128 Grazer

Adult Female

Year First Identified:  1st classified as a 4.5 year-old subadult in 2009 and as an adult female in 2010; Year of Birth:  2005

Offspring Of:  128 Grazer is believed to be the offspring of 408 Crooked Claw

Known Litters of Cubs:  1, Three spring cubs in 2016, Three yearlings in 2017

Genetics Study Samples Obtained:  2016:  Successful,    2017:  Unsuccessful

Identification:

128 Grazer is a medium to large adult female with a blond to light blond coat and dark patches around her eyes.  She has a Roman nose and her large, oval-shaped, and widely spaced ears are very distinctive.  In the fall, her coat darkens to dark blond, but her ears remain light blond.  She has a long, linear scar across the top of her hips.

Distinctive Behaviors:

128 Grazer uses Brooks River in July and the fall, but like most females she typlically cannot compete with male bears for prime fishing spots.  Recently, 128 has become one of the most skilled bears to fish the lip of Brooks Falls.  In the fall, she will fish the lower river area, cut bank, and riffles.  

128 is another bear who has learned to associate people with fish.  This is a behavior shared with other bears like 438 Flo and 854 Divot.  She is relatively habituated to people and will rapidly approach anglers who have a fish on the line.  Anglers should give 128 extra space in the river and stop fishing well before she is within 50 yards.

Life History:

128 Grazer is believed to be the 2005 offspring of 408 CC (Crooked Claw).  128 was part of a litter of three cubs that 408 kept for three summers from 2005 to 2007. 

In early July 2016 128 Grazer returned to Brooks River with three spring cubs, her 1st known litter.  She ws seen throughout the summer fishing the riffles, cut bank and falls.  While fishing the falls, 128 initially avoided fishing the lip, instead opting to "dash and grab" around the area closest to the falls platform.  Later in July, 128 began to occasionally fish the lip, but remained wary of other bears in proximinity to her cubs.

128 proved to be remarkably protective of her first litter.  She was seen chasing off and attacking several other females and dominant males who approached too closely, including 83 Wayne Brother, 402, 409 Beadnose, and 32 Chunk.  Her aggressively protective approach appears to have paid off ~ 128 was last sen in fall of 2016 with all three of her spring cubs, looking healthy and well fed.  128 returned to the Brooks River on June 6, 2017 with all three offspring from her 1st litter, now yearlings.

2005:  Spring Cub with 408 CC (aka Crooked Claw) & 2 Other Littermates

128 Grazer is believed to be one of three 2005 offspring from 408 CC's (aka Crooked Claw) first known litter.  408 CC was very attentive to these 3 cubs and occasionally charged other bears that were simply walking by.  128 Grazer exhiited this same behavior with her first litter of cubs in 2016.  408 CC kept this litter of cubs through their 3rd summer, emancipating them at age 3.5.

2006:  Yearling Cub with 408 CC (aka Crooked Claw) & 2 Other Littermates

July 2006:

2006.07.15:  Park visitor, Bonney's photo of 408 CC with her 3 yearlings.

2006.07.16:  Park visitor, Nicole's photo of 408 CC with her 3 yearlings.  

2006.07.17:  Park visitor, Nicole's photo of 408 CC with her 3 yearlings.

2006.07.18:  Park visitor, NetteBini's photo of 408 CC with her 3 yearlings.

2006.07.23:  Park visitor, Peter Thiemann's photo of 408 CC with her 3 yearlings.  128 Grazer is believed to be the one to the far right of the photo.

2006.07.24:  Park visitor, Peter Thiemann's photo of 408 CC's 3 yearlings.  128 Grazer is believed to be the yearling that is standing on their hind legs.  

2007:  2.5 Year-Old Cub with 408 CC (aka Crooked Claw) & 2 Other Littermates

2007.??.??:  The thumbnail to this 2007 video by abenteueralaska is 410 with her two spring cubs and 408 CC (Crooked Claw) with her three 2.5 year-old cubs.  128 Grazer is one of those 2.5 year-olds.  408 CC and her three 2.5 year-olds can be seen at 3:42 and 5:10 into the video.  Mike Fitz confirmed the identification of the two family groups in this March 27, 2018 comment .:

June 2007:

2007.06.16:  Ranger Jeanne's photo of 408 CC (Crooked Claw) and then 2.5 year-old cub 128 Grazer , and this photo of 128 Grazer .  

2007.06.26:  408 CC (Crooked Claw) and her three 2.5 year-old cubs can be seen in the in lower river in the beginning and at the riffles at approximately 7:15 into this video by Hoosier Tim.  128 Grazer is the blonder smaller cub.  

2008:  3.5 Year-Old Newly Emancipated Independent Subadult

408 CC successfully emancipated her 2005 offspring, 128 Grazer was one of that litter.

July 2008:

2008.07.07:  Now single female, 408 CC, was observed fishing the riffles from the wildlife viewing platform.

2009:  4.5 Year-Old Subadult, Initially Classified & Assigned Bear Monitoring Number 128

128 Grazer was initially classified as a 4.5 year-old subadult in 2009 and assigned bear monitoring number 128.

July 2009:

2010:  5.5 Year-Old

2010 Season:

2010.??.?? or Prior:  128 Grazer can be seen at 0:35 into this video by Cathy Beck. (putlished March 24, 2011):

July 2010:

2011:  6.5 Year-Old Adult Female

2011 Season:

2011.??.?? or Prior:  128 Grazer can be seen beginning at 0:41 in this video (published August 5, 2011) by Danrocks7.:

July 2011:

2012:  7.5 Year-Old Adult Female

128 Grazer was included in the 2012 Brown Bears of Brooks Camp iBook:

July 2012:

In July 2012, Walter & Irene Blaser captured video of 128 Grazer, who can be seen at 20:04, 20:49, 24:06 & 25:02 into this video :

2012.07.06:  128 Grazer can be seen at approximately 0:31 into this video by endoplasmic1357:

September 2012:

2013:  8.5 Year-Old Adult Female

September 2013:

2014:  9.5 Year Old Adult Female

128 Grazer was included in the 2014 Bears of Brooks River book on page 33:

2014 Season:

128 Grazer mated with 634 Popeye during the 2014 season.

June 2014:

2014.06.27:  Ranger Jeanne captured 128 Grazer in these photos:  Photo #1  &  Photo #2   

July 2014:

2014.07.12:  Ranger Jeanne captured 128 Grazer in these photos:  Photo #1  Photo #2  &  Photo #3 . 2014.07.16:  128 Grazer catches a fish in mid air while fishing the lip video by JB Grace.:

2014.07.18:  At approximately 21:52 AKDT JB Grace captured this video of 128 Grazer.:

2014.07.19:  410 swats 128 Grazer video by JB Grace:

2014.07.23:  128 Grazer rock sitting video by Janie Nook.:

September 2014:

128 Grazer September 2014 NPS photo in the 2015 Bears of Brooks River book page 29

Add a photo to this gallery

2014.09.28:  Ranger Jeanne captured 128 Grazer in these photos:  Photo #1   Photo #2  &  Photo #3 . JoeBear captured this video of 128 Grazer near the lower river platform.:

2015:  10.5 Year-Old Adult Female

128 Grazer was included in the 2015 Bears of Brooks River book on page 29:

Juergen and Martina created this video in March of 2015 of 856 (Juergen) singing to 128 Grazer:

2015 Season:

2015.??.??:  A 2015 photo of 128 Grazer (far, right) and her aunt, 409 Beadnose (near, left) fishing the lip of Brooks Falls can be seen in Mike Fitz' October 6, 2016 blog, When Mother Bears Collide .  

2015.??.??:  Mike Fitz also captured this 2015 footage of 128 Grazer being courted by 747.:

2015.??.??:  Explore highlght video (published July 14, 2015) of 128 Grazer stealing a fish from 409 Beadnose.:

2015.??.??:  Sometime during the 2015 season,128 is seen running in the riffles searching for fish,video by charleyP280 .

June 2015:

2015.06.03:  128 Grazer returned to Brooks Camp.  Brooks Camp tweet re: 128 Grazer wandered through today.  Ranger Mike commented in the cam comments and included 3 photos of 128 Grazer.  Photo #1 , Photo #2 , & Photo #3 :

July 2015:

2015.07.01:   Ranger Mike's 07/02/2015 comment re: observing 128 Grazer successfully fishing the lip of the falls on 07/01/2015,  128 Grazer was also observed in the riffles on 07/01/2015:

Juergen's July 1, 2015 video of 128 Grazer fishing the lip of the falls on the infrared camera feature of the Brooks Falls live cam.:  ♥

Juergen created this gif of 128 Grazer fishing the lip with the infrared camera feature engaged.:

(Wiki won't permit gif to be loaded in a gallery, the file may be too large ~ 2020.01.26 LTC)

2015.07.02:  Volunteer In Park Anna-Marie AZ captured this photo of 128 Grazer (far, left) with 410 (near, right).:

Please request Anna-Marie AZ's permission prior to using her photograph!

2015.07.05:  Jen shared this snapshot of 128 Grazer.:

2015.07.07:  Jen shared this snapshot of 128 Grazer.:

2015.07.09:  Jen shared these snapshots (#1 & #2 ) of 128 Grazer.  Jen also shared this snapshot of 128 Grazer on the lip of the falls.:

2015.07.10:  Jen shared these snapshots (#1 & #2 ) of 128 Grazer.:

September 2015:

2016:  11.5 Year-Old Adult Female with 1st Known Litter, 3 Spring Cubs

128 Grazer was included in the 2016 Bears of Brooks River book on page 35:

2016 Season:

In early July 2016 128 returned to Brooks River with three spring cubs. She was seen throughout the summer fishing the riffles, cut bank and falls. While fishing the falls, 128 initially avoided fishing the lip, instead opting to “dash and grab” around the area closest to the falls platform. Later in July, 128 began to occasionally fish the lip, but remained wary of other bears in proximity to her cubs.

128 proved to be remarkably protective of her first litter. She was seen chasing off and attacking several other females and dominant males who approached too closely, including 83, 402, 409, and 32.  Cam viewers affectionately referred to this 128 Grazer behavior as "bear (insert bear number) got Grazered'.  408 CC, 128's mother, displayed the same hyperprotective behavior when raising 128 Grazer and her two littermates.  

2016.??.??:  In April of 2017, KNP&P Interpretive Ranger Kristen talked about 128 Grazer in a KNP&P video that shares some 2016 footage of the 128 family group, including 128's interaction with 83 Wayne Brother (note: not 747).:

2016.??.??:  Xander-Sage shared these 2016 season snapshots (#1 , #2 , #3 , #4 & #5 ) of 128 Grazer and her 3 spring cubs.  Xander-Sage also shared this gif of 128 Grazer and her 3 spring cubs from the 2016 season.:

2016.??.??:  Vaguely Crunchy's video from early summer, 2016 and taken by the Riffles platform. Grazer is determinedly digging along the bank while the cubbies spend six minutes playing. Almost all of it is Fifi playing with 903 while dark cub rests by mama. 903 is somewhere between 2 or 3 times the size of Fifi but it doesn't slow her down any.  In case you're wondering what Grazer is digging for, you can faintly hear a Ranger talk about it, and it sounds like she was digging looking for small burrowing mammals.

2016.??.??:  Sometime in 2016, Ranger Scott Chandler captured this video of 128 Grazer protecting her cubs from 775 Lefty.  (775 Lefty gets "grazered")

2016.??.??:  Park visitor Jack Denger captured photos of 128 Grazer and her spring cubs during the 2016 season and shared them on his Instagram:  128 Grazer with 3 spring cubs , 128 Grazer with 3 spring cubs , 128 Grazer napping with her smallest (female) spring cub (902) , 128 Grazer with her smallest (female) spring cub (902), 128 Grazer nursing her spring cubs , 128 Grazer with 2 of her 3 spring cubs (larger darker male left & 902 right), 128 Grazer nursing her 3 spring cubs ,  & 128 Grazer with her 3 spring cubs .

2016.??.??:  Cruiser created this video of 128 Grazer and her 3 spring cubs from 2016 Explore.org live cam footage:

2016.??.??:  Mocha's video of 128 Grazer with her 3 spring cubs.:

2016.??.??:  128 Grazer's runt (902) showing some talent video by Mocha.:

June 2016:

2016.06.18:  On the morning of June 18, 2016, 128 Grazer and her 1st known litter of 3 spring cubs were observed walking along the Valley Road.  Ranger Tammy Carmack captured a NPS photo  that Ranger David Kopshever shared in his 15:39 bearcam comment and in his A Cub's Fist Spring Katmai Terrane blog:

2016.06.20:  128 Grazer and her 3 spring cubs video by JoeBear:

2016.06.21:  

Jen shared these snapshots (#1 , #2 , #3 , #4 & #5 ) of 128 Grazer and her 3 spring cubs.:

Approximately 16:42, 128 Grazer with 3 spring cubs near lower river video by Mickey Williams:

Erum Chad (Erie) captures more of this time period in this video :

2016.06.23:  Jen shared this snapshot of 128 Grazer with one of her cubs riding on her back whle crossing the lower Brooks River near Naknek Lake.  Jen shared this snapshot of 128 Grazer and her 3 spring cubs near the corner.:

After June 23, 2016:  In late June, sometime after June 23, 2016 Kevin Lee captured video of 128 Grazer and her 3 spring cubs.  128 grazers 856 in this video between 10:22 - 11:22.  

Carol Gray Photography was there at the same time and captured multiple photos. First photo is 128 and cub . Click the >to see the sequence of 11 photos. 856 looks at least twice as big as 128.

June 2016 - July 2016:

2016.06.29 - 2016.07.03:  Park visitor 13blove13 captured this video betwen June 29, 2016 - July 3, 2016.  128 Grazer and her 3 spring cubs can be seen from 0:35 - 1:00.:

July 2016:

In July 2016 park visitor, Jenny of Zealandia Designs, captured this video of 128 Grazer and her 3 spring cubs treeing themselves.  Jenny also wrote a blog:  Katmai Bears 2016, The Year of the Cubs where you can ready about her trip and see additional photos::

2016.07.01:  Ranger Jeanne captured these photos of 128 Grazer and her 3 spring cubs:  Photo #1   &  Photo #2 .

2016.07.02:  Ranger Jeanne captured these photos of 128 Grazer's spring cubs:  Photo #1   &  Photo #2 .

128 Grazer attacks 83 Wayne Brother video by Mike Fitz:

Jenny of Zealandia Designs captured this video of the interaction where 128 Grazer "grazered" 83 Wayne Brother.  Jenny also wrote a blog:  Katmai Bears 2016, The Year of the Cubs where you can ready about her trip and see additional photos: 2016.07.04 or PRIOR:  On July 4, 2016 at 11:19 Ranger Mike Fitz commented including photos and information about and photos of 128 Grazer and her 1st known litter of 3 spring cubs:  photo #1 & photot #2

"...128 Grazer hasn’t made too many appearances on the bearcams (especially compared to bears like 410 and 747), but she’s frequently hovering on the fringes of the falls and fishing in the riffles. When 128 is near the falls, her cubs often react to the movements of other bears by fleeing to the base of tree and frequently climb up it.

128 also seems to be quite defensive, more so than most other females with cubs at Brooks River. We’ve witnessed her charging and sometimes attacking male bears who approach her too closely, including larger males like 83 and 747. We know that other bears pose a threat to her cubs, so why would a bear take her cubs to Brooks Falls?

This is 128's first known litter. Motherhood is a new experience and challenge for her. It is not uncommon for bears with cubs to alter their behavior to give their cubs a greater chance of survival. 128, like 409 Beadnose, frequently fished on 

the lip of Brooks Falls last year when neither had any cubs. So far this year, we haven’t seen either bear visit the lip. While 128 has made her way to the falls, 409 has completely avoided the area as far as I know. In contrast, 402 fishes at Brooks Falls regardless of her cubs’ age.

If you take your cubs to Brooks Falls, the reward in food can be exceptionally high, but the close proximity of other bears increases risk to cubs. If you avoid the falls in early July, then rich food sources like salmon are harder to find, but your cubs may face less threats from other bears. Each bear actively weighs risk versus reward when searching for food and raising offspring. This is especially conspicuous when we follow the stories of mother bears and the challenges they face."

2016.07.06:  Park visitor and cam viewer, PhotobearsBry, captured a video of 128 Grazer and her 3 spring cubs.  On April 14, 2017 at 08:26, Bry commented and shared several photos from the footage he shot.  Photo #1 , Photo #2 , Photo #3 , and Photo #4

2016.07.07 :  128 Grazer and her 3 spring cubs encounter 409 Beadnose and her 2 spring cubs.  Note how the bears stand their ground but avoid an actual fight.  Video by Mike Fitz (former ranger at KNP&P):

You can also read Mike's "When Mother Bears Collide " October 6, 2016 blog about this interaction.

2016.07.08: 

Ranger Jeanne captured this photo of two of 128 Grazer's spring cubs.

Jen shared these snapshots (#1 , #2 & #3 ) of 128 Grazer and her 3 spring cubs.  Jen also shared this snapshot of 128 Grazer and 1 of 3 spring cubs.  Jen shared this snapshot of 128 Grazer's 3 spring cubs.:

Approximately 17:26 128 Grazer and 3 spring cubs video by Mickey Williams:

Approximately 18:19 128 Grazer catches fish after fish and her smallest spring cub gets her share of the catch video by Mickey Williams:

128 Grazer and her 3 spring cubs video by Rob Rager:

Jen shared this snapshot of 128 Grazer with 2 of her 3 spring cubs.:

2016.07.10:  128 Grazer sends her 3 spring cubs up at tree in response to a male bear in the area.  Juergen captures Ranger David Kopshevers periscope in this youTube video :

2016.07.12:  128 Grazer and her 3 spring cubs fishing the lip of Brooks Falls on the evening of July 12, 2016 video by Erum Chad (Erie):

2016.07.13:  128 Grazer and her 3 spring cubs video by Erum Chad (Erie):

2016.07.16:  128 Grazer catches 2 fish at once with her dash and grab fishing technique in the video by Brenda D.

Truman Everts captured this photograph of 128 Grazer's 3 spring cubs on July 16, 2016 at 21:23 (p 08/27/16 13:02 ).:

Please request Truman Everts' permission prior to using his photographs!

2016.07.16 - 2016.07.21:  Truman Everts captured this photograph of 128 Grazer (p 08/27/16 11:15).  Truman Everts captured this photograph of 128 Grazer with her 3 spring cubs (p 09/09/16 17:07).  Truman Everts captured this photograph of 128 Grazer's 3 spring cubs (p 08/28/16 17:52).  Truman Everts also captured this photograph of 128 Grazer's 3 spring cubs (p 08/27/16 12:57).  Truman Everts captured this photograph of 128 Grazer's 3 spring cubs (p 08/29/16 18:13).  Truman Everts captured this photograph of 2 of 128 Grazer's spring cubs (p 08/29/116 16:58).  Truman Everts captured this photograph of 1 of 128 Grazer's 3 spring cubs (p 09/03/16 08:51).  Truman Everts captured this photograph of 128 Grazer's largest spring cub (p 08/28/16 15:46).  Truman Everts captured this photograph of 128 Grazer's smallest spring cub (p 08/28/16 16:18).  Truman Everts captured this photograph of 128 Grazer with her 3 spring cubs (p 09/08/16 16:00).  Truman Everts captured this photograph of 128 Grazer with her 3 spring cubs.  Truman Everts captured this photograph of 128 Grazer with her 3 spring cubs (p 09/07/16 19:30).  Truman Everts captured this photograph of 128 Grazer fishing the lip (p 09/03/16 09:41).  Truman Everts captured this photograph of 128 Grazer's 3 spring cubs (p 09/07/16 07:30).  Truman Everts captured this photograph of 128 Grazer's 3 spring cubs (p 09/08/16 18:09).  Truman Everts captured this photograph of 128 Grazer's 3 spring cubs (p 09/09/16 07:36).:

Please request Truman Everts' permission prior to using his photographs!

2016.07.19:  Truman Everts captured this photograph of 128 Grazer's 3 spring cubs; the largest (903) is chewing on the smallest's (902) ear (p 09/02/16 07:01).:

Please request Truman Everts' permission prior to using his photographs!

2016.07.25:  128 Grazer and her 3 spring cubs video by Erum Chad (Erie):

2016.07.26:  128 Grazer and her 3 spring cubs on the morning of July 26, 2016 video by Erum Chad (Erie):

2016.07.27:  128 Grazer and her 3 spring cubs can be seen from approximately 10:45 into this video by Erum Chad.  128 grazers 801 at approximately 31:00 into the video.

2016.07.29

Early morning:  The 128 family settles in for a brief rest. The small one decides to join the pile. Mom then creates a wet spot that the small one decides that it's not to her/his liking and moves back.  Mom then gets up to get fish. When the fish is brought back, the small claims it for herself/himself -- make sure you have the sound up.  Video by Jusywho:

This July 29, 2016 video by Stmango captures 128 Grazer's interaction with an injured bear (possibly 451):

2016.07.30:  128 Grazer "grazers" 747 video by Melissa Freels:

Video by Brenda D:

Video by Cheryl B:

August 2016:

2016.08.02:  128 Grazer backs up 747 video by Brenda D.:

2016.08.05:  128 Grazer's spring cubs have an argument video by Elizabeth Arizona:

2016.08.06: 

128 Grazer's smallest spring cub swept down river video by Melissa Freels:

128 Grazer's 3 spring cubs go over the falls video by Jusywho.  As Grazer #128 made her way to the lip from the far bank, her cubs followed her. In the closeup shot, you can see Small having a hard time managing the upstream current. All of a sudden, you see Medium go over and then followed by Large. Grazer runs down via the Fish Ladder to check on the two. As she does that, Small goes in the drink, too, to all of sudden pop by by the log. Small jumps back in to join the rest of the family.

Stmango's slow motion video of 128 Grazer's spring cubs washing over the falls:

128 Grazer grazered 755 Scare D. Bear video by Melissa Freels:

128 Grazer decides that 480 Otis looked at her funny video by stmango.:

2016.08.09:  32 Chunk gets too close to 128 Grazer's cubs video by Melissa Freels.:

September 2016:

October 2016:

128 Grazer's aggressively protective approach to cubrearing appears to have paid off — 128 was last seen in fall with all three of her spring cubs, looking healthy and well fed.

2017:  12.5 Year-Old Adult Female with 3 Yearlings

128 Grazer was included in the 2017 Bears of Brooks River book on page 39:

2017 Season:

2017.??.??:  128 Grazer's 3 yearlings (903 left & 902 right) in 2017 from KNP&P's April 18, 2018 06:56 tweet :

2017.??.??:  128 Grazer with her yearlings gif images (#1 , #2 , #3 , #4 , #5 & #6 ) shared by Xander-Sage .:

2017.??.??:  Ed Mackerrow (aka Inlightofnature) wrote this blog (including many great photos) about 128 Grazer and her 3 yearling cubs (902 and 903 are two of the three).  A Nap in the Cool Dirt 

2017.??.??:  128 Grazer can be seen from the 05:24 - 05:49 mark into this 2017 video by Karen Hanson.:

2017.??.??:  128 Grazer and her 3 yearlings can be seen beginning at 11:41 into this video by Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd).:

2017.??.??:  128 Grazer's 3 yearlings gif created by Xander-Sage .:

June 2017:

2017.06.??:  128 Grazer and two of her 3 yearling cubs looking for salmon heads on the beach of Naknek Lake in early June 2017 video by KatmaiBears:

2017.06.??:  128 Grazer with her yearling (903) in June 2017 from KNP&P's November 3, 2018 11:39 Facebook post :

2017.06.??:  Melissa Freels shared this June 2017 photograph from her trip to Brooks Camp of 128 Grazer.:

Please request Melissa's permission prior to using her photographs!

2017.06.06:  128 Grazer with her 3 yearlings observed on the spit from the lower river wildlife viewing platform NPS photo by Ranger Russ Taylor.  128 Grazer with her 3 yearlings at the mouth of the Brooks River and Naknek Lake NPS photo by Ranger Russ Taylor.  128 Grazer with her 3 yearlings from the lower river wildlife viewing platform; the male darker yearling gives 128 a kiss NPS photo by Ranger Russ Taylor.:

2017.06.07:  128 Grazer with her 3 yearlings KNP&P June 8, 2017 05:00 Facebook post :  Photo #1 & Photo #2

2017.06.10:  128 Grazer naps with her 3 yearlings on the spit NPS photo by Ranger Russ Taylor.  128 Grazer with her 3 yearlings on the beach at Brooks Camp NPS photo by Ranger Russ Taylor.:

2017.06.21:  128 Grazer has a fight with her aunt, 409 Beadnose in this video by Erum Chad (Erie): LuvBears shared this June 21, 2017 snapshot of 128 Grazer with her 3 yearlings.  Jen shared these snapshots (#1 , #2 , #3 & #4 ) of 128 Grazer with her 3 yearlings.:

2017.06.23:  128 Grazer protects her cubs video by Brenda D:

2017.06.24:  Melissa Freels (aka MelissaInOR) captured this photo of 128 Grazer's smallest cub (runt) during her trip to Brooks Camp.:

Please request Melissa's permission prior to using her photos!

July 2017:

2017.07.02:  128 Grazer and yearlings feasting at the riffles and the falls video by Arlene Beech:

2017.07.03 Approx 6:26:  128 Grazer with her 3 yearlings and 153 and her 3 yearlings standoff video by Flyer 7474.  This standoff between 128 and 153 (Two encounters) lasted for about an hour:  This is an edited version of those two encounters between the two family groups:

2017.07.06 or BEFORE:  128 Grazer and her 3 yearlings at Brooks Falls video by Christine Saucier published on 07/06/2017:

2017.07.06:  128 Grazer sends her cubs up a tree video by Arlene Beech:

2017.07.07:  128 Grazer and yearlings video by Arlene Beech:

2017.07.11 or prior:  Park visitor John Hung posted 10 videos from his visit to Brooks Camp in 2017. The dates the videos are posted are from 7/11-8/10/1017 so the following video  of 128 Grazer's 3 yearlings is from 7/11/2019 or prior. The cubs are seen from 01:26-02:01 playing on the lower river. The smallest blonde cub is believed to be 902. The larger blonde cub is believed to be 903. The 3rd dark cub was not identified by the Bear Monitor and thus was not assigned an ID number.

2017.07.16:  128 Grazer "grazered" 151 Walker and 273 video by Erum Chad (Erie):

2017.07.19:  128 Grazer and the wolf video by Victoria White:

128 Grazer and the wolf video by Brenda D.:

2017.07.22: 

Park visitor and cam viewer, Scammin, captured these photos of 128 Grazer and her 3 yearlings observing 480 Otis during his trip to Brooks Camp:  photo #1 & photo #2

128 Grazer's cub bluff charges 480 Otis video by Brenda D:

2017.07.24:  At approximately 06:03 AKDT Flyer 7474 (aka SteveCA) captured this video of 128 Grazer with hr 3 yearlings and an unknown bear.:

2017.07.26:  At approximately 17:57 AKDT Flyer 7474 (aka SteveCA) captured this video of 128 Grazer in protection mode at Brooks Falls.:

2017.07.28:  128 Grazer and her 3 yearlings enjoying the lagoon video by Martina.:

2017.07.29:  Jen shared these snapshots (#1 , #2 & #3 ) 128 Grazer and her 3 yearlings.:

2017.07.30 Approx 18:05:  One of 128 Grazer's yearlings gets a surprise when a jumping salmon lands on their back video by Flyer 7474 (aka SteveCA):

2017.07.31:  At approximately 20:15 AKDT Rockatte captured this video of 128 Grazer as Medusa.:

August 2017:

2017.08.01 Approx 18:01:  503 Cubadult gets "GRAZERED" in this video by Flyer 7474 (aka SteveCA).:

2017.08.04:  At approximately 10:50 AKDT Flyer 7474 (aka SteveCA) captured this video of 39 and her 3 yearlings with 128 Grazer and her 3 yearlings.  The history between 128 and 153 this year continues as 128 runs off one of 153's Yearlings and an encounter follows.:

This video by Brenda D begins with a view of the 153 family group.  128 Grazer and her yearlings enter the scene and 128 has a discussion with 755 Scare D. Bear:

In this video by Brenda D 128 Grazer and 153 collide:

2017.08.29:  

128 Grazer with her 3 yearlings and 747 video by Birgitt:

128 Grazer "grazered" 747 (again) video by Melissa Freels:

08:18 & 09:03 am:  747 and 128 Grazer with her 3 yearlings.  128 bluff charges 747.  128 later charges 747.  747 chases 128.  Video by Flyer 7474 (aka SteveCA):

2017.08.30:  

128 Grazer "grazered" her own yearling video by Melissa Freels:

128 Grazer and 719 have words video by Melissa Freels:

September 2017:

2017.09.01:

Afternoon:  128 Grazer and yearlings spend the afternoon at the falls video by Flyer 7474:

15:08:  128 Grazer and yearlings and the boar 128 "Grazered" video by Flyer 7474 (aka SteveCA):

128 Grazer's cubs and the tree video "Tree gets mini-Grazerd" by Melissa Freels:

2017.09.02:

719 gets Grazered video by Melissa Freels:

Approx 20:00:  128 Grazer's smallest yearling on the lip of the falls video by Flyer 7474:

2017.09.?? (maybe around 2017.09.06):  128 Grazer and her 3 yearlings video by Little Adventures:

2017.09.10:  128 Grazer and 2 of her 3 yearlings (902 is one of them, the smaller of the two, the one 128 is playing with first) play in the lower river video by Birgitt:

2017.09.14:  128 Grazer and 3 yearlings in lower river area.  128's smallest yearling scratches.  Video by LuvBears:

2017.09.19 Early Morning:  128 Grazer's smallest yearling snapshot by Darlene Martin :

2017.09.21 or Prior:  Explore Highlight video of a bear running from 128 Grazer.:

October 2017:

Add here

Fall 2017:

128 Grazer and her 3 yearlings cubs (902 & 903 are believed to be two of the three cubs) near Valley Road NPS housing video by KatmaiBears:

128 Grazer's aggressively protective approach has continued to pay off — 128 kept all three cubs healthy through the end of the 2017 season.

2018:  13.5 Year-Old Adult Female Initially Observed with 3 Offspring, Emancipated Larger Darker Male Offspring First, Shortly After Emancipated Larger Blonder Male Offspring (903) & Smaller Blonder Female Offspring (902 "Fifi" / "Bonsai"), 128 Returning to Single Adult Female

128 Grazer was included in the 2018 Bears of Brooks River book on page 41:

2018 Season:

2018.06.21 - 2018.09.18:  JG shared these snapshots (#1 , #2 , #3 , #4 . #5 , #6 , #7 , #8 , #9 , #10 , #11 , #12 , #13 , #14 , #15 , #16 , #17 , #18 , #19 , #20 , #21 & #22 ) of 128 Grazer taken during the 2018 season betwen June 21, 2018 and September 18, 2018.  

Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) created this video of 128 Grazer observations from the 2018 season.:

May 2018:

2018.05.20 & RECENT DAYS PRIOR TO 2018.05.20:  128 Grazer returned to Brooks Camp in May 2018 with all three 2.5 year-old offspring from her 2016 litter.  The entire family group was observed in the recent days prior to May 20, 2018.  On Sunday, May 20, 2018 , 128 Grazer was observed with only two of her 2.5 year-old cubs.  128 Grazer and the two remaining 2.5 year-old cubs were photographed by R. Taylor.  On May 21, 2018 KNP&P shared the news via the 06:31 Facebook post :

"Bear update: bear 128, nicknamed Grazer, has been identified for the first time this season! 

In recent days she was seen with all three of her well-known cubs. However, this weekend she was spotted in Brooks Camp with only two. It is possible that one cub has been emancipated and joined the ranks of the subadult bears in the area.

Photo courtesy of R. Taylor
[Image description: Brown bear sow with two cubs resting]"

On May 21, 2018 KNP&P replied to some comments on their 06:31 Facebook post:

When a Facebook user asked if there would be an emancipation of only part of a litter, KNP&P replied :

"In some cases, yes, cubs may not all be emancipated by their mother at the same time"

Whan a Facebook user asked what date R. Taylor took the photograph of 128 Grazer and her two remaining 2.5 year-old cubs, KNP&P replied :

"This photo was taken yesterday (Sunday 5/20) of her with the two cubs"

One resource that documents research regarding emancipation of multiple cub litters taking place over a period of days / weeks can be found here .  Research data can be seen in Table 1 .  

2018.05.23:  128 Grazer and her two remaining 2.5 year-old cubs were observed and photographed.  Photo courtesy of Ranger Russ via his May 31, 2018 09:11 comment:

2018.05.24 - 2018.05.30:  128 Grazer with her two 2.5 year-old cubs and 409 Beadnose with her two 2.5 year-old cubs were observed on Spit Road the week of May 24, 2018 - May 30, 2018 NPS photo courtesy of R. Taylor via KNP&P's June 1, 2018 06:01 Facebook post :

2018.05.29 06:19:  KNP&P tweet with gif photos of 128 Grazer this past week vs September 2017:

"During winter hibernation, brown bears can lose up to 1/3 of their body weight. In most cases, bears of the spring look drastically different from when we last saw them in the fall. This weight loss is evident with 128 Grazer, seen here in both September and this past week."

June 2018:

2018.06.13 05:31:  KNP&P tweet ~ Do 128 Grazer's ears help you ID her?:  photo only link

"The shape, color, and unique features of a bear’s ears can vary. This makes them one of the easiest tools for identifying individual bears."

2018.06.21:  Tzz Oha's evening video of 128 Grazer.:

At approximately 19:55 AKDT Cheryl B captured this video of single adult female 128 Grazer at Brooks Falls sans all 3 of her 2.5 year-old now emancipated offspring.:

2018.06.28:  128 Grazer tries out the jacuzzi video by Brenda D.:

July 2018:

2018.07.??:  Park visitor, Mike Weagley, captured this July 2018 video of 603.  128 Grazer, 409 Beadnose (with fish), and 775 Lefty on the lip near to far at the beginning of this video.  409 takes her fish closer to the fish ladder to consume her fish.  The video then switches to 603 (believed by some to possibly be 68 in the early season) and 856 (left to right) at the 0:36 mark  The video then goes back to the bears on the lip and then back again to 603 and 856.  The sweeping briefly to 755 Scare D Bear on the North side of the river.:

Mike Weagley, also captured this July 2018 video of 603 (believed by some to possibly be early season 68) seen begging from 409 Beadnose while 128 Grazer and 775 Lefty fish the lip. When 603 turns away 856 is seen to the right.:

2018.07.01:  Jen shared these snapshots (#1 & #2 ) of 128 Grazer.:

2018.07.03 or PRIOR:  KNP&P's July 3, 2018 16:16 Facebook post with photo of 128 Grazer treed in response to 747's courting:

"Can you spot the bear in the tree?

Bear 128, nicknamed Grazer, was recently chased up a tree by bear 747 who was trying to court her. Though common with cubs and black bears, it is somewhat rare to see adult brown bears climb trees.

Photo courtesy of M. Meyer"

(Note:  171 , 273 , and 435 Holly have also been observed treed)

2018.07.04:  Jen shared these snapshots (#1 & #2 ) of 128 Grazer.:

2018.07.06:  128 Grazer pushes 409 Beadnose a little to far in an attempt to fish in her spot.  409 Beadnose goes over the falls into 480 Otis who was fishing the jacuzzi when 409 dropped in.  409 Beadnose immediately returns to the lip to give 128 Grazer a scolding and to reclaim her spot on the lip.   Video by Nancy B:

Ratna's slow-motion video of 128 Grazer and 409 Beadnose.:

2018.07.08:  128 Grazer's recently emancipated 2.5 year-old cubs were all observed playing together according to Ranger Russ during the July 9, 2018 10:00 live chat from the Riffles wildlife viewing platform.  He hopes that Ranger Anela will be getting a photo out to cam viewers in the near future.

2018.07.10:  At approximately 23:00 AKDT Lani H captured this video of 128 Grazer and 89 Backpack.:

2018.07.29:  128 Grazer send 151 Walker over the lip of Brooks Falls video by mckate.  Poor Walker. Still getting Grazerized and, to compound matters, he almost lands on 854 Divot who is not exactly his biggest fan. :

August 2018:

2018.08.01:  128 Grazer video by Birgitt:

747 charges 128 Grazer video by Lani H.:

2018.08.02:  717 ("Silver bear") is enjoying 854 Divot's leftover salmon when 128 Grazer wanders by and scares her off. But 128 Grazer doesn't really want the fish and heads to the falls...to close for Divot's taste. At which point another young bear slides in and claims the fish in this video by Birgitt:

2018.08.04:  128 grazers 503 Cubadult when he comes to join 812 on the lip video by Birgitt.

"Bear 128 Grazer is eating a fish when 503 comes to join his younger brother 812 on the lip. Finished with her fish, 128 decides that 503 is too close for comfort and grazers him. And then makes a very smooth catch.":

Mckate's video of 128 Grazer fishing the lip.  503 gets the boot, but his little bro 812 gets to stay.:

2018.08.14:  480 Otis chases 128 Grazer off the lip video by Lani H.:

2018.08.30:  503 Cubadult gets a 128 surprise video by mckate.:

September 2018:

2018.09.01:  Kcanada shared this snapshot of 128 Grazer.:

2018.09.18:  Lani's early morning video of 128 Grazer at the falls.:

Birgitt's last video of 128 Grazer from the 2018 season:

"...this is the last sighting I have of Grazer in 2018. What do you think? Is she large enough for coy in 2019?"

On March 5, 2019, Fat Tuesday, Mike Fitz and Birgitt discussed 128 Grazer's weight gain in the 2018 season as seen in the above video :

Mike Fitz:  "She was giant, certainly one of the fattest females I've ever seen."

Birgitt:  "A big change from the first time I saw her, lean and desperate for fish to sustain her cubs."

Mike Fitz:  "That's what a summer without the energetic costs of raising cubs can do for a bear. The difference in body fat is very noticeable."

2019:  Single Adult Female

April 2019:

2019.04.27:  Kam created this artwork of 409 Beadnose, 128 Grazer and 775 Lefty (near to far) inspried by a photo taken in 2018 or prior.

June 2019:

2019.06.19:  On June 20, 2019 at 08:55 AKDT, Katmai Conservancy Ranger Naomi commented and shared photos (#1 634 Popeye , #2 128 Grazer , #3 128 Grazer on the lip , #4 856 ) of the bears observed at Brooks Falls on the evening of June 19, 2019.:

"The salmon have arrived and the bears have followed. Last night Mike Fitz, John Koster and I were at The Falls. Here are pictures of 634 Popeye, Grazer (sorry, no cubs), a sub and 856. When 856 strutted in, Grazer had already left having eaten 7 salmon. But Popeye took one look at 856 and ran up the far bank. 856 not satisfied with that, followed him up the bank. Dominance seems to be his priority. Once satisfied that Popeye was really gone, he returned to take his place in the jacuzzi. The season has begun. "

On June 20, 2019 at 15:57 AKDT, Brooks Lodge's Facebook post with Kara Stenberg's evening of June 19, 2019 photos (#1 , #2 , #3 & #4 ) of 128 Grazer successfully fishing the lip of Brooks Falls.:

On June 19, 2019 at 21:30 AKDT:  Sow 128 Grazer didn't take kindly to a subadult (likely one of her own cubs she emancipated last year) being nearby so she chased it up into a tree. The video shows her standing by as the sub-adult climbs out of the tree; video by Kara Stenberg:

2019.06.20:  On June 20, 2019 at approximately 20:03 AKDT , Mike Fitz, Resident Naturalist with Explore.org does a periscope from Brooks Falls with 128 Grazer fishing the lip.:

Need link to video footage

2019.06.21 16:05 AKDT:  128 Grazer is the fitst bear observed streaming on the live cams (on a regular cam feed not the live chat test feed) during the 2019 season.  128 Grazer was observed when the live cam switch was turned on for the 2019 season.  The Brooks Falls HIgh View, Brooks Falls Low View, and the Dumpling Mountain cams went live at approximately 16:05 AKDT on June 21, 2019 .  128 Grazer could be seen on the Brooks Falls High View cam.

Ratna Narayan shared the 1st live cam video of the 2019 season on June 21, 2019 at 16:19 AKDT, 128 Grazer :

Cruiser shared this video of the moment the Brooks Falls High View cam went live to a view of 128 Grazer::

Scooch created this gif of 128 Grazer in the riffles on June 21, 2019.:

128 Grazer being courted by 51 Diver Junior on June 21, 2019 video by makate.:

2019.06.22:  The first bear os the 2019 season getting grazered by 128 Grazer video by Ratna:

Cruiser's video of 128 Grazer's June 22, 2019 altercation on the lip of Brooks Falls.:

128 Grazer loses her catch to the bear watching from the side video by Ratna (June 22, 2019 not June 23, 2019).:

2019.06.25:  128 Grazer being chased by an unidentified medium brown adult male (could this be the real 603?) video by Lani H.:

2019.06.26:  Meet 128 Grazer by Mike Fitz, Resident Natralist with Explore.org video .:

2019.06.27:  128 Grazer is in the mix of this interaction between 856 and an unidentified adult male (could this be the real 603?).  Is 856 courting 128 Grazer and protecting his mating rights to her from the unidentified adult male?  Video by Erum Chad.:

2019.06.30:  Truman Everts captured this photograph of 128 Grazer at 15:56 (p 12/09/19 03:11 ).:

Please request Truman Everts' permission prior to using his photographs!

July 2019:  

2019.07.28:  A cam viewer (unknown at this time) created this gif of 128 Grazer swatting 747 (p 01/21/2020 18:33 by KCanada ).:

128 Grazer give 747 a smackdown video by Lani H.:

September 2019:

2019.09.05:  128 Grazer made a late season, late night visit to the Falls, she got chased off the lip by 747 and then entered the far pool where she got bluff charged by 856, 68 then responded to that by bluff charging 856 video by Lani H.:

Xander-Sage created this snapshot collage of 128 Grazer and 747 (p 01/21/2020 17:28 ).:

2019.09.06:  Scooch created this meme  of 128 Grazer (p 12/20/2019 01:35 ).:

Known Courting & Mating:

2014:

634 Popeye Mating:  128 Grazer was observed mating with 634 Popeye in 2014.

634 Popeye's page of the 2015 Bears of Brooks River book provides the information that 128 Grazer mated with 634 Popeye during the 2014 season.

2015:

747 Courting & Mating:  128 Grazer was courted by and mated with 747 in 2015.

Mike Fitz captured this footage of 747 courting 128 Grazer in 2015.

128 mated with possibly 747 in June 2015 per Ranger Mike 07/08/2015 comment:

2019:  

51 Diver Junior Courting, June 21, 2019:

2019.06.21:  51 Diver Junior was observed courting 128 Grazer.  Video by mckate.:

Known Litters of Cubs:

1st Known Litter, 3 Spring Cubs:  1 Female (902 "Fifi"/Bonsai" ) & 2 Males (903), Speculated

2016:  1st Known Litter, 3 Spring Cubs, 1 Female (902 "Fifi"/Bonsai" ) & 2 Males (903)

3 Spring cub, 1st known litter, 1 Female (identified & classified as 902 "Fifi" / "Bonsai" in 2018) & 2 Males (one of which was identified & classified as 903 in 2018)

2017:  3 Yearlings

3 yearling cubs from her 2016 litter

2018:  Successful Emancipation of her 3 2.5 Year-Old Offspring

128 Grazer successfully emancipated her 3 offspring from her 2016 litter.  The family group was initially observed together in early season 2018 (awaiting photos from Ranger Anela).  Shortly thereafter, 128 Grazer emancaipted the darker larger male and was observed with the larger blonder male (903) and the smaller blond female (902 "Fifi" / "Bonsai").  A short time later, 128 Grazer successfully emancipated these two remaining 2.5 year-old offspring.  To our knowledge, this is the first documented occurrance of partial emancipation by a sow known to use the Brooks River.

Known Relatives:

Mother:  408 CC (aka Crooked Claw) ~ Speculated

128 Grazer is believed to be the 2005 offspring of 408 CC (aka Crooked Claw).  

Father:  Unknown

Offspring:

2016 Litter of 3 Spring Cubs:  902 "Fifi" / "Bonsai" & 903

Genetics Study Samples Obtained:

2016:  Successful

128 Grazer was successfully darted in 2016 by Ranger Michael Saxton

2017:  Unsuccessful

Ranger Michael Saxton attempted to dart 128 Grazer in 2017, but that attempt was unsuccessful.

A special thank you to Xander-Sage for creating the gif of NPS photos from the 2012 Brown Bears of Brooks Camp iBook.