68
Adult Male
Year First Identified: 2007 as a subadult
Known Offspring Of: Not known at this time
Year Last Observed: 2019
Genetics Study Samples Obtained: There were no darting attempts (successful or unsuccessful) in 2016 or 2017 by Ranger Michael Saxton for the genetics study.
Identification:[]
68 is large bodied with a light brown coat in the summer that shows distinctive scars on his left shoulder and right side of his muzzle. His face sheds out dark, and his ears are widely spaced. In the fall, 68 has light eye rings and sports a dark brown coat with slightly blond tipped ears.
Distinctive Behaviors:[]
This bear has been seen at Brooks River every year since 2007, though most years he was only observed in the fall. 68 was seen at Brooks River in July 2013 and again in July 2016. In July 2016, he regularly fished at the falls and often ate his catch on the boulder in the far pool.
Life History:[]
Bear 68 is an adult male bear who's identity became a source of mystery during the 2015 bear season when a close up video of him in the Lower River section of Brooks River made him an internet star on September 20, 2015. Bear 68 was then dubbed "Rie's Bear" for the rest of the fall season until his true identity as Bear 68 was revealed with the release of the 2016 Bears of Brooks River bear book.
In the 2016 season, his identity again became a source of great mystery as he was initially mis-identified as Bear 274 Overflow. It was subsequently discovered that this bear was indeed a different bear than #274 and he was then dubbed "Not274" until Ranger Leslie Skora, Katmai's current wildlife biologist and at the time, Katmai's bear monitor, confirmed that the bear known as "Not274" and Bear 68 were indeed the same bear.
2007:[]
68 was first identified as a subadult in 2007.
October 2007:[]
Mike Fitz shared these 2007 NPS photos of 68 10/02/2007 photo & 10/10/2007 photo :
2008:[]
September 2008:[]
2008.09.20:
2008.09.30:
2009:[]
Add here
2010:[]
Park visitor Amber Johns blog "The Adventures of Amber" includes this photo from her trip. Could this be 68 in 2010? (Thank you Marie G for finding this blog post and photo).
September 2010:[]
2010.09.02:
2010.09.04:
2010.09.06:
2010.09.08:
2010.09.24:
2011:[]
September 2011:[]
In September 2011, 68 suffered through a large wound on his lower right leg. At the end of the month, he had trouble moving that leg and appeared to be dragging it. However, he appears to have made a full recovery and has even grown in size. His history is another example of toughness and resiliency ~ a hallmark of brown bears.
October 2011:[]
2011.10.01:
2011.10.05:
2012:[]
August 2012:[]
2012.08.30:
2012.08.31:
September 2012:[]
2012.09.04:
October 2012:[]
2012.10.05:
2013:[]
July 2013:[]
68 was observed in July 2013.
Fall 2013:[]
68 was observed in Fall 2013.
2014:[]
68 was only observed in Fall 2014.
October 2014:[]
2014.10.04: 68, though it was unknown at the time, was later discovered to be the "unknown male" play fighting in the "Three-way play flight" album posted by Ranger Jeanne with Bear 83 and 868 in the Lower River on October 4, 2014.
Ranger Jeanne's flickr album of 68 playing with the Wayne Brothers 83 & 868.
On February 21, 2018 (68's "2018 bear-a-day" day on bearcam comments), Mike Fitz popped into the comments and shared the following videos in this comment :
"In 2014, I witness 83, 68, and 868 play-fighting in the lower river, even all of them at the same time. Play-fights are usually one-on-one affairs, so it was unusual to see the three of them playing. My best explanation: They were well fed and the mood was right." (Mike's 1st video link):
Three way play-fight between adult male bears October 4, 2014 68, 83 Wayne Brother & 868 Wayne Brother video by Mike Fitz
"Here's part of the conclusion between 868 and 68." (Mike's 2nd video link):
2014.10.20: 868 Wayne Brother and possibly 68 video by JoeBear:
2014.10.24:
Could this be 68 in this video by Tzz Oha?
Could this be 68 napping in this video by Tzz Oha?:
2015:[]
68 was only observed in Fall 2015:
September 2015:[]
2015.09.19:
2015.09.20: 68 is a bear that was relatively unknown to cam viewers until today when he became the ROCK STAR!
68 video by JoeBear:
68 video by Victoria White:
68 video by Explore:
On March 28, 2016, Ranger Mike commented providing the identification of the bear observed on September 20, 2015 as bear 68:
"Remember this? (providing the September 20, 2015 Explore highlights video above)
At the time, I didn’t know the ID of the bear or if it even had one, but now I do. He’s #68, an adult male. Here’s a sneak peek at his profile in the next edition of the Bears of Brooks River ebook.
Year First Identified: Subadult in 2007
Identification
#68 is large bodied with a dark coat. His fur sometimes has lighter highlights around his face and neck. He also has light-tipped, oval ears and lighter circles around his eyes.
Life History
Not much is known about this bear. Although he has been seen at Brooks River every year since 2007, he often goes unnoticed. This bear has been documented on Brooks River in July just once in 2013. Most often he is only seen in the fall.
In September 2011, he suffered through a large wound on his lower right leg. At the end of the month, he had trouble moving that leg and appeared to be dragging. However, he appears to have made a full recovery and has even grown in size. His history is another example of toughness and resiliency—a hallmark of bears."
2015.09.28:
2015.09.29:
October 2015:[]
2015.10.08: Explore Recorder video of 68 close-up:
68 Brooks Falls - Katmai National Park, Alaska Cam 10-08-2015 19 18 25 - 19 23 24 (time is probably Pacific Time) Explore Recorder video
2016:[]
68 was included in the 2016 Bears of Brooks River book on page 62.
68 in 2016 video of snapshots by GreenRiver:
July 2016:[]
68 was observed during official bear monitoring session by the KNP&P bear monitor. The July 2016 photos of 68 included in the 2017 Bears of Brooks River book (page 66) have sparked much debate regarding if the bear in the July 2016 NPS photos is in fact 68 or is the bear in those July 2017 really 603 (the original 603 , the 2018 Bears of Brooks River book #801 , not the 603 in the 2018 Bears of Brooks River book on page 78 )? What are your thoughts?
2016.07.03: 68 and 747 strut their stuff in this video by Mike Fitz.:
Mike Fitz' full breakdown of the above video can be read in his Strut Your Stuff blog.
Mike does identify both 68 and 747 in his Strut Your Stuff blog.:
August 2016:[]
2016.08.30: 68 and 151 Walker video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
September 2016:[]
2016.09.08: Shel posted an Explore video link to a 9/8/2016 Play by Play with Ranger David Kopshever on 5/21/2020. Shel noted: "Live Chat by David Kopshever -- 68 is the dark bear upstream from the mossy rock at 7:01 and 27:18 (narration near 7:15, 27:22, 35:20, 1:21:30, etc., states the bear wasn't numbered and/or recognizable at the time). Explore Recorder video (uploaded 9/12/16 -- video by Brenda D of the same live chat lists the chat date as 9/8/16)."
Ranger Dave - Katmai National Park - Brown Bear Play By Play, 9 8 2016 video by Explore Bears and Bison
Brenda D video: Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2016.09.16: Cam viewer and park visitor Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) shared a 9/16/2016 photo of 68 on 3/23/2022. "I love Bear 68, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he'll decide to return to Brooks this year. Both photos were taken by me at the falls. The first is from 9/16/16, the 2nd photo from 9/8/19."
Please request Lisa Robertson's (aka Larinor) permission prior to using her photographs!
_.02.jpg "68 September 16, 2016 photo by Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) .02.jpg (770 KB)")
Approximately 10:40 into this Explore Recorder video there is great close-up footage of 68 and 879 (note: times listed are Pacific Time not Alaska Time):
2016.09.18: 68 backs 151 Walker out of the far pool, 9/18/2016 video by Lani H.
2016.09.24:
68 in the office video by Ratna:
68 and 151 Walker video by Ratna:
At approximately 12:10 on September 24, 2016 Pleiadians Bear captured this video of 68 in the far pool.:
2016.09.26: Ranger Leslie Skora (2016 KNP&P bear monitor) discusses 68 in the September 26, 2016 live chat. Ranger Leslie's opinion is that 68 is the bear that cam viewers have been referring to as "mystery bear" / "Not274".
(NEED LINK TO 2016.09.26 LIVE CHAT)
2016.09.30: 68 and 634 Popeye video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
October 2016:[]
2016.10.01: 68 and 480 Ortis negotiate rights to earning a living in the "office". 480 Otis eventually plays the seniority card. 151 Walker approaches 480 Otis from the far pool. Video by Ratna:
2016.10.18: 68 video by Flyer 7474 (aka SteveCA).:
68 in the far pool video by Ratna:
2016.10.25: Ranger Leslie Skora (2016 KNP&P bear monitor) discusses 68 at 25:50 into this live chat :
2017:[]
68 was included in the 2017 Bears of Brooks River book on page 66.
July 2017:[]
2017.07.20: 68 can be seen in this 7/20/2017 video by Brenda D from 12:14-13:25. He is viewed carrying a fish toward the island to eat where 83 Wayne Brother is napping and 39 and her 3 yearlings are fishing for scraps. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017.07.21: ElaineDE shared these 7/21/2017 photos of 68 on 5/13/2020, #1, #2 and #3.
Please request ElaineDE's permission prior to using her photographs!
2017.07.22: 68 can be seen from 8:15-17:55 in front of 128 Grazer and her 3 yearlings, 7/22/2017 video by Brenda D. 128 Grazer charges 68 at 16:13 but there is no altercation. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017.07.23: On the evening of 7/23/2017, park visitor and cam viewer JstDucky captured and shared these photos of 68 (thought to be bear 611 at that time), #1, #2 and #3.
Please request jstducky's permission prior to using her photos!
Park visitor and cam viewer Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) captured these ten 7/23/2017 photos of 68, #1 , #2 , #3 , #4 , #5 , #6 , #7 , #8 , #9 & #10. Photos are used with permission.
Please request Bonnie Hankins' (aka NutsBoutBears) permission prior to using her photographs!
_.01.jpg "68 July 23, 2017 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) .01.jpg (1.7 MB)")
_.02.jpg "68 July 23, 2017 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) .02.jpg (1.65 MB)")
_.03.jpg "68 July 23, 2017 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) .03.jpg (2.04 MB)")
_.04.jpg "68 July 23, 2017 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) .04.jpg (1.43 MB)")
.05.jpg "68 July 23, 2017 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears).05.jpg (3.08 MB)")
_.06.jpg "68 July 23, 2017 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) .06.jpg (2.08 MB)")
_.07.jpg "68 July 23, 2017 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) .07.jpg (4.01 MB)")
_.08.jpg "68 July 23, 2017 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) .08.jpg (3.83 MB)")
_.09.jpg "68 July 23, 2017 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) .09.jpg (1.58 MB)")
_.10.jpg "68 July 23, 2017 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) .10.jpg (4 MB)")
Brenda D captured this 7/23/2017 video of 68. 68's forehead and shoulder wounds (including the "<" wound near his right shoulder) were visible. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017.07.24: 68 (with his back against the rock wall in the far pool) and 32 Chunk have words in the beginning of this 7/24/2017 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
68 is seen on top of the falls in this 7/24/2017 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
128 Grazer charges 68 on top of the falls at 0:36 as 775 Lefty and 480 Otis (in the far pool) breathe a sigh of relief that it was not them. Video by Brenda D on 7/24/2017. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017.07.25: 68 (far) and 151 Walker (near) are seen in the far pool in this 7/25/2017 video by Brenda D. 151 Walker is fearful of 68 as he moves forward, 151 Walker backs up. 68 moves to the top of the falls for a close-up. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
August 2017:[]
2017.08.21: 68 returns to Brooks Falls, 8/21/2017 video by flyer 7474.
68 and 32 Chunk video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
503 meets 68 but plays it safe, 8/21/2017 video by flyer 7474.
2017.08.22: 68 and 719 interaction:
68 and 719 interaction video by Ratna:
Brenda D captured this video of 68 and 719 having words in the office. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
68 and 719 encounter, 8/22/2017 video by flyer 7474.
Bear 68 moves from the "J" when 32 Chunk shows up at Brooks Falls while 503 looks on. But 503 becomes bold and snags a salmon from the far pool as 32 looks on, 8/22/2017 video by flyer 7474.
2017.08.24 approximately 18:10: Described by KCanada : "On August 24 2017, there was another encounter between 68 and 719. She got another smack from 68, one that was a little more forceful than 2 days before. SteveCA shows the encounter both from the Falls cam view and the Riffles cam. You can see while she runs from 68, she doesn't go far:" 68 and 719 encounter video by Flyer 7474 (aka SteveCA).:
2017.08.28: Bookmom's snapshot of 68 with her description of him :
"Longish head, thick neck, curved light-tipped ears and then hump, slump, rump profile."
2017.08 28: 68 kicks 151 Walker out of the far pool (at 15:11) , 8/28/2017 Explore Recorder video.
September 2017:[]
68 in 2017 video of snapshots by GreenRiver:
2017.09.02:
19:49: 68 gets "grazered" by 128 Grazer video by Flyer 7474 (SteveCA):
2017.09.03:
09:09: 68 gets "grazered" by 128 Grazer video by Flyer 7474 (SteveCA):
68 gets "grazered" by 128 Grazer video by Ratna:
68 blowing bubbles video by Ratna
Explore video of 68 blowing bubbles: (Published 9/7/2017 but probably from 9/3/2017 like Ratna's video just above)
2017.09.04: Aneel Nazareth captured 2 photos of 68 on 9/4/2017, #1 and #2.
2017.09.08: 32 Chunk, 480 Otis, 68 and 83 Wayne Brother at the falls video by Ratna:
2017.09.09:
During a play-by-play with Ranger Becca (providing commentary of the bear activity on the Brooks River) and Ranger David Kopshever (performing parabolic microphone operation) bear 474 and 32 Chunk have an altercation. 68 was in close proximity to the interaction between 474 and 32. Brenda D recorded this video of the play-by-play. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
Ratna's video that focuses more on the time period just prior to and during the 474 / 32 altercation with 68 in close proximity:
Park visitors and cam viewers, Cheri and Dale were on the Brooks Falls wildlife viewing platform during the play-by-play and shared their experience in this blog with photos of 68 during the 474 / 32 altercation.
2017.09.19: Bear 747 has an interaction with Bears 474 then 68, 9/19/2017 video by flyer 7474.
2017.09.21 OR PRIOR: 32 Chunk chases 68 in this Explore highlight video (published 9/21/2017 but probably from a different date).:
October 2017:[]
2017.10.01: 68 video by birdnerd57:
Flyer 7474's 10/1/2017 video of 68.
SP-GA's snapshot of 68 with gull on his back.:
2017.10.02: 68 video by Susan Tunstall:
2017.10.03: 68 in the jacuzzi video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017.10.06: 68 video by Ratna:
Flyer 7474 captured 10/6/2017 video of 68 on a sunny day.
2017.10.07: 4.5 year old 503 Cubadult does not want to give up the jacuzzi to 15 year old 68 and is quite vocal about it. Turn up your volume! 806 is fishing the lip and makes a big catch at the end of the 10/7/2017 video by flyer 7474.
2017.10.12: In a 10/12/2017 Explore Recorder video, 68 can be seen sitting on the left at 07:50 and a boar believed to be 115 comes down the far bank on the right.
2018:[]
2018 Season:[]
JG created this video of observations from the 2018 season to demonstrate how the bear believed to be 603 (on page 78 in the 2018 Bears of Brooks Book ~ the one with the "<" wound on his right side) transitions into the fall bear we have come to know as 68 (aka Rie's bear).
603 68 throughout 2018 Season by JG (603 being the bear with the " " wound on his right side ~ the 603 according to the 2018 Bears of Brooks River book on page 78)
Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) created this video of 2018 season observations of bears "Could it be Bear 68". Deanna said when sharing her video: "I titled it “Could it be 68”because I struggle to ID him early in the season, so I’m sure there are some snapshots & video that aren’t him.":
July 2018:[]
2018.07.08: Shel posted this 7/8/2018 Explore Recorder video on 2/17/2021. Shel's comments :"In the the below 2018 video near 35:27 -- Bear 68 is in the jacuzzi and does not move from it when 747 approaches him. Maybe that was a sign 68 might be willing to take on 747 in a serious fight. The following year (early in the season, 7/2/2019), 68 approached the jacuzzi when 747 was in it. A major fight between 68 and 747 ensued, with 68 dominating/displacing 747. For the remainder of the 2019 season, 68 generally appeared to dominate 747. Bear 68 was not seen on cam in 2020."
At 35:27, bear 68* is in the jacuzzi and does not allow 747 to displace him. (video by Brenda D, 35:27 start)
2018.07.11: Could this be 68 that 747 is unsuccessful at displacing form the jacuzzi? Video by Lani H.:
2018.07.22: An unidentified boar (68 maybe?) displaces 856 from the jacuzzi video by Lani H:
Explore recorder video At 18:30 -- 856 is in the J, 68 is eating a fish near the island, and 747 is downstream from the rock near the office. 68 displaces 856 from the J.:
August 2018: []
2018.08.10: 68 in the far pool, 8/10/2018 video by Lani H.
747 and 68 have words, 8/10/2018 video by Lani H.
2018.08.14: 747 and 68 have a long discussion on top of the falls, 8/14/2018 video by mckate.
747 stops eating to confront 68 on top of the falls, 8/14/2018 video by Lani H.
September 2018:[]
2018.09.??: Melissa Freel's September 2018 video of 634 Popeye with cameos by 68 (at 0:26 on the left) and 32 Chunk (at 1:12 on the left).
2018.09.09: 68 in the jacuzzi, 9/9/2018 video by Lani H.
634 Popeye and 68 get into a kerfuffle in the far pool, 9/9/2018 video by Lani H.
2018.09.10: 68 backs 151 out of the far pool (at 29:55) as 480 Otis relaxes in the office, 9/10/2018 Explore recorder video.
68 and 151 Walker have words, 9/10/2018 video by Lani H.
"Boar Alley", 9/10/2018 video by Birgitt. Left to right at 0:08 are 68, 856, 747 and 634 Popeye.
2018.09.12 approximately 16:15: 68 and 480 Otis Perform a Duet in G Major video by mckate. Title courtesy or Olga Mikhajlova. Be sure to have your sound on for the vocalizations of both bears.:
68 and 480 Otis video by Lani H. Be sure to have your sound on for the vocalizations of both bears.:
68 and 480 Otis sing a duet video by tsaneda. Be sure to have your sound on for the vocalizations of both bears.:
68 sitting on top of the falls, 9/12/2018 video by Lani H.
2018.09.14: "The most dominant boar at Brooks River (of the 2018 season), 856 walks carefully past the second most dominant boar, 747 at the J and then heads for the far pool where he pics a fight with bear 68." in this video by Birgitt.:
68 fishes the jacuzzi, 9/14/2018 video by Lani H.
2018.09.14 - 2018.09.17: Ratna shared these photos (#1 , #2 & #3 ) of 68.:
2018.09.15: 856 and 68 have words, 9/15/2018 video by Lani H.
2018.09.16: 856 chases 68 out of the jacuzzi, 9/16/2018 video by Lani H.
2018.09.18: 68 takes a very long nap on the lower river, 9/18/2018 video by Lani H.
2018.09.20: Lots of shuffling by the big boys. 747 has words with 68 and 856 has words with 32 Chunk, 9/20/2018 video by Lani H.
Lots of shuffling by the big boys 747 has words with 68 and 856 has words with 32 9 20 2018, video by Lani H
2018.09.22: 480 Otis displaces 68 with minimal caloric expenditure video by mckate.:
At 50:18 into this Explore Recorder video , 480 Otis tells 68 to move, but 68 (believed to be more dominant than 480) doesn't react very aggressively against Otis. 68 casually departs a few minutes later. 480 and 68 are two of the most beautiful bears in the fall when their new coats have grown in, but the rich color of their fall coats isn't well represented in this video.
Shel captured these snapshots (#1 , #2 , #3 , #4 , #5 , #6 , #7 , #8 , #9 & #10 ) of 480 Otis (left) with 68 (right) (p 01/26/2020 13:34 ).:
2018.09.25: 747 kind of sits on 68 video by tsaneda:
2018.09.28: 68 and 83 Wayne Brother have a little meet up in the lower river video by Lani H.:
2018.09.30: 68 in the lower river video by Birgitt.:
Cruiser shared this 9/30/2018 snapshot of 68 on 5/13/2020.
68 in the office, 9/30/2018 video by Lani H.
October 2018:[]
2018.10.05: 68 displaces 83 Wayne Brother from the jacuzzi in this 10/5/2018 video by mckate.
32 Chunk clears the lip and steals 68's fish in this 10/5/2018 video by mckate.
32 Chunk pirates another salmon from 68, 10/5/2018 video by Lani H.
68 and 32 Chunk have words when 32 Chunk pirates 68's fish, 10/5/2018 video by Lani H.
856 and 68 have words in the far pool, 10/5/2018 video by Lani H.
2018.10.06: 68 (a large mature adult male) and 503 Cubadult (now a young adult male) playing in this video by Birgitt.:
503 and 68 play, 10/6/2018 video by Lani H.
2018.10:07: 856 goes back to the office and has words with 68, 10/7/2018 video by Lani H.
2019: []
2019 season:[]
Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) created this 2019 video of 68.
2019.??.??: 775 Lefty is the star of this video 2019 Alaska Nice Bears by Yair Leopold. 775 Lefty on the lip with 856 in the far pool and possibly 68 between the jacuzzi and the island.:
July 2019:[]
2019.07.02: 747 is challenged for his fishing spot in the jacuzzi by an unidentified boar (68 maybe?). Mike Fitz, Resident Naturalist with Explore.org was doing a play-by-play from the Brooks Falls Wildlife Viewing Platform at the time of this fight between the two large boars. The narration by Mike starts at 28:14. Video by Brenda D of the complete play-by-play with Mike Fitz, Resident Naturalist with Explore.org. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
Mike Fitz, Resident Naturalist with Explore.org, discusses the fight between 747 and 68 in a July 3, 2019 Explore Blog, A Fight for Dominance. The blog includes a video and photos.
Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor Truman Everts was on the Brooks Falls platform on 7/2/2019 and witnessed the 68/747 fight firsthand. Truman shared a number of photos and comments about the battle on 5/13/2020. Share and photo #1. Share and photo #2. Share and photo #3. Share and photo #4. Share and photo #5. Share and photo #6. Share and photo #7.
Truman Everts comments with each photo: Photo 1. "Not a crisp, great shot...but it's 68, just about 3 minutes before his 7/2/19 confrontation...kind of telegraphing his mood. re. 747. That diagonal mark between the eyes makes ID relativelyeasy." Photo 2. "This one probably should've been the first post. 68 (top) is advancing and huffing his cheeks...it's his challenge." Photo 3. "Since it's "68 Day" well, this is probably the best look at his face during this serious confrontation." Photo 4. "Surely the 68/747 face off of July 2, 2019 has been posted...here's what it looked like from the first row..." Photo 5. "No one knew who this bear--who was getting the better of 747--was...or how far he'd go when he had 747 down..." Photo 6. "Very hard to watch in the moment...but now--knowing no one got badly hurt--it doesn't bother me as much..." Photo 7. 68's face wasn't real visible for most of the fight...but the contortions revealed many fresh wounds."
Please request Truman Everts' permission prior to using his photographs!
_and_747_(near)_pre-fight_July_2,_2019_photo_by_Truman_Everts.jpg "68 (far) and 747 (near) pre-fight July 2, 2019 photo by Truman Everts.jpg (674 KB)")
_and_747_(near)_fight_on_July_2,_2019_photo_by_Truman_Everts.jpg "68 (far) and 747 (near) fight on July 2, 2019 photo by Truman Everts.jpg (590 KB)")
_and_68_(right)_fight_on_July_2,_2019_photo_by_Truman_Everts_.02.jpg "747 (left) and 68 (right) fight on July 2, 2019 photo by Truman Everts .02.jpg (601 KB)")
_and_68_(right)_fight_on_July_2,_2019_photo_by_Truman_Everts_.03_.jpg "747 (left) and 68 (right) fight on July 2, 2019 photo by Truman Everts .03 .jpg (521 KB)")
The July 5, 2019 Explore Bearcam Week in Review discusses the fight between 68 and 747. 856 challenges 68 (?) video by Birgitt:
Tzusrule shared these snapshot collages (#1 & #2 ):
747-68 Bear Encounter video by Flyer 7474 (aka SteveCA). Steve included what happened before the fight. "747 kicks 83 out of the J twice, and then goes over to confront 68 over by the far wall. This time when the fight was on in the J for the first time I noticed that 909 was fishing the lip and ignored the whole thing, and even caught a salmon during the middle of the battle. And I also noticed as per usual there was 503 being the Looky Lou watching the fight and taking notes.":
747 and an unidentified boar (68 maybe?) fight during a play-by-play with Mike Fitz, Resident Naturalist with Explore.org. 747 lost this battle of the big boars.
Video by Lee Block:
Video by Ratna:
Video by Lani H.:
Video by mckate.
Video by Birgitt.
Gif by scooch, 7/2/2019.
2019.07.04: Mike Fitz shared this 7/4/2019 photo of 856 (right) and 603/68 on 6/9/2020. "856 (right) challenges 603/68 upstream of Brooks Falls on July 4, 2019."
_and_603:68_(left)_July_4,_2019_photo_by_Mike_Fitz.jpg "856 (right) and 603:68 (left) July 4, 2019 photo by Mike Fitz.jpg (2.8 MB)")
2019.07.05: BearTreeHugr shared eleven 7/5/2019 photos of 68 on 3/23/2022, one photo is with 747, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10. "
We were very fortunate to see 68 during our trip to Brooks on July 5, 2019. When we first arrived at the Falls, 68 was occupying the Office, looking big, stately, and oddly cute with his shedding PJ pants. He wasn't catching any fish and 747 was in the J, catching and casually eating several fish. 68 headed to the J, in which 747 quickly left. This was only a few days after their violent dominance battle. Thankfully, it was a peaceful transition and 747 decided to leave the Falls once he got to the far lip area. 68's heart-shaped head is quite handsome. 68 caught several fish. He like to eat them in the shallow area in front of the island. He seemed very relaxed and content."
Please request BearTreeHugr's permission prior to using their photographs!
_and_747_(right)_July_5,_2019_photo_by_BearTreeHugr_.02.jpg "68 (left) and 747 (right) July 5, 2019 photo by BearTreeHugr .02.jpg (2.72 MB)")
2019.07.07: NWBearLove92 shared 7/7/2019 photos of 68 in chat on 4/21/2020, #1 and #2. NWBearLove92 shared a 7/7/2019 photo of 68 on 5/13/2020.
Please request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using any of their photographs!
2019.07.08: 68 displaces 747 again, 7/8/2019 video by mckate.
NWBearLove92 shared a photo of 480 Otis (right) with 68 (left) on 5/18/2020.
Please request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using any of their photographs!
_and_480_Otis_(right)_July_8,_2019_photo_by_NWBearLove92.jpg "68 (left) and 480 Otis (right) July 8, 2019 photo by NWBearLove92.jpg (3.61 MB)")
2019.07.11: NWBearLove shared 7/11/2019 photos of 68 in chat (Part 1) on 5/13/2020, #1 and #2. "Part 1: "747 and 68. On 7/11/19 I arrived at the falls and saw 747 resting on the island and looking a little sad. I soon realized why. 68 was in the office and 747 was keeping a close eye on his movements." NWBearLove92 shared 7/11/2019 photos of 68 in chat on 5/13/2020, #1, #2, #3 and #4. Part 2: "747 and 68 on 7/11/19. It was a week after their big fight and 747 did not seem his normal confident boar self. He was very distracted by 68’s presence. 68 did not seem to be effected. It will be interesting to see how this dynamic plays out this year."
Please request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using any of their photographs!
2019.07.12: 68 interaction with 747. Snapshots (#1 & #2 ) and gif created by tzusrule ,:
68 and 747 dust-up video by Casper Pike.:
NWBearLove92 shared a 7/12/2019 photo of 68 (left) with 775 Lefty (right) on 3/29/2020. NWBearLove92 shared a 7/12/2019 photo of 68 (left) and 775 Lefty (right) on 6/21/2020 . NWBearLove92 shared a 7/12/2019 photo of 68 on 6/21/2020 .
Please request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using any of their photographs!
_and_775_Lefty_(right)_July_12,_2019_photo_by_NWBearLove92.jpg "68 (left) and 775 Lefty (right) July 12, 2019 photo by NWBearLove92.jpg (2.04 MB)")
_and_775_Lefty_(right)_Jul_12,_2019_photo_by_NWBearLove92.jpg "68 (left) and 775 Lefty (right) Jul 12, 2019 photo by NWBearLove92.jpg (2.35 MB)")
Mckate captured a 7/12/2019 video of 68 launching at 775 Lefty, possibly at the same time as NWBearLove92's 7/12/2019 photo above.
7/12/2019 video by Lani H. 68 and 775 Lefty have a kerfuffle.
68 and 775 Lefty encounter, 7/12/2019 video by flyer 7474.
Theresa Bielawski shared three mid-July 2019 photos of 775 Lefty and 68 involved in a scuffle on 5/17/2021, #1, #2 and #3.
Please request Theresa Bielawski's permission prior to using her photographs!
_and_68_(near)_July_2019_photo_by_%C2%A9Theresa_Bielawski_.01.jpg "775 Lefty (far) and 68 (near) July 2019 photo by ©Theresa Bielawski .01.jpg (1.09 MB)")
_and_68_(right)_July_2019_photo_by_%C2%A9Theresa_Bielawski_.02.jpg "775 Lefty (left) and 68 (right) July 2019 photo by ©Theresa Bielawski .02.jpg (794 KB)")
_and_68_(near)_July_2019_photo_by_%C2%A9Theresa_Bielawski_.03.jpg "775 Lefty (far) and 68 (near) July 2019 photo by ©Theresa Bielawski .03.jpg (1.24 MB)")
Joni Tilley captured video of the 7/12/2019 fight between 68 and 747 in regular speed and slo mo.
68 and 747 fight again, 7/12/2019 video by Arlene Beech.
Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor angerbodha captured four photos of 68 on 7/12/2019, #1, #2, #3 and #4.
Please request angrbodha's permission prior to using her photographs!
2019.07.14: 856 wins standoff with 68 video by mckate.:
68 blocks 856 video by mckate.:
Birgitt's 7/14/2019 video of an 856 and 68 standoff at the falls.
68's summer look, 7/14/2019 video by mckate. "68 is usually thought of as a fall bear so, for future reference, here's a closeup of 68's summer shed pattern. I think he looks like he's wearing woolly chaps."
2019.07.15: 856 and 68 fight, seen from the riffles, 7/15/2019 video by Lani H.
2019.07.17: 503 plays with 151 Walker until 68's approach spooks 151. 503 then plays with 68, 7/17/2019 video by Birgitt.
503 Plays w 151 Until 68's Approach Spooks 151, Then 503 Plays w 68 2019-07-17 23-45-01-871, video by Birgitt
2019.07.18: 480 Otis denies 68's entrance to the jacuzzi but then 856 arrives, 7/18/2019 usually seems to defer to Otis wishes. I would really like to have seen what he would have done had 856 not entered the scene. video by mckate. "68 usually seems to defer to Otis wishes. I would really like to have seen what he would have done had 856 not entered the scene."
2019.07.20: 68 follows 503 looking for a play date, video by Birgitt, 7/20/2019.
503 and 68 play in the jacuzzi, 7/20/2019 video by mckate.
2019.07.27: 503 Cubadult and 68 play fighting above the falls before 747 breaks them up video by Lani H.:
503 and 68 meet to play above the falls, 7/27/2019 video by Birgitt.
2019.07.28: 503 is reluctant to play with 68 but then does, 7/28/2019 video by mckate.
2019.07.30: 856 reminds 68 who's boss video by mckate.:
856 greets 68 in the dawn light, 7/30/2019 video by Birgitt.
2019.07.31: 68 cruises the lower river, 7/31/2019 video by mckate.
August 2019: []
2019.08.05: 854 Divot smacks 68 video by mckate.:
68 displaces 856 from the jacuzzi video by mckate.:
Goof_n shared an 8/5/2019 photo of 747 (left) and 68 (right) on 3/8/2020. Goof_n shared an 8/5/2019 photo of 68 on 5/13/2020. Goof_n shared an 8/5/2019 photo of 68 (far) and 812 (near) on 5/13/2020.
_and_68_(right)_August_5,_2019_photo_by_Kacko_and_Goof_n.jpg "747 (left) and 68 (right) August 5, 2019 photo by Kacko and Goof n.jpg (2.09 MB)")
_and_812_(near)_August_5,_2019_photo_by_Kacko_and_Goof-n.jpg "68 (far) and 812 (near) August 5, 2019 photo by Kacko and Goof-n.jpg (1.28 MB)")
719 and her 2 spring cubs flee when 68 arrives nearby, 8/5/2019 video by Birgitt.
DanteV2000 shared 8/5/2019 photos of 68 on 6/19/2020, #1 and #2. Shel commented "I agree that is 68. Your photo shows the small scar that is sometimes visible on his left shoulder (usually easiest seen before he gets his new fall coat)."
Please request DanteV2000's permission prior to using their photographs!
2019.08.06: 747 and 68 have a kerfuffle video by Lani H.:
In this video by Lani H, where the focus is "Humphrey" pirating fish from 854 Divot, in the background you can see 480 Otis get put on his back by 68 in the far pool near the office.::
856 denies 68 the jacuzzi video by mckate.:
2019.08.07: 68 pushes Hump Bear out of the office, 8/7/2019 video by mckate.
2019.08.10: A recently arrived 469 Patches displaces 68 from the jacuzzi, 8/10/2019 video by mckate.
2019.08.11: 68 charges unknown "hump" bear (aka "Humphrey" video by Lani H.:
Is 68 missing 503? 8/11/2019 video by mckate. "812 moved out of the J when he saw 68 coming, but he kept heading toward him like he might want to play. It was a bit intimidating for 812, so he skirted him."
September 2019: []
2019.09.??: 68 is seen a number of times in this September 2019 video by Costel Necula. At 2:40-3:49, 68 is on the left and 32 Chunk is on the right in the far pool. They have a slight kerfuffle. 68 is viewed again at 4:24-5:29 in the far pool, at 10:23 in the jacuzzi and at 10:28 in a close-up.
2019.09.02: 856 acknowledges 68's return to the falls video by mckate.:
2019.09.03: 747 bites 755 ScareD Bear's butt for no reason and a fight ensues, 9/3/2019 video by mckate. "755 Scare D knows how to throw a few punches. I was glad 68 stuck his nose in to help squelch things. I guess 856 didn't think this warranted his involvement."
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.:
128 Grazer gets chased off the lip by 747 and hop charged by 856 in the far pool 9 5 2019 by Lani H-1
2019.09.06: 68 fishes the far pool, 9/6/2019 video by mckate.
2019.09.07: Katmai Conservancy Ranger Naomi Boak shared this 9/7/2019 NPS photo of 68 on 5/13/2020. NSBoak (aka Katmai Conservancy Ranger Naomi Boak) shared three additional 9/7/2019 photos of 68 on 2/17/2021, #2, #3 and #4.
Permission to use her NPS photos posted on the bearcam comments
68 moves 151 Walker out of the office in this 9/7/2019 video by mckate.
2019.09.08: Cam viewer and park visitor Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) shared a 9/8/2019 photo of 68 on 3/23/2022. "I love Bear 68, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he'll decide to return to Brooks this year. Both photos were taken by me at the falls. The first is from 9/16/16, the 2nd photo from 9/8/19."
Please request Lisa Robertson's (aka Larinor) permission prior to using her photographs!
_.02.jpg "68 September 8, 2019 photo by Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) .02.jpg (1,014 KB)")
2019.09.10: Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor carrie59 shared this 9/10/2019 photo of 68 on 5/13/2020. Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor carrie59 shared 9/10/2019 photos of 68 in the chat on 2/12/2020, #1 and #2. Carrie 59 shared an additional 9/10/2019 photo of 68 on 3/23/2022. Please request carrie59's permission prior to using her photographs!
_September_10,_2019_photo_by_carrie_59_.05.jpg "68 (near) September 10, 2019 photo by carrie 59 .05.jpg (4.73 MB)")
68 makes way for 32 Chunk's arrival, 9/10/2019 video by mckate. "68 deferring to 32 this way may have set the tone for their later encounter?"
68 and 32 Chunk quarrel, 9/10/2019 video by mckate.
32 Chunk and 68 fight in the office, 9/10/1019 video by Ratna Narayan.
2019.09.11: 68 September 11, 2019 NPS photo by Ranger Tammy Carmack KNP&P Flickr.
Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor t down shared this 9/11/2019 photo of 68 in the jacuzzi on 5/13/2020. T down shared these 9/11/2019 photos of 68 by the far pool on 5/13/2020, #1 and #2.
Please request TDown's permission prior to using their photographs!
2019.09.15: 68 and 503 Cubadult have an interaction that results in a play-fight during a remote play-by-play done by Explore Resident Naturalist, Mike Fitz. Cruiser captured this 68 & 503 Cubadult interaction along with Mike's commentary in this video .:
Cruiser also created this gif .:
68 finally gets 503 to play, 9/15/2019 video by mckate."You can see why 503 has been swerving him. That's one big bear! Their play fight lasted a good 10 minutes. In the end 503 looked relieved and 68 goofy with happiness."
503 and 68 playing at the falls, riffles view with a cameo by 610 (blonde bear in center of screen at 0:16) , 9/15/2019 video by Birgitt.
2019.09.16: Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) captured this photograph of 480 Otis (near) and 68 (far) (p 01/13/2020 15:21 ). Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) captured this photograph of 68 (p 01/27/2020 16:12 ). Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) captured this photograph of 68 with every hair in place (p 01/30/2020 15:18 ). Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) shared this 9/16/2019 photo of 68 on 5/13/2020.
Please request Bonnie Hankins' (aka NutsBoutBears) permission prior to using her photographs!
.jpg "68 September 16, 2019 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears).jpg (1.05 MB)")
Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor scooch also captured photos of 68 on 9/16/2019 that she shared in chat on 2/17/2020. 68 is seen sitting in the far pool, photo #1, #2 and #3. Scooch shared a 9/16/2019 photo of 68 on 4/7/2020. Scooch shared 9/16/2019 photos on 5/13/2020, #1 and #2.
Please request scooch's permission prior to using her photographs!
2019.09.25: 68 displaces 747 from the jacuzzi video by Lani H.:
503 gives 68 some love 9/25/2019 video by mckate. "I'm not sure if the nuzzling was what 68 was expecting, but he didn't object too strenuously."
2019.09.27: Xander-Sage shared this snapshot of 503 Cubadult with 68 (p 01/25/2020 10:45 ). Xander-Sage created this gif of 503 Cubadult with 68 (p 01/25/2020 10.53 ).:
503 gives 68 a snog, 9/27/2019 video by mckate.
503 and 68 greet each other, 9/27/2019 video by Lani H.
68 naps in the river, 9/27/2019 video by Lani
Gorgeous 68, 9/27/2019 video by Ratna Narayan.
October 2019:[]
2019.10.01: 68 snorkeling on the lower river, 10/1/2019 video by Lani H.
2019.10.02: Lani H captured this 10/2/2019 video of 68 snorkeling on the lower river and then deciding to take a nap. This was a beautiful look at 68 on the last day he was seen.
Cam viewer snapshots from October 2, 2019, #1 by GreenRiver, #2 by Denise TX, #3 by CamOp Aspire, #4 by lsearls, #5 by SDinVA and #6 by GreenRiver.
2020: Adult Male[]
68 was included in the 2021 Bears of Brooks River book page 61.
68 does not appear on the KNP list of Bears Monitored in 2020
68 was not observed on the bear cams nor were any photographs seen of him in 2020.
2021: Adult Male[]
68 does not appear on the KNP list of Bears Monitored in 2021.
68 was not observed on the bear cams nor were any photographs seen of him in 2021.
Known Courting & Mating:[]
Add here
Known Relatives:[]
There are no known relatives for 68 at this time. However, the conversation about 68 possibly being the 3rd Wayne Brother (83 and 868 being the two known Wayne Brothers) has often come up. On February 21, 2018, GreenRiver asked Mike Fitz his thoughts on that 68 possible Wayne Brother topic. Here were Mike's thoughts:
"I've wondered about that, but I wasn't able to find anything in the bear monitoring notes hinting at that when I worked for the park. His size and age would match both 868's and 83's, but a lot of cubs were getting emancipated in 2006 and 2007. Without any DNA evidence or really good photos of the Waynes, then I'll have to say there's a chance but nothing can prove it conclusively."
868 Wayne Brother's page of the 2012 iBook provides some information about the 3rd "Wayne Brother":
83, 868 and 68 have been observed together using the Brooks River...even playing together for an extended period of time in the lower river. For example on October 4, 2014 Mike Fitz captured these videos:
68, 83, and 868 play-fighting :
Three way play-fight between adult male bears October 4, 2014 68, 83 Wayne Brother & 868 Wayne Brother video by Mike Fitz-1
Genetics Study Samples Obtained:[]
2016: None[]
There were no darting attempts (successful or unsuccessful) in 2016 by Ranger Michael Saxton for the genetics study.
2017: None[]
There were no darting attempts (successful or unsuccessful) in 2017 by Ranger Michael Saxton for the genetics study.
NEED TO MOVE THIS INFORMATION TO APPROPRIATE SECTIONS ABOVE:
Pictures:
Bear 68 at Brooks Falls on 10/5/15
Bear 68 10/10/15
Bear 68 10/08/16