Intersection Column | The Grizzly Bear That Inspired It All

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

In 2018, five women in Jackson, Wyoming, launched a campaign called Shoot 'Em With a Camera—Not a Gun to protect the grizzlies of Grand Teton, especially one very famous bear—#399.

Known as the Queen of the Tetons, Grizzly #399 had captured the public’s heart. She became famous for her remarkable ability to raise multiple litters of cubs, often bringing them near roads and people—an unusual strategy that may have helped protect them from aggressive male grizzlies. Defying the odds, she lived well beyond the typical lifespan of a wild bear, continuing to raise cubs even into her late 20s. Her maternal instincts have been truly astonishing—she even taught her cubs to look both ways before crossing the road.

Let’s back up a little. In 2017, grizzlies lost their endangered species protections, and the following year, Wyoming approved its first grizzly hunt in 44 years, allowing 22 bears to be taken. Within park boundaries, the bears were safe. But step beyond them and they were fair game for hunters.

When word spread that a trophy hunter wanted #399 for his living room rug, these five women sprang into action. Nearly 7,000 non-hunters applied for tags, including Jane Goodall and wildlife photographer Thomas Mangelsen. Then, just as the hunt loomed, a federal judge restored protections for Yellowstone grizzlies, ending the threat.

That captivating story introduced me to Grizzly #399. I started following her on Instagram (yes, she has an account—she says typing with claws is hard). An idea sparked. I traveled to Grand Teton National Park to research, hike, soak in the wild beauty and watch grizzlies… from a safe distance.

And I could see it—the story.

Kate Cunningham, a zoo photographer, lands the opportunity of a lifetime: capturing a legendary bear like #399 in the wild. She believes she just needs to "capture the moment"—snap the perfect shot—but soon realizes that photographing wildlife is far more than good timing. It’s unpredictable, dangerous… and full of surprises. Including a seasoned ranger with a soft spot for Kate. And a poacher who’s trying to beat Kate’s camera for the best shot.

That story became Capture the Moment. The cover says it all—look closely, and you’ll spot a grizzly in the camera lens.

The bold and clever stand of those five women in Jackson, Wyoming—to stop a beloved bear from becoming a trophy—was what first grabbed my attention and, ultimately, sparked this book. Their fight wasn’t just about saving #399; it was about protecting something wild and irreplaceable. Kate begins her journey believing she’s just there to observe, to capture a perfect shot. Soon, she learns that some moments can’t just be captured. They have to be fought for. And like those women, she has to decide how far she’s willing to go to protect what matters most. And now I can’t wait to share Kate’s journey with you.

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About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christy Award finalist, a Carol and Selah winner, a two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, and Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of more than forty books. Her genres include contemporary and historical romances, Amish romance, and women’s fiction. She and her husband live in a small town in California. She has four grown children and enough grandchildren to keep her young. Visit Suzanne at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

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About the Book

If photographer Kate Cunningham can snag a unique photo of a legendary bear in Grand Teton National Park, National Geographic just might publish it. With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn't as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain—and the bears—better than anyone. But they're not the only ones with an interest in the park's most famous bear. And his motives are far from innocent.

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