Deceased Spring Cub Discovered at Island In Front of Tree Stand/Cut Bank, July 20, 2022 16:00 AKDT:[]
July 21, 2022 Announcement ~ Questions & Answers:[]
Ranger Lian Law's July 21, 2022 10:20 AKDT comment (DLCB): "Today, we bring you news of some of the harsh realities of a bear’s life. Yesterday (07/20/2022), we received a report of a deceased spring cub. We realize that this is an emotional event for many people and want to keep you as informed as possible.
This is what we know:
• We received the report around 4pm yesterday about a dead cub at the island in the river in front of the tree stand/cut bank. This area is located about halfway between Brooks Falls and the lower Brooks River and is not visible on the cams. It is downstream of the falls cam's line of sight.
• Rangers collected the body shortly after and our intent is to send it to the state for a necropsy.
• Rangers were unable to complete a full field necropsy because of bears in the vicinity and plan to wait for more information from the full necropsy (we do not have a timeline on when we will have the results).
• No one witnessed what happened.
This is what we don’t know:
• At this time, we don’t know which mother bear the cub might belong to
• The circumstances that led to the death
Despite our large population of brown bears, it is rare for us to find the remains. Bears face all sorts of risks in life and cubs especially face numerous challenges. Cub mortality is highest of all bear classes, especially in their first year.
Part of the reason we intend to do a necropsy is because of the history of CAV-1 here. CAV-1 is a canine adenovirus, an infection also found in cats, dogs, and wolves. (Learn more about the death of a bear at Katmai in 2015 that likely resulted from infectious canine hepatitis). In addition, the results will also help us better understand the causes of death in our population. Despite how much we know about bears, there is still so much we don’t know, including about bear mortality.
Katmai National Park is a unique place where can witness bears as they live out their wild and natural lives, that includes moments of challenge, growth, competition, and some of the harsher realities like death which is often a very emotional moment.
We will do our best to keep you informed."
Part 1 of 2 of Ranger Lian Law's announcement:
Ranger Lian Law's July 21, 2022 10:20 comment re: deceased spring cub discovered 07/20/2022 at 16:00 AKDT (01 of 02)
Part 2 of 2 of Ranger Lian Law's announcement:
Ranger Lian Law's July 21, 2022 10:20 comment re: deceased spring cub discovered 07/20/2022 at 16:00 AKDT (02 of 02)
The news of the deceased cub prompted various questions from cam viewers and, as always, KNP&P rangers and Resident Naturalist, Mike Fitz provided the answers available to them at this time (July 21, 2022 beginning at 10:20 AKDT).
PMR's question: "Were there signs of CAV-1? Why did they decide to do a necropsy on this cub? Last year a dead cub was also found but no necropsy was done."
Ranger Lian's 10:48 reply: "We can't tell signs without a necropsy. According to Ranger Michael, he was unsure of 2020 reasons why we did not perform one (however, Covid year does mean that resources were limited here in the park and elsewhere). This time, we decided to do one because we reached out to the state to see if they had any interest and the answer was yes just to check about CAV-1. We are always interested in learning more about bear mortality when possible and it seemed feasible given the circumstances this year.
Ranger Lian Law's 07/21/22 10:48 reply to PMR re: were there signs of CAV-1 and why this 2022 deceased cub is being sent for necropsy but the 2021 deceased cub was not (DLCB)
Barbara/Michigan's question: "Did it appear to drown? Or can't really tell yet"
Ranger Lian's 10:55 reply: "We can't tell. We're sure the necropsy results will give us the best information possible on the cause of death."
Ranger Lian Law's 07/21/22 10:55 reply to Barbara/Michigan re: did cub appear to drown (DLCB)
Leala's question: "Do you know if there were any signs of trauma to the cub?"
Ranger Lian's 11:00 reply: "Without doing a proper field necropsy (which was not possible due to bears in the vicinity), we can't say for sure. However, according to the quick glance that rangers got, there weren't any signs of obvious physical trauma."
Ranger Lian Law's 07/21/22 11:00 reply to Leala re: were there any signs trauma (DLCB)
#1 Grazer Stan's question: "Is there an estimate of how long the cub had been deceased?"
Ranger Lian's 11:04 reply: "At this time, we are unable to determine the length of time before the cub was discovered."
"Ranger Lian Law's 07/21/22 11:04 reply to 1 Grazer Stan re: any indication of how long since cub's death (DLCB)
Camcur-coy-bearsnbelugas' question: "I realize the necropsy is the only real way to determine anything, but were there any rough indications that this had just happened? (I'm sadly thinking about 39s cubs)
Ranger Lian's 11:06 reply: "While rangers were not able to do a full assessment at the time (due to bears in the vicinity), there were not obvious signs of physical trauma."
Ranger Lian Law's 07/21/22 11:06 reply to Camcur-coy-bearsnbelugas re: were there any rough indications that this had just happened (DLCB)
kcanada's question: "Was there any indication or thoughts as to how long it had been since the cub died? I know that you don't know whose cub it is, but I can't help but think of 39..."
Ranger Lian's 11:07 reply: "At this time, we are unable to determine the length of time before the cub was discovered."
Mike Fitz' 11:09 reply: "In addition to what Ranger Lian wrote, if the cub's body had experienced significant decay, then rangers. probably would have decided against collecting it for necropsy. Advanced decomposition would greatly hinder that examination's results. Since rangers decided to collect it, then the cub probably hasn't been dead very long (maybe only a few days) but again we don't really know."
Ranger Lian Law's 07/21/22 11:07 & Mike Fitz' 07/21/22 11:09 replies to kcanada re: any indication of how long since cub's death (DLCB)
RWanamaker's question: "So sorry to hear this. Will further updates also be posted here on the live chat?"
Ranger Lian's 11:16 reply: "Yes, we will do our best to make updates here (rather than the main chat channel since it can get easily lost)."
Ranger Lian Law's 07/21/22 11:16 reply to RWanamaker re: future updates on deceased spring cub (DLCB)
Elanya's question: "Can you describe it? Did it have a natal collar of any kind?"
Ranger Lian's 11:24 reply: "I personally did not see the cub and can only say that it was a spring cub (I assume it had a natal collar)."
Ranger Lian Law's 07/21/22 11:24 reply to Elanya re: can Ranger Lian describe the cub (DLCB)
907AKSnow's question: "I know the water levels are really high there right now. Is there a possibility this coy was swept away and drowned?"
Ranger Lian's 11:27 reply: "Drowning is definitely a danger that all cubs face. Only the necropsy will be able to tell us more information though."
Ranger Lian Law's 07/21/22 11:27 reply to 907AKSnow re: could cub have drowned (DLCB)
bshortt-Virginia's question: "Would that (the location the cub was found) be the pennisula to the right of BFL?"
Mike Fitz' 11:28 reply: "It's farther downstream. In this image, the area where the cub was found is highlighted in yellow."
Mike Fitz' 07/21/22 11:28 reply to bshortt-Virginia re: location cub was found (DLCB)
Image Only:
Mike Fitz' 07/21/22 11:28 reply to bshortt-Virginia re: location cub was found (DLCB) Image only
Indigo's question: "One of the 94’s cubs fell from the tree about a week ago seen on LR cam. Do you think it suffered some kind of internal injury? I am aware it’s too soon to ask. I just wanted to put that out there."
Ranger Lian's 11:36 reply: "I haven't seen that clip from the cams so I don't have much context to go on, but in general, bears are fairly resilient. To your question about internal jury- it is possible but also equally possible that the cub suffered no lasting injury either."
Mike Fitz' 11:37 reply: "Bear cubs can be injured in that way. Most likely, the cub wasn't injured or if it was injured it wasn't serious. However, bears are also good at persevering through significant injuries and illness that we can't always see. We wouldn't necessarily know if it was injured or not."
Ranger Lian Law's 07/21/22 11:36 & Mike Fitz' 07/21/22 11:37 replies to Indigo re: could this be 94's COY that fell from the tree due to injuries (DLCB)
LTC's question: "Would the rangers have taken NPS photographs of the deceased cub prior to sending it for necropsy? If so, would you share them on the KNP&P flickr page like they did with 868 Wayne Brother and 451's deceased cub (CAV-1 death)?"
Ranger Lian's 11:42 reply: "I believe Ranger Michael has a picture but haven't been able to see it yet."
Ranger Lian Law's 07/21/22 11:42 reply to LTC re: were photos taken & will they be shared (DLCB)
Wilsolm's question: "Did anyone report a sow in distress? I recall 806 (?) running and calling out when she lost one."
Ranger Lian's 11:58 reply: "We did not receive any reports of a sow in distress."
Ranger Lian Law's 07/21/22 11:58 reply to Wilsolm re: was there a report of sow in distress (DLCB)
Camcur-coy-bearsnbelugas' question: "was it park staff who initially discovered it?"
Ranger Lian's 12:33 reply: "I believe it was a visitor report."
Ranger Lian Law's 07/21/22 12:33 reply to Camcur-coy-bearsnbelugas re: who initially discovered deceased COY (DLCB)
bshortt-Virginia's question: "Could 39s cub have survived this long without milk or food. Wondering if it was hers and starved to death. How long has it been since 856 attacked?"
Mike Fitz' 12:38 reply: "The incident between 39 and 856 happened 13 days ago. Spring cubs remain highly reliant on mother's milk at this time of year but they are about at the age when they can survive without it. Importantly, we've seen several bear families with first year cubs this summer. Since the cub was found well downriver of the falls and just recently, then the cub could be from any of those families."
Mike Fitz' 07/21/22 12:38 reply to bshortt-Virginia re: could 39's cub have survived this long (DLCB)
Camcur-coy-bearsnbelugas question: "I'm sorry to keep asking questions, but this is my first year. In general, how long do necropsy reports take to come back?"
Mike Fitz' 12:57 reply: "Don't hold your breath. At best, the park might hear something in a few days although I would not be surprised if it took longer especially if the initial necropsy found signs of disease that needed further analysis"
Mike Fitz' 07/21/22 12:57 reply to Camcur-coy-bearsnbelugas re: how long will necropsy take (DLCB)
907AKSnow's question: "Do you know if this (the necropsy) is performed in Anchorage or somewhere in the lower 48?"
Mike FItz' 14:13 reply: "In this instance, the cub is being sent to a State of Alaska office/agency, maybe the state wildlife veterinarian but I'm not sure."
Mike Fitz' 07/21/22 14:13 reply to 907AKSnow re: where is necropsy performed (DLCB)
On July 21, 2022 Ranger Chris shared some additional information on the bearcam comments:
Ranger Chris' July 21, 2022 14:22 reply to Birgitt: "It is possible that the cub in the tree could belong to any number of sows. We have not had a report of any lone cubs since last week. While it is possible that the cub did belong to 39, we will never know. As of this morning, we've had a report of 94 with all four coys."
Ranger Chris' 07/21/22 14:22 reply to Birgitt re: which sow cub belongs to, 94 seen w/4 (REG COM)
Family Groups Observed ~ From Time Deceased Cub Reported to July 22, 2022:[]
Observations of known sows with spring cubs since the deceased cub was discovered on July 20, 2022 at approximately 16:00 AKDT. Please also keep in mind that there may have been a sow with one or more spring cubs that we have not observed on the cams since the beginning of the 2022 bearcam season. Without DNA confirmation, we may never know with 100% certainty which sow this deceased spring cub belonged to.:
| Sow | Number of COY | Entire Family Group Observed | Eliminates Family Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 2 | See July 29, 2022 Update Below | No |
| 94 | 4 | 07/20/22 after 16:00
07/21/22 (per Ranger Chris) 07/22/22 (DanteV2000 gif) |
Yes |
| 402 | 2 | 07/20/22 after 16:00 | Yes |
| 719 | 1 | 07/21/22 | Yes |
| 906
(Prev UnID'd) |
2 | 07/21/22 | Yes |
| 910 | 1 | 07/21/22 | Yes |
The loss of a Brooks River bear is understandably a difficult circumstance for many park visitors, park staff, and cam viewers. The following may help provide some understanding and comfort to those that struggle with the reality of an Alaskan brown bear's life.:
Dr. Rob Bierregaard said: "Please remember that nature is not cruel. Being cruel implies intent to harm someone or something just to do harm. Nature is unforgiving, harsh, and often random. But it's not cruel."
Thank you naturegirl for sharing the above quote from Dr. Bierregaard.
July 27, 2022 Update:[]
On July 27, 2022 during the Bear Motherhood & Life of Cubs Live Chat, Mike Fitz and Ranger Chris discussed the 2022 Deceased Spring Cub. Today's update included this information:
- KNP&P has not received any information from the necropsy to date. They will forward any information when it becomes available.
- Shipment of the cub for necropsy was delayed. Shipping delays are common during this time of year in remote Alaska. The cub was placed in the freezer for a period of time until the shipment for necropsy was possible.
Bear Motherhood and the Life of Cubs
July 27, 2022 hosted by Mike Fitz with Ranger Chris Kliesrath. The live chat begins 14:27 into video. The discussion of the deceased spring cub begins at approximately 1:07:12.
July 29, 2022 Information from Ranger Tammy Carmack re: 39 Possibly Being Seen without Cubs:[]
July 29, 2022: Ranger Lian asked Mazey to pass on any questions about the bears that she would forward to Ranger Tammy. Mazey collected a number of them having to do with identification. Mazey received a reply today, July 29, 2022. Here are the questions and answers from Ranger Tammy.
Mazey's July 29, 2022 17:52 comment re: information from Ranger Tammy Carmack re: photographs taken by NWBearLove92 of 39 w/2spring cubs July 8, 2022 and possible 39 w/o cubs July 15, 2022
Question: Cam viewer NWBearLove92 recently shared photos of a sow believed to be 39 without cubs on 7/15. The post also includes photos of 39 with her cubs on 7/8 for comparison. Does the 7/15 sow appear to be 39?
Links to NWBearLove92's photographs: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 & #6
Please request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using her photographs!
NWBearLove92's July 23, 2022 09:13 comment with July 8, 2022 photographs of 39 w/2 spring cubs and possible 39 w/o cubs July 15, 2022
Ranger Tammy Carmack's Reply: I can’t tell from this photo, but I can say that I thought I saw her without cubs more than once.
Please also see the following prior updates on 39 and her 2 spring cubs since the 856 altercation:
July 9, 2022, July 10, 2022, July 11, 2022, July 12, 2022, and July 13, 2022. We will probably never be able to confirm if the deceased spring cub that was discovered on July 20, 2022 was one of 39's spring cubs.
July 18, 2023 Update:[]
Additional Information from Mike Fitz, Resident Naturalist w/Explore July 18, 2023 (p 12:59 Live Chat Comments):
"...when I was at Brooks Camp recently (July 2023), I dug through the July 2022 bear monitoring notes--the National Park Service has conducted a long-term bear monitoring study at Brooks River since 2000--and found this information:
"At the falls July 8...[39] attacked bears that weren't even very close...When 856 walked by she attacked and he fought back..."
This much we know from the bearcam video. However, the notes continue:
"This caused separation of [cubs]. Later she was seen with one [cub] and the other treed at the falls for days. Next time I saw her (7/13/22), I thought I saw a [cub] but then never saw her with it. It later turned up deceased across from [tree stand on the cut bank]."
I hope this info adds a bit of closure to that chapter in 39's life. 856 didn't apparently kill any of 39's cubs, but the event forced the separation of one of them. There are no observations or records that I have yet seen that give us any idea why 39's other cub did not survive.
Raising cubs is a difficult task. Cubs are vulnerable to a variety of dangers. If anything, this story reminds us of the risks and challenges that mother bears and their cubs face everyday."
