeeDIY]

Yay!

[@Brentbrussell]

Those lake photos are off the chart good!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@seantomlinson3320]

Wow Steve. That's so neat to get the similar photo almost exactly 9 years later. What a day.

[@RandyPollock]

Bear highs are the best, mine comes from the Smokies but bears are bears

[@JeffandLeslie]

what a great video. I thought I commented when it went up but it seems like I didn't hit the "comment" button. Love all the images. My favorite is the one with the tracks in the snow and the mama and cubs looking back over their shoulders. I think it was number 9 or 10. That photo really told a story to me. well done.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@SteveHorn]

Great video footage while shooting wish list images is amazing work. I still get the Mattheis buzz. Thanks & Congrats. ✌️Whats up (Isaac)...😄

[@SteveMattheis]

Ha!✌️

[@SteveP_2426]

10/10 Steve, can see why you were buzzed!

[@macmcmillen6282]

Excellent Steve. I've been in that chaotic situation where you're trying to maneuver through traffic, people, etc in a respectful way to try and get into a good position to photograph bears. Not easy at all, especially when flying solo. Did you use the Z 7II for the still photos?

[@SteveMattheis]

Z7ii with 24-200 and A1 with 200-600

[@jasoneldridgephotography]

The Matriarch! I had a chance to see her a couple of times. What an amazing creature she is and her use of the crowds to keep the males away is genius!

[@thomaskolceski4282]

Steve, thanks for sharing another awesome video. I would love to some day experience the “the bear buzz”. The photos were very special and think that you got what you were looking for. Tom

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@neilalmond9354]

Amazing Steve, nothing else to say.

[@laurielavallee411]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@phooesnax]

Great job Steve. What a rush. Jim

[@captainsteve19]

Steve! I could feel your excitement. Absolutely thrilled for you man! magical indeed!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@BraedenRoesler]

Great shots! Love the tracks trailing behind them in the snow. I'm headed down there this week for a few days and hoping they'll make an appearance.

[@SteveMattheis]

Good luck out there👍

[@denniscooper5407]

Awesome video and fantastic images. Looking forward to getting there in 3 weeks. I can only hope to be as fortunate.

[@SteveMattheis]

Good luck out there

[@daviddowling9830]

Maybe a part time rangers job Steve.

[@brucegraner5901]

The video was almost as good as your images of 399 and her cubs and the images were absolutely beautiful. I hope the rest of your outings are as good as this one this year.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@timothylinn]

Magnificent images, Steve! I particularly like the ones on all white. They are all great.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@andyheywoodsphotographya-h7913]

Beautiful place beautiful animals and beautiful photos 📸👍

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@STATTS01]

Incredible photos!! Absolutely love every single one!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@carstenpusch4480]

Great stuff - super video und beautiful fotos - Thanks!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@richproctor7023]

Epic shots of these beauties! I only wish there weren't so many people there harassing them.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@Raevenswood]

Once again knocking it out of the park with the environmental shots.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@blakecook7469]

Great pics Steve, Thanks again for sharing...

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@randygoodsell1533]

Excellent video as usual.

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks!🙏

[@pmbatty]

Fantastic Steve - what a great experience, and great images!

[@SteveMattheis]

Thanks Peter 🙏