5 Famous Wild Animals Who Made Their Homes In American National Parks
Most people expect to see wild animals in national parks, but every now and then, an animal captures the attention of the public unlike any others. They might have done something newsworthy, or maybe they’ve simply captured people’s hearts by being exactly who they are. Rangers probably talk about them like old neighbors, and visitors might come to the park hoping to just catch a glimpse. These aren’t just wild animals anymore, they’re celebrities! Here are six wild icons who’ve made a name for themselves in the American parks they call home.
399 the Grizzly: Grand Teton National Park
Grizzly 399 wasn't just any bear, she was probably one of the most famous wild bears to ever live. Born in 1996, she made headlines for raising multiple sets of cubs near the side of popular roads in Grand Teton National Park. Her calm nature around people (without being tame) gave researchers and visitors a rare look into bear motherhood. At one point, she raised four cubs at once, which is no small feat in the wild. In fact, people used to line up with cameras just to see her shuffle through the sagebrush. She was struck and killed by a car in October of 2024, but 399 reminded folks what healthy coexistence with nature can look like.
El Jefe the Jaguar: Coronado National Forest (near Saguaro National Park)
El Jefe is a mysterious and powerful ghost in the desert. He’s one of the only known jaguars to roam the U.S. in decades and was spotted in the mountains of southern Arizona. His presence was a huge deal: a reminder that jaguars once roamed the Southwest and might return to the region again someday. He disappeared a few years ago, possibly back into Mexico, but camera traps have recently found him again. Whether he stays in the US or goes, he gave people hope for the environment and a reason to fight to protect his habitat.
Pedals the Black Bear: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
If you’ve ever seen a bear walking upright like a person in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, chances are it was Pedals. He lived in New Jersey but spent much of his time near the Smokies and in the surrounding wilderness. A leg injury meant he walked on two feet most of the time, and videos of him went super viral. People were fascinated and concerned by this unique bear. A movement was started to relocate him to a sanctuary, though sadly, he was later believed to have been killed by a hunter. His story sparked many conversations about wildlife protection and how we should treat these animal “celebrities.”
P-22 the Hollywood Cougar: Griffith Park (adjacent to Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area)
Okay, not technically a national park, but P-22 deserves a mention. This mountain lion somehow crossed two major L.A. freeways to settle in Griffith Park, right near the Hollywood sign. He lived there alone for over a decade, dodging cars, surviving rodent poison, and quietly becoming a local icon. He was tracked and studied many times, but never captured. He reminded city dwellers that nature is still close and can put up a fight, even in urban sprawl. When he passed away in 2022, locals mourned the death of this wild icon.
Romeo the Wolf: Near Glacier Bay, Alaska (close to national parkland)
Romeo was a black wolf who lived near the outskirts of Juneau, Alaska, not far from Glacier Bay National Park. What made him famous was how he gently interacted with humans and their dogs, often playing with them at Mendenhall Lake. He wasn’t tame, but he wasn’t aggressive either. Locals came to love him, and he became a symbol of peaceful coexistence with wildlife. When he was eventually killed, the loss hit many hard. But his legacy still brings positive attention to wolves and the many activist groups working to protect their habitats and population.
These animals weren’t trying to be famous. They were just living their lives in the places where they belonged. But they became famous because they taught us something special about survival and our connection to the natural world. So next time you head out into a national park, keep your eyes open. You never know if the next animal to cross your path might secretly be a celebrity.