PLEASE SEE 39's NEW WIKI PAGE 07/20/2022 - 39 & 153 ARE NOW BELIEVED TO BE 2 DIFFERENT BEARS, THEY ARE NO LONGER BELIEVED TO BE THE SAME BEAR AS IN 2017/2018.
Adult Female
Year First Observed: 2007 as a Subadult
Known Offspring Of: Unknown
Known Litters of Cubs: 3
Genetics Study Samples Obtained: 39 was successfully darted by Ranger Michael Saxton in 2017.
Identification:[]
2015 Bears of Brooks River book, 39's page, #27: 39 is a medium-small female. She has large ears and a dark blond coat with a darker face and legs. Her eyes appear sunken. In the fall, she has a grizzled, dark blond coat and her ears look smaller than earlier in the summer.
2016 Bears of Brooks River book, 39's page, #33: 39 is a medium-small female. She has large ears and a dark blond coat with a darker face and legs. Her eyes appear sunken. In the fall, she has a grizzled, dark blond coat and her ears look smaller than earlier in the summer.
2016 Bears of Brooks River book, 153's page, #37: 153 is a small female with a dark blond coat and a semiprominent shoulder hump. She has a faint stripe of darker fur across her back. Her large round ears are the same color as her body. Like 132, she has an inverted V or chevron pattern of fur on her forehead.
2017 Bears of Brooks River book, 39's page, #88: 39 is a medium-small female. She has large ears and a dark blond coat with a darker face and legs. Her eyes appear sunken. In the fall, she has a grizzled, dark blond coat and her ears look smaller than earlier in the summer.
2017 Bears of Brooks River book, 153's page, #41: 153 is small female with a dark blond coat and a prominent shoulder hump. She has a faint stripe of darker fur across her back. Her large round ears are the same color as her body. Like 132, she has an inverted V or chevron pattern of fur on her forehead.
2018 Bears of Brooks River book, 39's page, #39: 39 is a medium-small female. She has large ears, a dark blonde coat with a darker face and legs, and a slight v-pattern on her forehead. Her eyes have occasionally appeared sunken when seen. In the fall, she has a grizzled, dark blond coat and her ears look smaller than earlier in the summer.
Distinctive Behaviors:[]
2015 Bears of Brooks River book, 39's page, #27: In the fall, 39 is not often seen by the public at Brooks Camp, since she typically arrives late in September or in early October. At those times, she is most often seen fishing at the cut bank and riffles area downstream of Brooks Falls. Earlier in the summer, 39 will visit Brooks Falls, but usually has a low success rate in that area. She appears to be wary of people and other bears, especially when she was caring for a cub in 2011 and 2012.
2016 Bears of Brooks River book, 39's page, #33: In the fall, 39 is not often seen by the public at Brooks Camp, since she typically arrives late in September or in early October. At those times, she is most often seen fishing at the cut bank and riffles area downstream of Brooks Falls. Earlier in the summer, 39 will visit Brooks Falls, but usually has a low success rate in that area. She appears to be wary of people and other bears, especially when she was caring for a cub in 2011 and 2012.She was not observed in 2014 or 2015. (Note: 39 was mis-identified as 153 in 2014 and 2015).
2016 Bears of Brooks River book, 153's page, #37: 153 is a young adult bear. Because she has not been observed with cubs and ranks fairly low in the bear hierarchy, she often patrols the river unnoticed by many bear watchers.This bear will fish in the riffles area and near Brooks Falls, but is not large enough to consistently occupy the best fishing spots. 153 also appears tolerant of people on the wildlife viewing platforms. She has not been observed in fall.
2017 Bears of Brooks River book, 39's page, #88: In the fall, 39 is not often seen by the public at Brooks Camp, since she typically arrives late in September or in early October. At those times, she is most often seen fishing at the cut bank and riffles area downstream of Brooks Falls.
Earlier in the summer, 39 will visit Brooks Falls, but usually has a low success rate in that area. She appears to be wary of people and other bears, especially when she was caring for a cub in 2011 and 2012.
2017 Bears of Brooks River boo, 153's page, #41: 153 is a young adult bear. Because she has not been observed with cubs and ranks fairly low in the bear hierarchy, she often patrols the river unnoticed by many bear watchers. This bear will fish in the riffles area and near Brooks Falls, but is not large enough to consistently occupy the best fishing spots. 153 also appears tolerant of people on the wildlife viewing platforms. She has not been observed in fall. She was not seen in 2016. (Note: 39 (aka 153 was mis-identified as 171 in fall of 2016 with 3 spring cubs)
2018 Bears of Brooks River book, 39's page, #39: Early in the summer, 39 would visit Brooks Falls, but usually had a low success rate in that area. She appeared to be wary of people and other bears, especially when she was caring for a cub in 2011 and 2012.
In 2017, 39 returned to Brooks River with three yearling cubs. Though she appears to have avoided Brooks River while caring for her cubs in 2016 (during official bear monitoring sessions), she was seen frequently in 2017, and in all areas of the river. 39 often fished at Brooks Falls with all three of her cubs during July and August. In the fall, she frequented the lower river and cutbank.
Previously, this bear was misnumbered as bear #153. They are now thought to be the same bear.
NOTE: 39 WAS NOT OBSERVED DURING OFFICIAL BEAR MONITORING SESSIONS IN 2016 WITH HER 3 SPRING CUBS, BUT SHE WAS OBSERVED ON THE EXPLORE LIVE CAMS IN 2016 WITH HER 3 SPRING CUBS. SHE WAS MIS-IDENTIFIED AS 171 AND THEN AS 153 IN 2016. 39'S CUB'S DISTINCT NATAL COLAR MAKES THIS FAMILY GROUP EASY TO IDENTIFY.
Life History:[]
2007: Subadult Female, 39 1st Year Classified[]
39 was initially observed and classified as a subadult in 2007.
July 2007:[]
2007.07.13: NPS photos of 39.:
2007.07.28: NPS photos of 39.:
2008: Subadult Female[]
July 2008:[]
2008.07.14: NPS photos of 39.:
2008.07.15: NPS photos of 39.:
2008.07.20: NPS photos of 39.:
2009: Subadult Female, 39 as 153 1st Year Classified[]
39 (as 153) was initially observed and classified as a subadult in 2009.
2010: Single Adult Female[]
July 2010:[]
2010.07.14: NPS photos of 39 (mis-identified as 153) :
2010.07.16: NPS photos of 39.:
2010.07.27: NPS photos of 39 (mis-identified as 153) :
2010.07.29: NPS photos of 39.:
2011: Adult Female, 1 Spring Cub, 1st Known Litter[]
39 returned to the Brooks River with her 1st known llitter of cubs, 1 spring cub.
July 2011:[]
2011.07.22: NPS photos of 39.: (These photos are dated and In order by EXIF)
October 2011:[]
2011.10.02: NPS photos of 39.:
2012: Adult Female, 1 Yearling[]
39 returned to the Brooks River with her yearlings from her 2011 litter.
July 2012:[]
2012.07.08: NPS photos of 39.:
2012.07.14: NPS photos of 39.:
2012.07.17: NPS photos of 39 (mis-identified as 153) :
2012.07.20: NPS photos of 39 (mis-identified as 153) :
2012.07.25: NPS photos of 39 (mis-identified as 153) :
2012.07.31: NPS photos of 39 (mis-identified as 153) :
Fall 2012:[]
2013: Single Adult Female[]
June 2013:[]
2013.06.25: NPS photos of 39 (mis-identified as 153) :
July 2013:[]
2013.07.10: NPS photos of 39 (mis-identified as 153) :
2013.07.11: NPS photos of 39 (mis-identified as 153) :
2013.07.12: NPS photos of 39 (mis-identified as 153) :
2013.07.13: NPS photos of 39 (mis-identified as 153) :
2013.07.15: NPS photos of 39 (mis-identified as 153) :
2013.07.18: NPS photos of 39 (mis-identified as 153) :
2013.07.23: NPS photos of 39 (mis-identified as 153) :
2014: Single Adult Female[]
September 2014:[]
October 2014:[]
2014.10.22: NPS photos of 39.:
2015: Single Adult Female[]
39 was included in the Adult Females section of the 2015 Bears of Brooks River book on page 27. This is the first edition that 39 (or 39 as 153) was included in:
July 2015:[]
2016: Adult Female with 3 Spring Cubs, 2nd Known Litter, Initially Mis-Identified as 171 in Fall 2016), 912 & 913 Speculated, 99 (speculated as the 3rd cub after 2019 identification)[]
39 was included in the Adult Females section of the 2016 Bears of Brooks River book on page 33 as bear 39 and on page 37 as bear 153. This is the first edition of the book that 39 (as 153) was included in the book.:
2016 Season:[]
39 (as 153) was not observed during official bear monitoring sessions in 2016 according to the 2017 Bears of Brooks River book on 153's page, page 41 because a sow with 3 spring cubs that was observed in fall of 2016 was initially mis-identified as 171 , not 39 or 153, Then the real 171 showed up along the Brooks River in 2016 with her own litter of 3 spring cubs, so the bear initially identified as 171 in fall of 2016 was determined to be 39 with 3 spring cubs. Later, the bear believed to be 153 was determined to acutally be 39. 39's cub's distinct natal colar makes this family group easy to identify.
Fall 2016:[]
2016.??.??: GreenRiver shared these two enhanced snapshots (#1 & #2 ) of 39 with her 3 spring cubs.:
October 2016:[]
2016.10.03: 39 (not 171) with her 3 spring cubs video by Erum Chad (aka Erie). Note the one cub's distinct natal collar.:
(PLEASE NOTE: 153 was observed in fall of 2016 with 3 spring cubs, but was mis-identified at that time as 171. It was later determined that 39 and 153 are the same bear.):
2016.10.08: Erum Chad captured 2 videos of 39 (not 171) on 10/8/2016. In video #1, 39 is seen fishing on the top of the falls, her cubs are on the far bank. In video #2, the 39 family is seen passing in front of the Brooks Falls platform and down to the riffles.
(PLEASE NOTE: 153 was observed in fall of 2016 with 3 spring cubs, but was mis-identified at that time as 171. It was later determined that 39 and 153 are the same bear.):
Video #1:
Video #2:
2016.10.17: 39 (not 171) and her 3 cubs were filmed in the oxbow area on 10/17/2016, video by Erum Chad.
(PLEASE NOTE: 153 was observed in fall of 2016 with 3 spring cubs, but was mis-identified at that time as 171. It was later determined that 39 and 153 are the same bear.):
2016.10.21: 39 ( not 171) with her 3 spring cubs video by Melissa Freels
(PLEASE NOTE: 153 was observed in fall of 2016 with 3 spring cubs, but was mis-identified at that time as 171. It was later determined that 39 and 153 are the same bear.):
39 (not 171) with her 3 spring cubs video by Martina
(PLEASE NOTE: 153 was observed in fall of 2016 with 3 spring cubs, but was mis-identified at that time as 171. It was later determined that 39 and 153 are the same bear.):
Cam viewer Erie also captured 39 (not 171) and her 3 cubs on 10/21/2016, video #1, video #2 and video #3. The family is viewed traveling between the oxbow and corner, eating salmon scraps and resting.
(PLEASE NOTE: 153 was observed in fall of 2016 with 3 spring cubs, but was mis-identified at that time as 171. It was later determined that 39 and 153 are the same bear.):
Video #1:
Video #2:
Video #3:
39 and her 3 spring cubs by the corner. 273 and 809 make an appearance in the background, 10/21/2016 video by flyer 7474.
2016.10.22: NSBoak shared this snapshot of 39 and her 3 spring cubs.:
2017: Adult Female with 3 Yearlings, Mis-Identified as 153, 39 and 153 are Now Believed to Be The Same Bear, 912 & 913 Speculated, 99 (speculated as the 3rd cub after 2019 identification)[]
39 was moved to the Bears No Longer Seen section of the 2017 Bears of Brooks River book on page 88. 39 (as 153) was included in the 2017 Bears of Brooks River book on page 41.:
2017 Season:[]
2017.??.??: Tara Star shared these snapshots (#1 , #2 , #3 & #4 ) of 39 with her 3 yearlings from the 2017 season. Xander-Sage-2 shared these 2017 snapshots of 39 and her 3 yearlings on 5/24/2020, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8 and #9.
2017.??.??: 39 and her 3 yearlings can be seen in this 2017 video by Karen Hanson from the 1:32 - 1:50 mark and 3:01 - 03:30 mark. The 2017 date(s) this video was captured is not known to us:
2017.??.??: Sometime on or before July 27, 2017 park visitor Geoffrey Glassner capture this video of 39 and her 3 yearlings sleeping under a tree in the early morning before the crowds at Brooks Falls:
2017.??.??: 39 and her 3 yearlings can be seen shortly after 11:41 into this video, right after 128 Grazer and her 3 yearlings by Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd).:
2017.??.??: Park visitor Sonja Wieck filmed the 39 family in the summer of 2017. They are seen in this video from 0:21-0:40 and 1:28-2:05. At 1:34, one of 39's yearlings catches a good sized salmon. 39's cubs have shown good fishing skills for yearlings.
2017.??.??: Joe Morris 2017 Instagram photo of 39 and her 3 yearlings 99, 912 and 913.
July 2017:[]
Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) created this "Cubs at the Falls July 2017" video. 39 and her 3 yearlings can be seen from 2:52-5:35.
2017.07.??: Birgitt shared July 2017 Truman Everts photos of 39 and her yearlings in chat on 5/24/2020, #1 and #2.
Please request Truman Everts' permission prior to using his photographs!
2017.07.02: 39 (not 153) and her 3 yearlings video by Victoria White.:
Victoria White's video of 39 (not 153) and her 3 yearlings.:
39 (not 171) and her 3 yearlings are seen at the falls in this 7/2/2017 video by Ratna Narayan.
On 7/2/17 Brenda D filmed the family at Brooks Falls (video is not 171 as labeled). It is early in the season and 39 and cubs are shedding and appear thin. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017.07.03: Park visitor and cam viewer, Truman Everts captured this photo of 39 (aka 153) and her 3 yearlings on July 3, 2017 at 15:38 while he was visiting Brooks Camp. Truman Everts shared this 7/3/2017 photo of 39 and her 3 yearlings on 5/10/2020.
Please request Truman Everts' permission prior to using his photographs!
39 and her 3 yearlings can be seen in this 7/3/2017 photo that was shared in chat by Tina Crowe (photo used with permission) on the bank of the riffles.
Please request Tina Crowe's permission prior to using his photos!
Flyer 7474 captured this 7/3/2017 video of a very tense standoff between 39 with her 3 yearlings and 128 Grazer and her 3 yearlings. "It went on for over an hour and this is only 22 minutes of it. You will also see how the bark was peeled off the tree."
2017.07.04: 39 with her 3 yearlings collage by GreenRiver.:
39 and her 3 yearlings (not 153) are the main focus of this video by CherylB (aka BearNecessities). 402 can also be seen fishing the lip and 634 Popeye is the boar fishing below the falls between the jacuzzi and the far pool. It is possible that 634's presence below the falls is what was displacing 153 from fishing in the far pool when she and the cubs retreated to the top of the falls.:
CherylB's (aka BearNecessities') video of 39 (not 153) scolding her cub at 0:48, 7/4/2017.
2017.07.05: 39 and her 3 yearlings can be seen in this 7/5/2017 photo that was shared in chat by Tina Crowe (photo used with permission).
Please request Tina Crowe's permission prior to using his photos!
7/5/2017 photo of 39 and her yearlings (99, 912 and 913) by angelsfan.
39 and her 3 yearlings (99, 912 and 913), 7/5/2017 photo by Konicki Photography.
2017.07.06 21:59: Park visitor and cam viewer, Truman Everts observed and photographed 39 and her 3 yearlings on the south bank, just about 25 meters west of Ranger Leslie's bear monitoring stand (you can actually see a gray leg of it in the upper left hand corner of the 2nd photo):
A 7/6/2017 video by Mickey Williams shows 39 and her 3 yearlings fishing just below the far pool area of Brooks Falls (video is not 171 as labeled).
2020.07.07: Truman Everts shared this 7/7/2017 photo of 39's yearling with the retained natal collar on 8/13/2020.
39 and her 3 yearlings are seen in this 7/7/2017 Explore Recorder video from 0:00-45:28. The yearling with the natal collar seen in Truman Everts above photo can be viewed at 5:32.
2017.07.08: Joe McKenna captured multiple 7/8/2017 photos of 39 and her three yearlings, 99, 912 and 913. #1 39, #2 99, #3, 39 with all 3 yearlings, #4, 99, 912 and 913 and #5, 39 and all 3 yearlings.
Victoria White video of 39 (not 153) and cubs fishing around the island and in front of the platform, 7/8/2017.
2017.07.09: 39 and her 3 yearlings (video is not 171) are seen in a long fishing session at Brooks Falls on 7/9/2017, video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017.07.11: Scott Melnick's 7/11/2017 photo of 39 and her 3 yearlings 99, 912 and 913.
39 (not 153) with her 3 yearlings video by Victoria White.:
2017.07.14: 39 (not 153) with her 3 yearlings in the Lower Brooks River area video by Victoria White:
2017.07.16 - 2017.07.18: 39 and her 3 yearlings are seen from 3:54-4:55 in this Graham Bloye video , mid July, 2017. At 4:22 you can see one of the cubs with porcupine quills in it's right front paw. The cub was noted by Rangers to be without any limp a few days later.
2017.07.19: Anna-Marie_AZ's 7/19/2017 photo of 39 with her 3 male yearlings, now known as 99, 912 and 913.
39 (not 153) on the far bank at the falls, 7/19/2017 video by birdnerd57. 39 charges an unseen bear on the hill. A bear is seen briefly at the end of the video.
On 7/19/2017, the 39 family is seen cautiously fishing at Brooks Falls with male bears 32 Chunk and 856 nearby, video by st mango.
Olddude shared this 7/19/2017 snapshot of 39 and her 3 yearlings on 5/24/2020.
2017.07.21: Explore Recorder 7/21/2017 video of 39 and her 3 yearlings sitting under the Brooks Falls platform, 9:43-21:58.
2017.07.22: Cam watcher and Brooks falls visitor ElaineDE shared photos ( #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7 ). of 39 and her 3 yearlings in the chat on 2/18/2020. The family is observed in the Brooks Falls area and 1 yearling can be seen inspecting a tripod which had fallen off the platform. One of 39's yearlings has retained its distinct natal collar into its second year. ElaineDE shared 7/22/2017 photos of 39 and her 3 yearlings on 5/24/2020, #1 and #2. Elaine DE shared 7/22/2017 photos of 39 and her 3 yearlings on 5/24/2020, #1, #2 and #3.
Please request ElaineDE's permission prior to using her photographs!
Brenda D's 7/22/2017 video of 39 (not 153) at the falls. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
39 and her 3 yearlings can be seen in this 7/22/2017 or prior photo by Kara Stenberg. The photo was posted by Brooks Lodge Facebook on 7/22/2017.
Please request Kara Stenberg's permission prior to using her photographs!
2017.07.23: 39 (not 153) with her 3 yearlings video captured just past the treehouse on the evening of 07/23/2017 by Scammin Scammin:
39 (not 153) with her 3 yearlings from the riffles platform video captured by Scammin or JstDucky:
Scammin also shared these photos (#1 , #2 , #3 , #4 & #5 ) of 39 and her yearlings that he and JstDucky captured on the evening of July 23, 2017 while at Brooks Camp, Note: 39 was mis-identified as 153 at the time. Scammin shared this 7/23/2017 photo of 39 with 2 of her 3 yearlings on 5/24/2020.
Please request Scammin's permission prior to using his and jstducky's photographs!
39 ( not 153) family group video by Susan Tunstall:
Wildmplzoo's video of 39 and her 3 yearlings. The little boy working on his Junior Ranger book to earn his badge is an added bonus in this video!.:
39 (not 153) is fishing at the far bank at Brooks Falls, 7/23/2017 video by Brenda D. At 9:50 she bluff charges a male bear. At 12:03, one of her yearlings is spooked by the arrival of 128 Grazer and her 3 yearlings. 39 reacts by swatting her cub. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
Anna-Marie_AZ's 7/23/2017 photo of 39's male yearling, now known as 99. The 39 family sitting on a rock photo by Anna-Marie_AZ on 7/23/2017.
Explore Recorder 7/23/2017 video of 39 and her 3 yearlings on top of the far falls, 58:15-59:53.
2017.07.24: 39 (not 153) and her 3 yearlings at the falls, 7/24/2017 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
39 (not 153) and her 3 yearlings on the hill, 480 Otis naps, 7/24/2017 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017.07.25: Juergen's gif of 39 and her 3 yearlings .
Spotted Dog Media's (Karen Hanson) 7/25/2017 photo of 39 and her 3 yearlings 99, 912 and 913.
Cheryl B's video of 39 (not 153) and 801(?):
39 (not 153) and her 3 yearlings at the falls, 7/25/2017 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
39 (not 153) and her cubs in the far pool, 7/25/2017 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
Flyer 7474's 7/25/2017 video of "39 and her 3 lumberjacks."
2017.07.26: JG shared these snapshots (#1 & #2 ) of 39 with her 3 yearlings. 39 raised some skilled fisher cubs, they were catching their own energetic fresh run salmon in July and would eat them like experienced adults pinning to them to their legs or 2 pawing them. What a contrast to other cubs or even sub adults struggling to catch or hold fish..
39 (not 153) with her 3 yearlings, one of the yearlings successfully fishing independently video by CherylB (aka BearNecessities):
Brenda D video of 39 (not 153) and her 3 yearlings in the far pool, 7/26/2017. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
39 (not 153) and her 3 yearlings in the riffles, 7/26/2017 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
7/26/2020 Explore Recorder video of 39 fishing with her 3 yearlings at Brooks Falls. The family fishes at the far bank, far pool, near the island and in front of the platform.
2017.07.30: Anela Marie Ramo's 7/30/2017 photo of 99 on the right playing with one of his brothers, either 912 or 913.
Juergen's gif of 39 and her 3 yearlings..
Ratna's video of 39 with her 3 yearlings.:
Brenda D's 7/30/2017 video of 39 (not 153) and yearlings in the far pool, Part 1. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
Brenda D's 7/30/2017 video of 39 (not 153) in the far pool with 480 Otis, Part 2. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
39 (not 153) and her 3 yearlings can be seen from the riffles to the falls in this 7/30/2017 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017.07.31: 39 (not 153) in the far pool, 7/3/2017 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
39 (not 153) fishes with her cubs in the far pool but then moves to the top of the falls in this 7/31/2017 video by Brenda D. At 3:25 she bluff charges a bear below. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
August 2017:[]
2017.08.01: 39 (not 153) and her 3 cubs in the office and far pool, 8/1/2017 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
Brenda D video of 39 (not 153) and her 3 yearlings taking over the jacuzzi, 8/1/2017. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017.08.04: Juergen's gif of 39 and her 3 yearling's interaction with 128 Grazer and her 3 yearlings.
JG shared this snapshot of 39 with her 3 yearlings.:
An 8/4/2017 video by Brenda D shows the defensiveness of sows when they feel their cubs are threatened. At 8:44, a 128 cub is observed alone, the camera pans to 39 and cubs. One of the 39 cubs gets caught in the current, is swept downstream and while trying to climb back is attacked by 128 Grazer. A scuffle ensues between 128 Grazer and 39 to protect their cubs. Both families continue fishing after the event. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
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 39 this year continues as 128 runs off one of 39"s Yearlings and an encounter follows.:
At approximately 19:32 AKDT Flyer 7474 (aka SteveCA) captured this video of 39 and her 3 yearlings. 39 takes it out on one of her yearlings as the yearling tries to steal her salmon. But they both lose in the end. :
Flyer 7474 (aka SteveCA) also captured this video of 39 and her 3 yearlings with 854 Divot and her yearlings. 854 and her Yearlings join 39 and her Yearlings to take over the Far Pool and the Office.:
Flyer 7474 captured this 8/4/2017 video of 39 and her 3 yearlings fishing at Brooks Falls on a quiet day with no other bears around.
503 fishes in the far pool while 39 and her 3 yearlings look on, 8/4/2017 video by flyer 7474.
755 Scare D Bear finds himself between 39 and her 3 yearlings and 128 Grazer and her 3 yearlings in this video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
Brenda D captured 39 (not 153) and yearlings in the far pool, video on 8/4/2017. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
39 (not 153) and yearlings are seen in this 8/4/2017 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
Brenda D's 8/4/2017 video of 854 Divot with her 3 yearlings and 39 (NOT 153) with her 3 yearlings in the far pool. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017.08.05: 39 (not 153) with her 3 yearlings video by Ratna.:
Brenda D's 8/5/2017 video of 39 (not 153) and yearlings in the far pool. As they move away from the far pool, 39 charges 503 at 7:22 as 480 Otis looks on. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
39 (not 153) from the far pool to the jacuzzi then the fish ladder, 8/5/2017 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
Brenda D video of 39 (not 153) and 3 yearlings in the far pool, 8/5/2017. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
39 (not 153) and her 3 yearlings leave the far pool, 8/5/2017 video by Brenda D. "39 keeps looking over her shoulder like 503 is going to come after them." Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017.08.28: 39 (not 153) on the closed trail to the corner, 8/28/2017 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
September 2017:[]
2017.09.26 or Prior: 39 ( not 153) with her 3 yearlings Explore Highlights video (published September 26, 2017).:
2017.09.28: 39 (not 153) and her 3 yearlings are seen fishing around the island in this 9/28/2017 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017.09.29: JG shared this snapshot of 39 with her 3 yearlings.:
Brenda D's video of 39 (not 153) with her 3 yearlings video. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
39 (not 153) and her 3 cubs fish around the island, 9/29/2017 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
39 and her 3 yearlings fish at Brooks Falls, 9/29/2017 video by flyer 7474.
2018: Single Adult Female []
39 was moved back to the Adult Females section of the 2018 Bears of Brooks River book on page 39. 153 was omitted from the 2018 edition of the book because it had been determined that 39 and 153 are now thought to be the same bear.:
2018 Season:[]
It is believed that 39 successfully emancipated all three offspring from her 2016 litter of spring cubs; her 2nd known litter. 912 & 913 are speculated to be two of those offspring that were classified as independent subadults during the 2018 season. Male bear 99 is speculated to be the 3rd offspring from 39's 2016 litter and received his number in 2019.
Before You Die Guy captured video of 39's 3 emancipated cubs sitting under the Brooks Falls platform early in the season.They are seen briefy from 2:21-2:24.
July 2018:[]
2018.07.04: 39 can be seen in this July 4, 2018 play-by-play with Mike Fitz . 39 is seen on the far side from 4:19 - 4:46, and then again from 5:22 - 6:17. Mike discusses 856 possibly following 39 beginning at approximately 7:50. "89 Backpack steps to the side and let's 856 cut into that dance". She can be seen again from 50:24 - 51:08. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2018.07.04 - 2018.07.22: JG shared these snapshots (#1 , #2 , #3 , #4 , #5 , #6 , #7 , #8 , #9 & #10 ) of 39 taken during the 2018 season between July 4, 2018 and July 22, 2018.:
2018.07.06: NWBearLove92 shared a 7/6/2018 photo of 39 in chat on 4/13/2020. NWBearLove92 shared 7/6/2018 photos of 39 on 5/24/2020, #1 and #2.
Please request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using any of their photographs!
2018.07.09: 39 in the far pool, 7/9/2018 video by Lani H.
39 and 68 have a kerfuffle in the far pool, 7/9/2018 video by Lani H.
89 Backpack and 39 fight over a fish. "39 is begging from 89 Backpack who attacks her 503 is nearby also." 7/9/2018 video by Lani H.
2018.07.20: 39's emancipated 2.5 year-old subadults video by Lani H. The one 2.5 year old still has the natal collar. 912 & 913 are speculated to be two of these 2.5 year-old subadults.:
2018.07.22: 856 has a kerfuffle (at 0:47) with 39, 7/22/2018 video by Lani H. "39 was spotted later at the island and was fine."
2018.07.20 - 2018.07.23: Park visitor and cam viewer, Lynne Lewis captured these photos (#1 , #2 , #3 & #4 ) of single adult female, 39, during her July 20 - 23, 2018 trip to Brooks Camp. Lynne captured other photos of 39 during her trip. Scroll throught Lynne's SmugMug album to see those.
Park visitor and cam viewer, Lynne Lewis also captured these photos (#1 & #2 ) of 39's 2.5 year-old emancipated subadults during her July 20 - 23, 2018 trip to Brooks Camp.
2019: Adult Female with 2 Spring Cubs[]
39 was not believed to have been seen in 2019. There was speculation among chatters that the unknown sow with 2 spring cubs observed frequently in July 2019 might be 39 or 500 Indy. Rangers were not able to determine an identification by the end of the 2019 season. When the 2021 Bears of Brooks River eBook was released, it was noted that 39 had now been identified as the sow with 2 spring cubs that had been observed in July of 2019.
2019 season:[]
2019.0?.??: Melissa Freels captured this photograph of the unknown sow (determined to be 39) with 2 spring cubs from one of her 2019 trips to Brooks Camp (from late June or early to mid September) (p 01/03/2020 16:35 ).
Please request Melissa Freels' permission prior to using her photographs!
June 2019:[]
2019.06.27: Truman Everts captured this photograph of 39 with 2 spring cubs on June 27, 2019 at 20:59 (p 12/15/19 07:12 )
Please request Truman Everts' permission prior to using his photographs!
2019.06.29: Truman Everts shared this 6/29/2019 photo of 39 with her 2 spring cubs on 5/9/2020. Truman Everts shared this 6/29/2019 photo of 39 with 2 spring cubs (hiding to the left) on 5/25/2020. Please request Truman Everts' permission prior to using his photographs!
July 2019:[]
2019.07.03: A sow with 2 spring cubs was seen dashing for fish in the lower river, 7/3/2019 video by Erum Chad. This sow is believed to be 39.
2019.07.04: Truman Everts shared this July 4, 2019 photo of 39 with 2 spring cubs on 4/27/2020. Truman shared a 2nd photo of 39 with 2 spring cubs on 4/29/2020.
Please request Truman Everts' permission prior to using his photographs!
2019.07.09: NWBearLove92 shared these 7/9/2019 photos of 39 with 2 spring cubs on 4/28/2020, #1 and #2. NWBearLove92 shared this 7/9/2019 photo of 39 with 2 spring cubs on 4/28/2020. NWBearLove92 shared this 7/9/2019 photo of 39 with her 2 spring cubs on 5/11/2020. NWBearLove92 shared this 7/9/2019 photo of 39 with 2 spring cubs on 5/8/2020.NWBearLove92 shared this 7/9/2019 photo of 39 with 2 spring cubs on 6/9/2020. NWBearlove92 shared photos of 39 and her 2 spring cubs on 6/10/2020. #1, #2 and #3. NWBearLove92 shared this 7/9/2019 photo of 39 with 2 spring cubs on 6/16/2020. Please request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using any of their photographs!
2019.07.10: Lori Hocking (aka Lovethebears) captured these photographs (#1 , #2 & #3 ) of 39 with 2 spring cubs in July 2019 (p 01/28/2020 08:56 ). Lori also has photographs of this family group on her flickr : #1 , #2 , #3 , ,#4 , #5 , #6 , #7, #8 and #9. Please request Lori's (aka Lovethebears) permission prior to using her photographs!
Mckate's 7/10/2019 video of 39 and her 2 spring cubs on the closed path.
7/10/2019 video of 39 and her 2 spring cubs by Erum Chad.
Lani H's 7/10/2019 video of 39 and her 2 spring cubs.
Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor Olatz Azcona Munárriz shared eight 7/10/2019 photos of 39 and her 2 spring cubs as they rested on the closed path, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7 and #8. "39 and her two spring cubs stole the show on the closed trail right after sunrise, the last morning I was in Brooks Camp in 2019. She and her little ones posed for us for nearly half an hour before getting back in the river and disappearing in the marsh. July 10, 2019."
Please request Olatz Azcona Munárriz's (aka Olatz) permission prior to using their photographs!
2019.07.12 or prior: Sissy Schneiderman's Instagram photo of 39 and her 2 spring cubs, posted on 7/12/2019.
2019.07.14 or prior: Sissy Schneiderman's Instagram photo of 39 and her 2 spring cubs, posted on 7/14/2019.
October 2019:[]
2019.10.06: Lani H captured a 10/6/2019 video of an unknown sow with 2 spring cubs on the lower river. Could this sow have been 39 with her 2 spring cubs? In 2016, 39 and her 3 spring cubs were not observed (on the cams) until 10/3/2016.
Unknown sow (39?) with 2 spring cubs, 10/6/2019 video by mckate. "There is some thought that this might be 39. Let's hope she shows up again a little closer while the lower cams are on."
Could this sow with 2 spring cubs also have been 39 in this 10/6/2019 video by Birgitt?
2020: Adult Female with 2 Yearlings[]
39 was included in the 2021 Bears of Brooks River Book page 34.
2020 Season:[]
Deanna Dittloff created this 2020 season video of 39 and her 2 yearlings, "Bear 39 and cubs 2020."
July 2020:[]
2020.07.12: Lani H's 7/12/2020 video of a sow with 2 cubs who may be 39 with yearlings vs 505 with two 2.5 year old cubs. They looked very similar early in the season. Update: This may have been 39 as in 2022 we learned that 505's cubs appeared to have been emancipated before this date. 5/19/2022 ~ mazey.
2020.07.16: JG's 7/16 2020 video, 2 family groups stand off, believed to be 806 and her spring cub and 39 and her 2 yearlings.
2020.07.17: 39 and her 2 yearlings walk along the spit road in this 7/17/2020 video by Ratna Narayan.
Birgitt's 7/17/2020 video of 39 and her 2 yearlings walking along the spit road.
2020.07.18: 39? and her cubs at the falls, 7/18/2020 video by Lani H. Note: This may have been 39 as in 2022 we learned that 505's cubs appeared to have been emancipated before this date. 5/19/2022 ~ mazey.
39? and her 2 cubs in the riffles, 7/18/2020 video by Lani H. Note: This may have been 39 as in 2022 we learned that 505's cubs appeared to have been emancipated before this date. 5/19/2022 ~ mazey.
2020.07.20: 39 near the oxbow with her 2 yearlings, 7/20/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.21: Lani H 7/21/2020 video of 39 and her 2 yearlings at the falls.
Lani H's 7/21/2020 video, 854 Divot and her 2 spring cubs meet 39 and two yearlings.
2020.07.22: 39 with her 2 yearlings at Brooks Falls, 7/22/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.23: A good look at 39 and yearlings, 7/23/2020 video by mckate. "They were startled by people on the bridge. I hope it was a ranger trying to see if they could ID her as 39."
2020.07.24: 39 and her two yearlings fish the riffles, 7/24/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.25: Lani H 7/25/2020 video, 39 and her 2 yearlings investigate the boats.
2020.07.27: 39 and her 2 yearlings on the lower river, 7/27/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.28: Lani H 7/28/2020 video of 39 and her 2 yearlings near the lower river bridge.
2020.07.29: 39 has a confrontation with one of 451's subadults (29), 7/29/2020 video by Cruiser.
29 stands up to 39, 7/29/2020 video by mckate. "Not sure why 39 was thumping 29 or why this little sub would stand up to her. Maybe it's experience from dealing with two large brothers for four years?"
2020.07.31: Lani H 7/31/2020 video, 39 has words with a subadult in the oxbow.
August 2020:[]
2020.08.02: 39 and yearlings near the bridge, 8/2/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.08.04: 39 and her pretty yearlings on the spit, 8/4/2020 video by mckate. This is a really good look at the family.
39's yearlings check out a boat in this 8/4/2020 video by mckate.
2020.08.05: Ratna Narayan's 8/5/2020 video of 39 and her 2 yearlings at the falls. The video is queued to start at 14:12 when they are seen (on the video link, not the thumbnail).
Mckate's 8/5/2020 video, 39's yearlings check out the lip and disturb 910's fishing. "That was pretty adventurous of them. 910 was like, 'Great. Next year's competition.' I think she'd have chased them off had mom not been standing in the near pool."
2020.08.05 & 2020.08.06: Could this sow with 2 very large cubs be 39? This sow and two very large cubs has been seen a few times this season. Shel created this comparison of this 2020 sow with 2 very large cubs and 39 with offspring from prior seasons (p 08/06/2020 16:46 ).:
Left: [edit: Left:] 39 and yearlings (from below video) - 8/4/2017
Right: unknown (I think it's 39) that has two large cubs - 8/6/2020 (pic 01 only link )
Left: 39 and yearlings (from below video) - 8/4/2017
Right: unknown that has two large cubs - 8/5/2020 (pic 02 only link , pic 03 only link )
Head/body profile, ear shape/position/carriage, light fur on neck and back are fairly similar
39 and yearlings, 128 Grazer and yearlings on August 4, 2017 - video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
If this sow with 2 very large cubs is 39, then the 39 family group is the sow and cubs that persuaded 747 to go back up the hill on the far side of the falls, video by Cruiser.:
2020.08.06: 39 forces 747 back up the far path at the falls, 6/6/2020 video by mckate. "Wise choice on his part. In today's play-by-play Mike was talking about how intimidating sows with large cubs can be to other bears. I would imagine 39 alone would be intimidating enough for most bears."
Birgitt's 8/6/2020 video of 39 backing 747 up the hill.
2020.08.07: This 8/7/2020 video by mckate is very interesting. 39 and 4 of her offspring from 2 different litters are seen. "That's her with the yearlings in back, and I believe two of her four-year-olds, 912 and 913, in the foreground."
Birgitt's 8/7/2020 video of 39 and cubs by the rock.
2020.08.08: 39 and her 2 yearlings have a long fishing session at the falls, 8/8/2020 video by Ratna Narayan. This video was recorded on 8/8 not 8/9.
September 2020:[]
2020.09.22: 39 and her 2 yearlings are seen on the picnic area in this 9/22/2020 video by Lani H.
Lani H 9/22/2020 video, 94 and her three 2.5 year old cubs meet 39 and her 2 yearlings on the spit.
2020.09.23: 39 and her giant cubs watch 879, 9/23/2020 video by Birgitt.
Mckate's 9/23/2020 video, 39 returns with her yearlings and is seen at the falls.
2020.09.26: 39 and yearlings on the lower river, 9/26/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.09.28: Lani H 9/28/2020 video, 39 and yearlings walk along the river.
Birgitt's 9/28/2020 video of 39 in the riffles with her 2 cubs.
2020.09.30: Mckate's 9/30/2020 video, a good look at 39.
Lani H 9/30/2020 video of 39 and her 2 yearlings.
October 2020:[]
2020.10.04: 39 and her 2 yearlings rest by the lower river bridge, 10/4/2020 video by Lani H. "I'm not sure who the other bears were, another family or subadults?"
Birgitt's 10/4/2020 video of 39 and her cubs eating at the nest.
2020.10.05: Lani H 10/5/2020 video, 39 and her 2 yearlings have a long fishing session at Brooks Falls.
2020.10.06: 39 and her 2 yearlings in the oxbow and traveling along the far path, 10/6/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.07: Lani H's 10/7/2020 video of the 39 family fishing in the riffles.
2020.10.09: 39 and her 2 yearlings rest on the lower river, 10/9/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.10: Lani H 10/10/2020 video of 39 and her yearlings scavenging in the oxbow.
2020.10.11: The 39 family fishes in the oxbow, 10/11/2020 video by mckate. "It looked like the blonde cub might have been limping a little."
2020.10.13: 39 rests on the river bank while her yearlings fish, 10/13/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.15: 39 and her 2 yearlings fish the riffles, 10/15/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.17: A nice close up view of 39 and her 2 yearlings under the bridge, 10/17/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.18: 39 and her yearlings scavenge along the lower river, 10/18/2020 video by Lani H.
Lani H's 10/18/2020 video of the 39's on the low cam at Brooks Falls. At 3:08, 39's dark cub can be seen urinating straight down which indicates that it is a male.
2020.10.19: 39 and yearlings on the lower river and 820 strolls by, 10/19/2020 video by mckate.
2020.10.20: Lani H 10/20/2020 video, 39 fishes for scraps while her 2 yearlings rest on the lower river.
Lani H 10/20/2020 video of 39 and her cubs on the lower river.
2020.10.21: A good look at 39's blonde yearling, 10/21/2020 video by mckate. "This is about the best look we've had. It has a very striking hairdo. There has been a lot of discussion about whether or not their mother is 39, but these two sure remind me of their three older brothers -- 99, 912, and 913."
2020.10.22: Lani H's 10/22/2020 video of the 39 family scavenging on the lower river.
2020.10.25: 39 and her 2 yearlings were last seen traveling along the lower river searching for late season fish scraps, 10/25/2020 video by Lani H.
2021: Adult Female[]
39 was included in the 2022 Bears of Brooks River book page 36.
2021 Season:[]
Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) created this 2021 season video of 39, "Bear 39 2021."
2021.??.??: 39 can be observed from 2:40-2:47 in this 2021 video by Wild Revelation Outdoors.
July 2021:[]
2021.07.11: 39 may have been observed during this 7/11/2021 play-by-play, video by Explore. At 27:09, Mike Fitz comments "it could be number 39 but I am not sure."
2021.07.12: Erie captured this 7/12/2021 snapshot of 39 under the Brooks Falls platform. 39 has emancipated her two 2.5 year old cubs.
2021.07.13: 39 in the riffles and close up at the falls, 7/13/2021 video by JG.
39 scans the riffles, 7/13/2021 video by mckate.
2021.07.14: 39 fishes in one of her favorite spots, 7/14/2021 video by mckate. "I remember seeing her here a lot in 2018 after she emancipated her three boys 99, 912, and 913."
503 walks the cranky sow gauntlet, 7/14/2021 video by mckate. "They don't come much crankier than 39 and 284. If only 854 and 128 had been there too! You can just feel his relief as he finally eases past and jumps in the J."
2021.07.15: 39 fishes the near pool, 7/15/2021 video by mckate. "She left lots of carcasses for the young bears to comb through."
2021.07.17: 39 in the riffles, 7/17/2021 screenshot by mazey.
2021.07.18: The far pool was a little crowded, 7/18/2021 video by Flyer 4477. Front to back at 3:00 are 273, 39, 820 and 503.
2021.07.19: 32 Chunk seems interested in 39, she does not seem interested in him, 7/19/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.07.20: 854 Divot makes a little run at 39, 7/20/2021 video by mckate. "For no apparent reason. Then all is quickly forgotten."
2021.07.21: 39 surveys the falls from a rock, 7/21/2021 video by JG.
2021.07.22: 39 (right) and 505 (left) have a little disagreement, 7/22/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.07.24: Any scraps for your old mom? 7/24/2021 video by mckate. "912 completely ignores 39, but glimpses at her as she passes. It's always interesting to see interactions with sows and their adult offspring."
2021.07.26: 39 (right) by the far pool, 7/26/2021 snapshot by CarolynCES.
2021.07.27: 39 wrestles a big fish out of the J, 7/27/2021 video by mckate. "She sure gave it a good shaking!"
2021.07.28: Debi (Bearz61)'s 7/28/2021 snapshot of 39.
2021.07.30: 39 is nearest in this 7/30/2021 video by Birgitt. Other bears include 854 Divot with her 2 yearlings, 801 in the office and 719 entering from the right.
August 2021:[]
2021.08.01: 39 (right) and 32 Chunk (left) fish next to each other, 8/1/2021 video by Itzy Holly.
2021.08.02: 39 is seen in the foreground in this 8/2/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.08.03: Betsy Pitlick (aka BetsyBear) captured a 8/3/2021 photo of 39.
Please request Betsy Pitlick's (aka BetsyBear) permission prior to using her photographs!
2022: Adult Female[]
Known Courting & Mating:[]
Add here
Known Litters of Cubs:[]
1st Known Litter, 1 Spring Cub:[]
2011: 1 Spring Cub, 1st Known Litter[]
2012: 1 Yearling[]
2nd Known Litter, 3 Spring Cubs (was initially mis-identified as 171, then as 153), 912 & 913 , Speculated, 99 (speculated to be the 3rd cub after identification in 2019)[]
2016: 3 Spring Cubs, 2nd Known Litter (was initially mis-identified as 171 in fall of 2016), 912 & 913 (speculated, identified in 2018), 99 (speculated, identified in 2019)[]
2017: 3 Yearlings (was mis-identified as 153), 912 & 913 (speculated, identified in 2018), 99 (speculated, identified in 2019)[]
When 39 was last observed in fall of 2017, she was still caring for all three yearlings.
3rd Known litter, 2 Spring Cubs (was not officially identified as 39 until the 2021 Bears of Brooks River eBook was released)[]
2019: 2 spring cubs[]
2020: 2 yearlings, the darker cub is male[]
Known Relatives:[]
Mother: Unknown[]
Father: Unknown[]
Littermates: Unknown[]
Offspring: 912 and 913 (speculated, identified in 2018), 99 (speculated, identified in 2019)[]
Genetics Study Samples Obtained:[]
2016: None Known[]
39 (as 153 in 2016):[]
There were no darting attempts (successful or unsuccessful) of 39 (as 153) by Ranger Michael Saxton in 2016. 39 (as 153) was not officially observed by bear monitoring staff in 2016.
2017: Successfully Darted by Ranger Michael Saxton[]
39 (as 153 in 2017)[]
39 (as 153) was successfully darted by Ranger Michael Saxton in 2017 for the genetics study.