821 July 2021 NPS photo
Adult Male ("Pepper")
Year First Identified: 2017 as an independent 2.5 year-old subadult
Year Last Observed: 2023
Genetics Study Samples: There are no known darting attempts by Ranger Michael Saxton in 2016 or 2017 for the genetics study.
Identification:[]
821 has not been included in the Bears of Brooks River books as of the 2019 edition. This sudadult is believed to be the male offspring from 504's 2015 litter; the darker of the two cubs from that litter. Some cam viewers offen referred to this 504 offspring by the cam viewer given nickname "Pepper".
On July 11, 2018 Mike Fitz informs cam viewers that the bear monitoring identification number assigned to the darker male offspring from 504's 2015 litter is 821. Here is the link to Birgitt's snip of the bearcam comment thread.
Birgitt commented that 821 has a pointy face and no personal space bubbles. (see snip of 01/04/2020 11:14 comment in DIstinctive Behaviors section below).
Distinctive Behaviors:[]
McKate commented about this distinctive behavior that 821 and sibling 831 share.: "They also both have that funny mannerism where they stand up and kind of jerk their head back and then turn. 831 does it more than 821."
Life History:[]
2015: Spring Cub with 504 & 2 Littermates, 1 Female Littermate btb 831, Speculated[]
821 is believed to be the darker 2015 male offspring of 504. If that is the case, 821 was a spring cub in 2015.
Fall 2015:[]
Laura Lyn Photography captured this photo of 504 with her 3 spring cubs in the Fall of 2015. 821 is believed to be one of those spring cubs.
September 2015:[]
2015.09.23: 504 with ther 3 spring cubs video by Mickey Williams. One of these spring cubs is believed to be 821:
504 with her 3 spring cubs video by Mickey Williams. One of these spring cubs is believed to be 821.:
2 Unidentified sow with 3 coy's Sept 23, 2015 Brooks River Katmai National Park by Mickey Williams (504 with 3 spring cubs btb 821 831)
504 with her 3 spring cubs video by Mickey Williams. One of these spring cubs is believed to be 821.:
Third video of unidentified sow with 3 cubs 9 23 15 Katmai National Park by Mickey Williams (504 with 3 spring cubs btb 821 831)
2015.09.24: An unidentified sow with 3 spring cubs is observed during a Ranger Mike and Roy play by play on 9/24/15 (55:30-1:05:00). At that time, the sow could not be identified but was determined to be 504 in the fall of 2016.
October 2015:[]
2015.10.17: 504 with her 3 spring cubs video by Mickey Williams. Two of these offspring are believed to be 821 and 831.
Unidentified Mom with 3 cubs At Brooks Falls 10 17 15 Katmai National Park by Mickey Williams (504 w 3 COY btb 821 831)
2015.10.19: Video from approximately 10:08 AM by Mickey Williams of 504 with her 3 spring cubs (two of those offspring are believed to be 821 & 831).:
Video from approximately 10:12 AM by Mickey Williams of 504 with her 3 spring cubs (two of those offspring are believed to be 821 & 831).
10 12 am AKDT Mom & 3 cubs at Falls Katmai National Patk 10 19 15 by Mickey Williams (btb 504 w 3 COY 821 831)
2015.10.25: 504 was seen late in the 2015 season with her 3 spring cubs. The family was observed moving about the lower river on 10/25/2015 (4:51-10:00), video by Margaret Saint Clair. One cub is dark, the other two are lighter colored. 821 and 831 are believed to be 2 of those offspring. Note: From 2:27-4:46 an unknown bear is observed inspecting the deceased body of male 868 who had died on the spit.
2016: Yearling with 504 & Female Littermate 831, Speculated[]
821, beleived to be the darker 2015 male offspring of 504, would have been 504's yearling in 2016.
2016 Season:[]
Cam viewer GreenRiver created this 2016 video titled Brooks River Brown Bear 504. 504 can be viewed with her 2 presumed yearlings 821 and 831 from 0:00-2:10. The second half of the video is of 504 as a single sow in 2017.
July 2016:[]
2016.07.24: This video by StMango is believed to be 504 and her two yearlings (821 & 831):
This July 24, 2016 video by Erum Chad (aka Erie) is also believed to be 504 with ther two yearlings (821 & 831).:
Unknown Sow?94? with 2 yearlings RW 2016-07-24 by Erum Chad (aka Erie) (btb 504 with 2 yearlings 821 & 831)
2016.07.27: Park visitor Andrew (westpalmdoc1) captured 7 photos of 504 and her 2 yearlings on 7/27/2016, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7. These 2 yearlings are now believed to be 831 and 821.
Also on 7/27/2016, 504 was observed at Brooks Falls with her 2 yearlings,video by Erum Chad.
August 2016:[]
2016.08.01: This video by Pleiadians Bear is believed to be 504 with her two yearlings (821 & 831).:
This is another August 1, 2016 video by Pleiadians Bear that is believed to be 504 with her two yearlings (821 & 831).:
2016.08.10: An unknown sow with her 2 yearlings at the riffles. Video by st mango (821 and 831).
2016.08.13: 504 with her two yearlings being approached by a boar video by Melissa Freels.:
2016.08.20: 504 with her two yearlings video by Mickey Williams.:
6 30 pm 08 20 2016 mom ??? and cubs Katmai National Park and Explore by Mickey Williams (504 w 2 yearlings)
Cam viewer st mango captured 2 videos of 504 and her 2 yearlings on 8/20/2016. In video #1, 504 is seen looking for fish at Brooks Falls. In video #2, the 2 yearling cubs are seen playing by the Brooks Falls platform.
2016.08.21: On 8/21/2016 a dark sow with 2 yearlings was observed at Brooks Falls. The sow is seen using the pouncing method of catching salmon with moderate success. The unidentified sow took advantage of a time when there were no other bears seen at the falls and fish were available in the far pool. Video by Mickey Williams.
2016.08.22: 504 with her 2 yearlings 821 and 831 fishing at Brooks Falls, 8/22/2016 video by Pleiadians Bear.
2016.08.23: In a 8/23/2016 Mickey Williams video , an unknown sow with 2 yearlings is seen fishing in the lower river area, traveling along the closed trail and then heading down to the beach.
2016.08.25: 504 with her 2 yearlings 821 and 831 at Brooks Falls, 8/25/2016 video by Linda R. Jett.
2016.08.27: 504 with her 2 yearlings (821 & 831) video by Ratna:
2016.08.28: 504 and her 2 yearling cubs are observed on the grassy point, 8/28/2016, video by Cheryl B.
September 2016:[]
2016.09.07: Park visitor Ronald Woan photographed 504 and her 2 yearlings on 9/7/2016. There are 25 photos in the 1st series and 23 photos in the 2nd series . He also photographed 504 by herself in a 3rd series of 17 photos on 9/7/2016. Click the right arrow to view the photos in each series.
2016.09.08-2016.09.11: Park visitor and cam viewer viewsnortheast visited Brooks Camp 9/8-9/11/2016 and shared 2 photos of 504 and her yearlings in chat. In each photo, 1 cub is out of view. Photo #1 shows 504 in camp with a dark cub who is possibly male 821. Viewsnortheast commented " I believe this is Charging Sow. The other cub is a little way behind out of the frame." In photo #2, 504 is observed with a blonde cub who is now possibly female 831.
Please request viewsnortheast's permission prior to using their photographs!
2016.09.13: Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) shared a 9/13/2016 photo of 504 with her yearlings 821 and 831 on 3/12/2023. Please request Larinor's permission prior to using her photographs!
_and_831_(right)_September_13_2016_photo_by_Lisa_Robertson_(aka_Larinor)_.01.jpg "504 with yearlings 821 (left) and 831 (right) September 13 2016 photo by Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) .01.jpg (1.22 MB)")
2016.09.14: 504 and her 2 yearlings were observed traveling along the spit road and by the grassy point in this 9/14/2016 video by Ratna Narayan.
2016.09.17: Brooks Camp visitor Lisa Robertson shared this 9/17/2016 photo of 504 and her two yearlings on 1/24/2022. 504 is seen on the left with 821 next to her and 831 on the right. "504 and yearlings 821 and 831 taking in the view near the falls on 9/17/16. Photo was taken by me."
Please request Lisa Robertson's (aka Larinor) permission prior to using her photographs!
_and_831_(right)_September_17,_2016_photo_by_%C2%A9_Lisa_Robertson_(aka_Larinor).jpg "504 with yearlings 821 (middle) and 831 (right) September 17, 2016 photo by © Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor).jpg (687 KB)")
Fabrice Stolger's 9/17/2019 photo of yearling 821 with 504 at the falls.
2016.09.20: Mickey Williams video of 504 with ther two yearlings (believed to be 821 and 831).:
10;?? 9.20.16 504 and 2 cubs pass falls Katmai National Park and Explore by Mickey Williams (yearlings are btb 821 & 831)
2016.09.21: 504 with her 2 remaining yearlings during the play-by-play with Ranger David Kopshever, video by Ratna.:
2016.09.23: Tzusrule captured this snapshot of 504 with her 2 remaining yearlings (821 & 831) (p 02/05/2020 11:06 ).:
Ratna's video of 504 with ther two yearlings (believed to be 821 and 831).:
Mom (charge???) and cubs on the side of the falls September 23, 2016 by Ratna 504 with her 2 yearlings (btb 821 & 831)
2016.09.26: Ranger David Kopshever and Ranger Leslie Skora (KNP&P Bear Monitor) discuss 504 and her cubs during this live chat at 23:23 into this video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
October 2016:[]
2016.10.04: Ratna's video of 504 with her two yearlings, now believed to be 821 and 831.:
2016.10.08: Melissa Freels video of 504's yearlings, now believed to be 821 and 831.:
2016.10.12: 504 with her two yearlings video by Cheryl B. The two yearlings are now believed to be 821 and 831.:
Another October 12, 2016 video by Cheryl B of 504 with her two yearlings that are now believed to be 821 & 831.:
2016.10.18: 504 and her 2 yearlings are briefly seen at Brooks Falls on a snowy day, video by Cheryl B, 10/18/2016.
It's snowing in Katmai 504 & Salt and Pepper also known as Ying & Yang, video by Cheryl B, 10 18 2016-0
2016.10.19: The 504 family was observed at the falls on 10/19/2016, video by Erum Chad.
2016.10.21: The 504 family was seen late in the season along the riffles and at Brooks Falls, video by Erum Chad, 10/25/2016.
2016 & 2017 Seasons:[]
GreenRiver created this video of 504 with her cubs (821 & 831) during the 2016 season and all 3 bears during the 2017 season (821 & 831 were emancipated in 2017).:
2017: 2.5 Year-Old Newly Emancipated Subadult[]
821 would have been a 2.5 year-old newly independent subadult in 2017 if he is the 2015 offspring of 504 as suspected. In 2017 821 was observed with a wound / scar on his right hip. This helped to make him easily identifiable when observed in a position that the wound / scar was visible.
2017.??.??: Marco Ronconi 2017 Facebook photo of 821 on the left and 610 on the right.
July 2017:[]
2017.07.30: Erum Chad captured what appears to be 504's emancipated subadults in this 7/30/2017 video. These subadults would be assigned identification numbers after being observed during official bear monitoring sessions. The lighter subadult was a female assigned #831 and her darker sibling was a male assigned #821.
September 2017:[]
2017.09.??: Craig Henry captured this September, 2017 photo of (left to right) 610, 821 and 831 on the beach.
2017.09.??: On October 9, 2017 Melissa Freels shared this photo of 610 (left) and 821 (right) . Melissa's photo of 610 (left) and 821 (right).
2017.09.??: On October 4, 2017 at 20:13 Lesleezee shared these photos (#1 & #2 ) from her September 2017 trip to Brooks Camp of 821 with 610.:
Please reqest Lesleezee's permission prior to using her photos!
On March 17, 2018 at 20:31, Lesleezee shared these September 2017 photos (#1 , #2 , #3 & #4 ) of 821 from her trip to Brooks Camp.: Please reqest Lesleezee's permission prior to using her photos!
2017.09.05: Melissa Freels photos (#1 & #2 ) of 610 (left) and 821, 504's darker male subadult aka "Pepper" (right).
2017.09.06: Ranger Dave shared this photo of this subadult 821 - 504's Male Subadult (darker 2015 offspring) 09/06/2017 NPS photo 1
2017.09.06: Melissa Freels photos (#1 , #2 & #3 ) of 821, 504's darker male subadult aka "Pepper" (left) and 610 (right). Melissa Freels photos (#1 & #2 ) of 610 (left) with 821, 504's darker male subadult aka "Pepper" (right).
2017.09.07: Erum Chad's 9/7/2017 video of 821 with an unknown subadult.
Bear 504's male Pepper subadult cub with unknown sub LR cam Brooks Falls 2017 09 07 00 21 03 313
Video by Erum Chad
2017.09.25: Ranger Dave shared this photo of this subadult 821 - 504's Male Subadult (darker 2015 offspring) 09/25/2017 NPS photo 2 :
Please note: The cause of the large wound on the right hip in the photos below is unknown.
October 2017:[]
2017.10.12: Birgitt captured this video of 821 in the riffles on 10/12/2017. 821's right hip wound can be seen.
2018: 3.5 Year-Old Subadult[]
821 would have been a 3.5 year-old subadult in 2018 if he is in fact the 2015 offspring of 504.
2018 Season:[]
JG created this video of snapshots believed to be 821 taken between July 6, 2018 and October 17, 2018.:
Deanne DIttloff (aka deelynnd) created this video of snapshots captured during the 2018 season that are believed to be 821 and 831.:
July 2018:[]
2018.07.05: Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor NWBearLove92 shared 7/5/2018 photos of 821 on 4/24/2020, #1, #2 and #3.
Please request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using any of their photographs!
Truman Everts 7/5/2018 photo of 821 shared via radioquiet in chat on 3/12/2023.
Please request Truman Everts' permission prior to using his photographs!
2018.07.07: Former KNP&P ranger and 2018 Bearcam Fellow, Mike Fitz, observed and photographed 821 during his time working for Explore.org at Brooks Camp .
Please request Mike's permission prior to using his photo!
2018.07.08: 821 video from the Brooks Falls Low View cam by Erum Chad (aka Erie). 821's right hip injury / scar is visible in this video.:
2018.07.10: This video by Birgitt is believed to be 821 cleaning up 435 Holly's scraps at the falls.:
2018.07.12 or PRIOR: Park visitor kurtknaak posted this video of 821 below the falls on their instagram on July 12, 2018 . The bear that appears on the lip of the falls is a bear that is currently unidentified.
2018.07.24: This video by Birgitt is believed to be 821 and 610 playing together near the floating bridge. Originally thought to be 831.
2018.07.30: 821 and 907 wrestle on the lower river, video by mckate, 7/30/2018.
Erum Chad's 7/30/2018 video of 821 on the lower river.
August 2018:[]
2018.08.15: The subadult in this video by Flyer 7474 (aka SteveCA) is believed to be 821. "A subadult (subadult bear 821?) gets interested in what looks to be a tree root submerged in the river. ":
2018.08.24: 821 catches a fish on the lip video by mckate:
Erum Chad captured a closeup video of 821 on the lip the same day, 8/24/2018.
2018.08.25: Linda R Jett's Aug 25, 2018 video that is believed to be 821. 821 bouncing (looks like he is on an underwater pogo stick) along the lower river. Trying to stir up fish from the river bottom .:
2018.08.27: This video by mckate is believed to be 821 and 831 playing in the lower river.:
2018.08.29: 821 and sibling 831 play by the lower river platform, 8/29/2018 video by Lani H.
2018.08.31: 821 is fishing on the lower river when 902 spots him and moves away, 8/31/2018 video by mckate.
Fall 2018:[]
On August 8, 2019, this Fall 2018 photo of subadult 821 by T. Carmack was shared in the chat via Katmai Conservancy Ranger Naomi Boak.
_Fall_2018_photo_via_Ranger_Naomi_8:9:2019.jpg "821 (504) Fall 2018 photo via Ranger Naomi 8:9:2019.jpg (1.63 MB)")
September 2018:[]
2018.09.??: Melissa Freels shared six September 2018 photos of 821 playing with a friend on 3/12/2023, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 and #6. "For Pepper's special day ... The best bear jam ever. September 2018 on the lower river. This was before the new bridge was built, so we watched this play session for about 2.5 hours from the lower river platform."
Please request Melissa Freel's permission prior to using her photographs!
_plays_with_a_friend_September_2018_photo_by_Melissa_Freels_.01.jpg "821 (darker) plays with a friend September 2018 photo by Melissa Freels .01.jpg (609 KB)")
_plays_with_a_friend_September_2018_photo_by_Melissa_Freels_.02.jpg "821 (darker) plays with a friend September 2018 photo by Melissa Freels .02.jpg (877 KB)")
_plays_with_a_friend_September_2018_photo_by_Melissa_Freels_.03.jpg "821 (darker) plays with a friend September 2018 photo by Melissa Freels .03.jpg (880 KB)")
_plays_with_a_friend_September_2018_photo_by_Melissa_Freels_.04.jpg "821 (darker) plays with a friend September 2018 photo by Melissa Freels .04.jpg (942 KB)")
_plays_with_a_friend_September_2018_photo_by_Melissa_Freels_.05.jpg "821 (darker) plays with a friend September 2018 photo by Melissa Freels .05.jpg (592 KB)")
_plays_with_a_friend_September_2018_photo_by_Melissa_Freels_.06.jpg "821 (darker) plays with a friend September 2018 photo by Melissa Freels .06.jpg (1.53 MB)")
2018.09.02: It's hard to fish when you're being watched. This is a funny little moment between 821 and 812 in mckate's video .:
2018.09.04: Erum chad captured this 9/4/2018 video of 821, 831 and 610 playing on the lower river. At 4:06, 831 is seen on the left, 610 is on the right and 821 (darker) is far.
2018.09.05: 610 & 821 follow 909 & 910 down Spit Road video by Birgitt.:
Erum Chad captured this 9/5/2018 video of 821 being "hazed" at the lower river.
2018.09.07: This video by Birgitt is believed to be 821 playing with 854 Divot's 2016 offspring (now subadult 9??) and 903 (128 Grazer's larger blonder male 2016 offspring, now 2018 subadult).:
821 Plays with 854 sub & 903 Pt 2 2018-09-07 11-24-02-314 by Birgitt (btb 821, 903, & 854's 2016 offspring, now subadult 9??)-0
2018.09.14: Scooch shared this snapshot that is believed to be 821.:
Cam viewer mckate created this video that is believed to be of 821 from September 14, 2018.:
2018.09.15: Scooch shared these snapshots (#1 & #2 ) that are believed to be 821.:
2018.09.24: This video by mckate is believed to be 821 and 903.:
2018.09.26: Scooch created this gif of 821 & 831 play fighting on the lower river (p 2020.02.05 01.18 ).
(Wiki would not permit gif to be loaded in a gallery 2020.02.07 LTC)
Erum Chad captured a video of 821 and 831 play fighting on the lower river, 9/26/2018.
Bear sub adults siblings 831 821 Salt n Pepper play fight RW Brooks Falls Katmai 2018 09 26, video by Erum Chad
October 2018:[]
2018.10.07: This video by Lani H is believed to be 821 rubbing on a tree near the corner.:
2018.10.17: Birgitt's video of a subadult that is believd to be 821.:
2019: 4.5 Year-Old Subadult[]
2019 Season:[]
2019.??.??: Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) created this 2019 season video of 821 & 831:
2019.??.??: 2019 photo by Two Aspens Images of 821 sitting on the lip.
2019.??.??: 2019 Jen Hall photo of 821 on the left and possibly his sibling 831 on the right.
2019.??.??: Marco Giaotti Photography 2019 photo of 821 on the left.
July 2019: []
2019.07.04: 909, 910 and 901 take on 821, 7/4/2019 video by Birgitt.
2019.07.05: Brooks Camp visitor and cam viewer BearTreeHugr shared four 7/5/2021 photos of 821 on 1/24/2022, #1, #2, #3 and #4. 821's muzzle scar can be seen in photos #1 and #2. (see NWBearLove's 7/7/2019 photos below). BearTreeHugr shared two additional 7/5/2019 photos of 821 who was observed playing with 908, #1 and #2.
Please request BearTreeHugr's permission prior to using their photographs!
_July_5,_2019_photo_by_BearTreeHugr_.jpg "821 (left) July 5, 2019 photo by BearTreeHugr .jpg (4.9 MB)")
_and_821_(right)_July_5,_2019_photo_by_BearTreeHugr_.02.jpg "908 (left) and 821 (right) July 5, 2019 photo by BearTreeHugr .02.jpg (4.62 MB)")
2019.07.07: Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor NWBearLove92 shared 7/7/2019 photos of 821 on 4/24/2020, #1, #2, #3 and #4. It was noted that 821 appeared to have a wound/scar on the bridge of his nose. Photo #5 is a zoomed in view of photo #3 that shows what appears to be a small round wound and scratch.
Please request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using any of their photographs!
_.05.jpg "821 July 7, 2019 photo by NWBearLove 92 (zoom) .05.jpg (393 KB)")
Lani H Captured 7/7/2019 video of 821 on the lip.
Erum Chad also captured 7/7/2019 video.
2019.07.08: Amy (NWBEARLOVE92) shared four 7/8/2019 photos of 908 and 821 on 5/3/2023, #1, #2, #3 and #4. "I haven’t seen 908 in person the past couple of years. I think this is her hanging out with 821 on the spit on 7/8/19."
Please request Amy's (aka NWBEARLOVE92) permission prior to using any of her photographs!
_and_821_(right)_July_8,_2019_photo_by_Amy_(NWBEARLOVE92)_.01.jpg "908 (left) and 821 (right) July 8, 2019 photo by Amy (NWBEARLOVE92) .01.jpg (361 KB)")
_and_821_(right)_July_8,_2019_photo_by_Amy_(NWBEARLOVE92)_.02.jpg "908 (left) and 821 (right) July 8, 2019 photo by Amy (NWBEARLOVE92) .02.jpg (381 KB)")
_.01.jpg "821 July 8, 2019 photo by Amy (NWBEARLOVE92) .01.jpg (395 KB)")
_and_908_(right)_July_8,_2019_photo_by_Amy_(NWBEARLOVE92)_.01.jpg "821 (left) and 908 (right) July 8, 2019 photo by Amy (NWBEARLOVE92) .01.jpg (941 KB)")
2019.07.11: 821 and 831 were observed playing on the closed path on 7/11/2019, video by mckate.
831 and 821, "when siblings meet", 7/11/2019 video by Birgitt. 831 joins her sibling 821 in the water to play.
2019.07.17: 902 "Fifi"/"Bonsai" playing with 821 and 806 teasing 812 in "Girl, Boy, Girl, Boy" video by mckate.:
2019.07.19: In this 7/19/2019 video by mckate, 831 is seen on the closed path. She is soon joined by 821 (the darker subadult) and 812.
2019.07.26: 821 is fishing on the lip with 812 when 128 Grazer arrives and wants her preferred spot. 821 puts up a strong stand but in the end he cedes to her, video by mckate, 7/26/2019.
2019.07.28: Nine Bears video by mckate. 912/13 saunters by, 610 fishes near pool, 806 eats on lip, 821 fishes on lip, 812 gets fish stolen by white-clawed sow in the J, 83 fishes by table rock, 801 leaves the office, 480 sits by the trail. 806 leaves the lip when she sees 812 come out of the J. He's her buddy.:
2019.07.29: 821 September 29, 2019 NPS photo by Ranger Tammy Carmack KNP&P Flickr.
2019.07.30: Modern Day Explorer captured multiple photos of 821 on 7/30/2019. 821 (darker with a right hip scar) and 831 (lighter with a left rear leg scar) appear to be the 2 bears that are play fighting in the 13 photos. 831 is speculated to be 821's female sibling. They are often seen playing together. 610 is the 3rd bear seen on the right. Click the right arrow after viewing the first photo to see 12 additional photos.
August 2019: []
2019.08.02 - 2019.08.05: Kacko & Goof_n captured this photograph of 812 & 821 (p 02/05/2020 22:14 ).:
Please request Kacko & Goof_n's permission prior to using their photographs!
2019.08.03: 821 (left with scar) and 812 (right) photograph by Goof_N & Kacko (p 01/04/2020 13:13 ).:
Please request Kacko & Goof_n's permission prior to using their photographs!
2019.08.04: Goof_n and Kacko captured this photograph of 821 and 831 (p 02/05/2020 08:00 ).:
Please request Kacko & Goof_n's permission prior to using their photographs!
821 and 831 play together on the lower river on 8/4/2019, video by mckate. 821 can get a bit rough with 831 but she holds her own.
2019.08.05: 821 crosses the spit video by Birgitt.:
Kacko & Goof_n captured these photographs (#1 , #2 , #3 & #4 ) of 812 and 821 in the riffles on August 5, 2019 (p 02/05/2020 14:39 ).:
Please request Kacko & Goof_n's permission prior to using their photographs!
2019.08.09: 821 snapshot by Bookmom (Mazey posted 01/04/2020 15:07 ).:
2019.08.11: 821 was observed digging up and eating clay on 8/11/2019, video by mckate. Mike Fitz commented on this behavior called geophagy in an 8/16 2019 Explore Week in Review Blog: “A diet rich in salmon has consequences though, especially for their digestive system. You may have noticed that bears have very loose, diarrheal stool at this time of year. Salmon aren’t the only thing they eat. Sometimes they’ll eat peculiar things, like earth. This is a bear excavating and eating clay, a behavior known as geophagy. Geophagy is not uncommon among bears across the world. The papers I’ve read on it suggest that could act as an anti-diarrheal agent.
At Brooks River, bears won’t eat just any bit of dirt. They target the 8-12 inch thick layer of volcanic ash from the 1912 Novarupta-Katmai eruption, which has weathered into a gritty clay. The clay may help absorb excess nutrients like potassium that can increase water in the digestive tract. In the absence of veterinary care, bears must deal with their own ailments and sometimes a change in diet can help them cope.”
821 bounces on log video by mckate. Mostly 821 was just really distracting 806 and 812 and even attracted the attention of 480 Otis. :
2019.08.12: 821 make 9 lip sitting catches, 8/12/2019 video by mckate.
2019.08.14: 821 and 831 play & feed on lower river video by Birgitt.:
909 invites 821 to play video by mckate. She really wanted to play and he obliged, although he seemed just a little bit reluctant. Maybe he had some place to be? 910 wasn't sure she approved of any of this.:
910 has words with 821 on the lip video by Lani H.:
910 forces 821 to leave video by Casper Pike.:
2019.08.15: 821 sitting and 812 standing share the lip in this 8/15/2019 video by mckate.
821 caught a fish when very few fish jumping video by Casper Pike.:
2019.08.20: 821 and 909 wait patiently for each other video by mckate.:
909 does not want 821 to cut in at the lip video by Casper Pike:
821 and 902 meet on the lower river and engage in a play session, 8/20/2019 video by mckate.
2019.08.21: 821 is fishing on the lip when 812 arrives. Note how much larger 812 is than 821. 812's probable mother 402 is a large sow vs 821's probable mother 504 is a small sow. 821 almost slides off the lip in trying to defend his fishing spot, 8/21/2019 video by mckate.
812 almost scares 821 off the lip video by Lani H.:
821 along with 902 attempt to turn over a large tree stump on 8/21/2019, video by mckate.
2019.08.21-08.22: Brooks Camp visitor Ember Tilton captured video of 821 on their 8/21-8/22/2019 trip. 821 can be seen in a still photo at 16:17, playing with 902 from 16:20-17:02 and fishing the lip while sitting from 20:34-21:25.
2019.08.22: 821 is fishing on the lip in his usual sitting position when a fish interrupts his "Tai Chi", 8/22/2019 video by mckate.
2019.08.23: 821 watches 902 working on a tree stump on 8/23/2019, video by mckate.
2019.08.24: 910 and 909 "greet" 821 video by mckate.:
821 and 747 video by Ratna.:
812 and 821 dance around the top of the falls video by Casper Pike.:
2019.08.25: 821 on the lip video by Ratna.:
2019.08.27: 812 greets 821 video by mckate.:
8/27/2019 video by Lani H, "821 and 902 wrestle mania."
2019.08.28: 821 watches 909 fish the lip video by mckate.:
821 pushes 907 out of spot video by mckate.:
2019.08.29: 909 plays with 821 video by mckate.:
September 2019: []
2019.09.??: Brooks Camp visitor Danielle Alyssa captured a September 2019 Instagram video of 821 (smaller, darker) playing with 812 by the Brooks Falls platform.
2019.09.01: 821 video by Ratna.:
2019.09.03: 821 plays with "Scrappy" (unidentified male subadult) video by McKate.:
2019.09.04: Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor Leala shared three 9/4/2019 photos of 821 on 1/23/2022, #1, #2 and #3.
Please request Leala's permission prior to using their photographs!
2019.09.08: 812 and 821 are seen in a play session in the J on 9/8/2019, video by mckate.
821 and 812 play fighting video by Ratna.:
2019.09.13: Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) captured this photograph of 821 (p 02/05/2020 15:38 ).:
Please request Bonnie Hankins' (aka NutsBoutBears) permission prior to using her photographs!
2019.09.14: Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) captured this video of 821 and 907 play-fighting during her trip to Brooks Camp.:
Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) also captured this photograph of 821 with another subadult (who?) on September 14, 2019 (p 02/05/2020 15:40 ). Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) shared this 9/14/2019 photo of 821 (left) and 907 (right) playing on 5/23/2020.
Please request Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) permission prior to using her photographs!
_and_907_(right)_September_14,_2019_photo_by_Bonnie_Hankins_(aka_NutsBoutBears).jpg "821 (left) and 907 (right) September 14, 2019 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears).jpg (1.23 MB)")
2019.09.17: 821 and 831 played often in 2019. Here they are viewed on the lower river, video by mckate, 9/17/2019.
2019.09.22 Approximately 08:03: Does the role of new motherhood for a young adult sow with offspring come with more challenges than we have previously considered? Do subadult or young adult males need to learn that their relationships with "bear friends" / former playmates change when those that are females become mothers? From 2016 - 2018 as an independent subadult and young single adult female, 719 often hung out with and played with other subadults or young adults. Now as a 5.5 year-old first time mother, do those same "bear friends" and playmates pose a risk that 719 is not willing to take even given her past relationship with them? 719 would often tolerate close proximity while fishing and even play with bears like 821 in 2017 and 2018. On September 22, 2019, what appears to begin as a "friendly meeting" between 719 and 821, where 719 appears to tolerate 821 in close proximity to her, but that quickly changes to 719 protecting her two spring cubs, her 1st known litter, from 821 when he makes a move toward her cubs that 719 is not comfortable with .:
LuvBear's Lower River North cam view video .:
Cruiser's video from the Lower River East cam.:
Birgitt's video of footage from the Lower River North cam of the 821 & 719 interaction:
Arlene Beech (aka Homebird) Lower River East cam view video .:
"You scared my cubs!" Brooks River. 22 September 2019 by Arlene Beech (aka Homebird) (Lower River East cam view)-0
Cam viewers captured these snapshots of 821's behavior after his interaction with 719 and her 2 spring cubs: Bookmom captured this snapshot* (p08:07). Debbie (Bearz61) captured this snapshot (p08:08). Bookmom captured this snapshot and this snapshot (p08:10). Debbie (Bearz61) captured this snapshot (p08:10). Debbie (Bearz61) captured these snapshots #1, # 2 & # 3 (p08:11). Bookmom posted this snapshot and this snapshot (p08:11). Mazey captured this snapshot (p08:12). Debbie (Bearz61) captured this snapshot (p08:12). CarolineB captured this snapshot (p08:12). Xander-Sage created this gif of 821 with 719 and her 2 spring cubs (p 02/05/2020 18:03 ).:
Mike Fitz, Resident Naturalist with Explore.org and former KNP&P ranger, weighed in:
Mike's September 22, 2019 14:59 comment regarding the 719 family group's interaction with 821.:
"I didn't see the interaction live, unfortunately. When I watch the extended replay, it seemed that 821 was curious and had playful intentions regarding 719. In turn, 719 didn't seem to dissuade 812 from his approach initially. Mother bears seldomly allow other bears to approach that closely, especially when the other bear is a subadult male. Perhaps 719 allowed it because she was familiar with 821 from previous years and had played with him before. Whatever the reason, when 821 seemed like was going to chase the cubs, 719 intervened and sent a clear message to 821 to stay away. Throughout the interaction, 719's cubs didn't seem comfortable with the close proximity of another bear."
Then continuing in reply to: "Have you ever seen a similar situation where a sow didn't immediately charge a subadult male who was that close to her cubs (before he tried to approach the cubs)."
Mike's September 22, 2019 15:58 comment :
" I can't recall an equivalent situation that I've witnessed."
Mike's September 22, 2019 15:32 comment regarding the 719 family group's interaction with 821.:
"Yes, that was interesting to see. When I watch the extended replay, it seemed that 821 was curious and had playful intentions regarding 719. In turn, 719 didn't seem to dissuade 812 from his approach initially. Mother bears seldomly allow other bears to approach that closely, especially when the other bear is a subadult male. Perhaps 719 allowed it because she was familiar with 821 from previous years and had played with him before. Whatever the reason, when 821 seemed like was going to chase the cubs, 719 intervened and sent a clear message to 821 to stay away. Throughout the interaction, 719's cubs didn't seem comfortable with the close proximity of another bear."
2019.09.28: 831 rests on the closed path while 821 fishes nearby. 831 soon joins her brother 821 (speculated) and they start a play session, video by mckate, 9/28/2019.
October 2019:[]
2019.10.17: 821 early morning fishing at the falls video by Lani H.:
2019.10.18: 821 at the falls video by Lani H.:
2019.10.20: 821 on the lip video by Lani H.
821 and 907 video by Lani H.:
821 was seen making his morning rounds in the early light on 10/20/2019,video by mckate.
2020: 5.5 Year-Old (Subadult or Young Adult) Male[]
2020 Season:[]
Deanna Ditloff (aka deelynnd) created this 2020 season video of 821 and 831, "Bears 831 Salt & 821 Pepper 2020."
Bears 831 Salt & 821 Pepper 2020
Bears 831 Salt & 821 Pepper 2020, video by Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd)
July 2020:[]
2020.07.02: 821 returns to Brooks Camp and meets up with 610, 7/2/2020 video by Erum Chad.
2020.07.05: 821 plays with 901 on the spit, 7/5/2020 video by Erum Chad.
2020.07.09: 821 returns to the lip, 7/9/2020 video by mckate.
2020.07.15: 821 scares 477 Sara in the riffles, 7/15/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.16: 902 plays with 821, 7/16/2020 video by mckate.
2020.07.17: Subadult siblings 821 and 831 playing, 7/17/2020 video by Erum Chad.
2020.07.18: 821, the "life of the party", 7/18/2020 video by mckate.
2020.07.19: 820, 821 and his sibling 831, 7/19/2020 video by Erum Chad.
2020.07.21: 821 fishes the lip, 7/21/2020 video by Lani H.
Birgitt's 7/21/2020 video "719 Comes to Play with 820 Twice, Also 821 Plays w 820."
2020.07.23: 719 negotiates friendship and motherhood laying with 812 & 821, 7/23/2020 video by Birgitt.
719 Negotiates Friendship & Motherhood Playing with 812 & 821 Pt 1 2020-07-23 23-38-57-710, video by Birgitt-0
2020.07.24: 821 plays with 57, the 3rd bear is possibly 831, 7/24/2020 video by mckate.
2020.07.26: 504 watches her son 821 fish the lip, 7/26/2020 video by mckate. Cubs often learn from their mothers. In this case, 821 learned lip fishing from watching other bears as his mother never fished the lip.
2020.07.29: 504 and her son 821 compete for a fishing spot in the riffles, 7/29/2020 video by mckate.
2020.07.30: 821 fishes on the far lip, 7/30/2020 video by Ratna Narayan.
August 2020:[]
2020.08.01: A good look at 821's right hip scar, 8/1/2020 video by mckate.
2020.08.03: 821 can be observed fishing the lip at 8:19 into this 8/3/2020 video by Ratna Narayan.
2020.08.05: 821 noses around a stranded island tree, 8/5/2020 video by mckate.
2020.08.06: Lip sitting duo, 812 and 821, 8/6/2020 video by mckate.
2020.08.08: 821 leaves the lip when 18 approaches, but with 812?/unkown bear coming the other direction, 821 takes a shortcut down the falls. Video by flyer 7474 on 8/8/2020.
902 would like some of 821's fish, 8/8/2020 video by flyer 7474.
2020.08.10: 128 Grazer moves 821 from the lip and then has words with 747, 8/10/2020 video by flyer 7474.
821 gets scared by 812 who just wants to play, 8/10/2020 video by Lani H. The 3rd bear is an unknown subadult who resembles 821.
Brooks Camp visitor Francine Dollinger captured a photo of 821 during her August, 2020 visit. It was taken on 8/10/2020 and shows 821 sitting (near), 812 (back left) and an unknown subadult (back right).
2020.08.11: 821 fishes the lip, 8/11/2020 video by Ratna Narayan.
Francine Dollinger 8/11/2020 photos of 821 fishing the lip, #1 and #2.
2020.08.12: 812 really wants 821 to play, 8/12/2020 video by mckate.
2020.08.13: 821 (far) and 812 (near) on the lip, 8/13/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.08.14: A nice close-up of 821, 8/14/2020 video by Ratna Narayan.
2020.08.15: 32 Chunk sees double. An unknown dark subadult (near) and 821 (far) fish the lip, 8/15/2020 video by mckate.
2020.08.16: 821 Fishes the lip, 8/16/2020 video by Kwaahu.
2020.08.17: 812 (far) and 821 (near) in sync, 8/17/2020 video by Ratna Narayan.
2020.08.18: 909 (near) and 821 (far) share the lip, 8/18/2020 video by mckate.
2020.08.19: 821 is seen eating a fish on the underwater cam in this 8/19/2020 video by Hey Princess. 821's right hip scar can be seen at 4:04.
821 tells 151 Walker to take a hike. 821 did a little hop charge behind 151 Walker's back as he left, 8/19/2020 video by mckate.
2020.08.20: 821 gets silly on the lower river, 8/20/2020 video by mckate.
2020.08.21: 812 and 821 play, 8/21/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.08.22: 821 and 903 play, 8/22/2020 video by mckate.
2020.08.23: 812 and 821 long play session at Brooks Falls, 8/23/2020 video by Lani H.
821 (in the j) tells 812 (behind him) to wait his turn twice, 8/23/2020 video by mckate. 907 is on the lip and is timid near 812. "812 went up the fish ladder and pouted after the first exchange. He had kind of a hard day. If nothing else, maybe this showed 907 that he need not be so afraid of 812."
2020.08.24: 821 scares off a subadult, 8/24/2020 video by Lani H.
Best buddies 812 and 821, 8/24/2020 video by mckate.
2020.08.25: Mckate captured this 8/25/2020 video of 821 trying to balance a stick. "it kind of looked like he was trying to balance it on his nose or head."
2020.08.26: Lani H captured this 8/26/2020 video of 821 playing with a branch off the spit.
This 8/26/2020 video by Emily Pennington shows 821 catching fish on the lip and was was posted by Storyful. Emily commented: "I waited for hours to get the perfect shot of a bear catching a salmon at Brooks Falls. This guy was failing all morning, just barely missing these incredible fish as they swim upstream. Finally, he caught one, and you can hear our sheer excitement."
September 2020:[]
2020.09.19: Princess 503 captured 9/19/2020 video of 821 upon his return to Brooks Camp after a 3 week absence. 821 is seen arriving to the top of the falls.
821 fishes in the riffles, 9/19/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.09.20: Closeup of 821 eating a fish on the lower river, 9/20/2020 video by Hey Princess.
2020.09.21: 821 and aka "Vincent, Little Sub, Little Bear" make their way to the falls, 9/21/2020 video by mckate.
2020.09.22: Lani H's 9/22/2020 video of 821 fishing the lip.
2020.09.23: 821 again fishes the lip in this 9/23/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.09.24: 821 meets his match in "Bucky", 9/24/2020 video by mckate. " Bucky was pretty bitey. 719 finally came over at the very end and told them to knock it off.
October 2020:[]
2020.10.01: 821 fishes the riffles, 10/1/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.02: Becky Osberg 10/2/2020 video of 812 and 821 playing at the falls.
2020.10.03: 812 charges his best friend 821, 10/3/2020 video by Hey Princess.
821 lip fishes in this 10/3/2020 video by mckate.
2020.10.04: Lani H's 10/4/2020 video of 821 near the falls platform.
2020.10.06: 821 scavenges along the lower river, 10/6/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.07: 821 walks through the riffles, 10/7/2020 video by Lani H.
821 follows another subadult near the lower river bridge, 10/7/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.08: 821 and 27 wrestle on the lower river, 10/8/2020 video by mckate. 821 is the darker bear. "That was wild! The cam-op did a good job of keeping up with them."
2020.10.09: 821 (left) is seen with aka "Little Bear, Little Sub, Vincent", not 23, (right) in this 10/9/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.10: Lani H 10/10/2020 video of 821 by the far bank.
2020.10.16: Could this be 821 snoozing on the lower river in this 10/16/2020 video by mckate?
2020.10.17: 821 checks out the falls action, 10/17/2020 video by mckate.
2020.10.18: 821 passes through the falls, 10/18/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.23: Lani H 10/23/2020 video of 821 scavenging on the lower river.
2020.10.24: 708 Amelia and her 2 yearlings share a bank with 821 on the lower river, 10/24/2020 video by mckate.
2020.10.25: 821 eats some clay (geophagy) in this 10/25/2020 video by Lani .
Lani H 10/25/2020 video of 821 on the picnic area.
2020.10.26: 821 scavenges around the falls, 10/26/2020 video by Lani H.
94's 2.5 year old male cub gets too bitey with 821, 10/26/2020 video by mckate. "94's boy has only had experience playing with his sisters and probably became overzealous when playing with other males for the first time."
2020.10.27: Lani H 10/27/2020 video of 821 out near the oxbow.
2020.10.28: Nice closeup of 821 under the lower river cam, 10/28/2020 video by mckate.
Scooch's 10/28/2020 gif of 821, Gulls fight over Pepper's scraps...."Hey, I was here first!"
2020.10.29: 10/29/2020 video by mckate of 821 walking around the picnic area.
2020.10.30: 821 checks out the far pool, 10/30/2020 video by Lani H.
November 2020:[]
2020.11.02: 811 warns 821, 11/2/2020 video by mckate."She didn't want him anywhere near her cub."
821 explores the falls and finds a fish, 11/2/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.11.03: Mckate's 11/3/2020 video of 821 plowing through the river. "I wasn't entirely sure this was 'Pepper' until I saw the leaping around at the end. He's such a entertaining fellow."
2020.11.04: 821 explores the falls with snow on the ground, 11/4/2020 video by Lani H. This was the last time 821 was observed in 2020.
2021: 6.5 Year-Old Adult Male[]
821 made his debut in the 2022 Bears of Brooks River book on page 85.
.jpg "821's page in the 2022 Bears of Brooks River book page 85 (info only).jpg (369 KB)")
2021 Season:[]
Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) created this 2021 season video of 821, "821 Pepper 2021."
May 2021:[]
2021.05.22: Ranger Naomi Boak stopped in chat on 5/23/2021 and posted two 5/22/2021 photos that were taken at dusk on the beach, #1 and #2. Ranger Naomi commented "Morning from Brooks Camp. When I thought that living in camp meant more bears and more sunsets I was right. I went to Naknek beach at dusk and what a glorious light. But the bonus -- bears. At first I tried to go down the path at the ranger station, but two bears were right there. So I went further down to the Visitors Center. There was a courting couple, and I do mean courting. I was thrown off at first because the female was following the male. They cavorted for some time. I have a video but can't upload from here. In answer to a question if the courting couple seemed to be young adult size Ranger Naomi commented "They did. The male has light tipped ears. They both looked young to me. Kara couldn't ID them either." Then I saw a sow and two cubs further down the beach who moved away when they saw the couple -- it was 284 and her yearlings. I took a picture and noticed that there was another bear way down the beach that I hadn't even seen. SO happy to be here. (Excuse the resolution. It was the only way I could upload)."
Ranger Naomi Boak stopped by chat again in the evening on 5/23/2021. The young "courting couple" has been determined to be 821 and 901. Ranger Naomi commented "Okay. The iD's of the canoodling couple are: 821 & 901. Confirmed by the bear monitor after she saw my video. I never saw them mate, but they were definitely courting, teenage-style. Bear monitor and Kara confirmed. I love the fact that bears usually don't just mate, there is actual courtship. I also thought 901 would come back with cubs."
_and_901_and_821_(near)_courting_May_22,_2021_NPS_photo_by_Ranger_Naomi_Boak_(aka_NSBoak).jpg "Unnown bear in the distance 284 \"Electra\" and 2 yearlings (center) and 901 and 821 (near) courting May 22, 2021 NPS photo by Ranger Naomi Boak (aka NSBoak).jpg (1.42 MB)")
.jpg "901 and 821 courting May 22, 2021 NPS photo by Ranger Naomi Boak (aka NSBoak).jpg (1.26 MB)")
Naomi Boak's 5/22/2021 video of 821 and 901 playing or courting on the beach.
June 2021:[]
2021.06.23: 821 made his first cam appearance at the falls on 6/23/2021. Cam viewers captured snapshots and gifs. Snapshotby WinterchillsCO, snapshot by CamOp Kwaahu, snapshot by WinterchillsCO, gifs by Blair-55, #1 and #2.
Hey Princess's 6/23/2021 video, One brave bear 821 "Pepper" strolls around the falls on a stormy day.
One brave bear 821 Pepper strolls around the falls on a stormy day Explore.org 06.23.21
Video by Hey Princess
2021.06.29: 821 sits on a log in the riffles, 6/29/2021 video by Itzy Holly-LO.
821 viewed on the spit, 6/29/2021 snapshot by Bearoplane_747.
2021.06.30: 821 (6 years old) bites off more than he can chew, 6/30/2021 video by mckate. "Son if you're going to flirt with mature sows, you need to follow through! At least I think that's what 94 ( 18 years old) was telling him. Actually I have no what was going on here, but I do recall him flirting with 132 last season and it was equally awkward."
Ranger Naomi stopped in chat on 7/2/2021 and shared a 6/30/2021 photo. She commented "Morning/Afternoon. I was heads down in my computer yesterday, it was also windy, so few bears for me. This week I will be at the falls frequently with Mr. Fitz and Ranger LIan, so good times ahead. I thought you might like this picture of the lovely lady who caused the big bear jam on the south side of the bridge on Wednesday. I'm sure some of you eagle-eyed viewers will know who she is." Ranger Naomi shared a 2nd photo. "Another view of this bear jamming gal." Note: 504 and her son 821 look very similar. As it turns out, 504 appeared at Brooks Camp on 7/16/021 with 3 spring cubs. This was her son 821. Please request NSBoak's (aka Ranger Naomi Boak) permission prior to using her photographs!
_.01.jpg "821 June 30, 2021 NPS photo by Ranger Naomi Boak (aka NSBoak) .01.jpg (2.41 MB)")
_.02.jpg "821 June 30, 2021 NPS photo by Ranger Naomi Boak (aka NSBoak) .02.jpg (2.76 MB)")
July 2021:[]
2021.07.01: 821 fishes the J, 7/1/2021 video by mckate.
821 chases 912 away from the J, 7/1/2021 video by mckate.
2021.07.02: 821 in the far pool, 7/2/201 gif by LunaCre.
2021.07.03: 831 in the riffles, 7/3/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.07.04: LunaCre's two gifs of 821, 7/4/2021. Gif #1, 821 catches a fish in the J. Gif #2, 171 (near) approached by 821.
_and_171_(near)_July_4,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif "821 (far) and 171 (near) July 4, 2021 gif by LunaCre.gif (4.89 MB)")
2021.07.05: 821 following 171? Video by Itzy Holly-LO, 7/5/2021.
2021.07.06: NWBearLove 92 shared a July 6, 2021 photo of 821 on 7/26/2021. "Here’s a close up shot of him from 7/6/21"
Pease request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using any of their photographs!
503 (far) and 821 (near) in the riffles, 7/6/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.07.08: 821 walks by the Brooks Falls low cam in this 7/8/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.07.09: 821 seen at RW, 7/9/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.07.10: 821 snags a salmon and slips off the lip. Video by Flyer 4477 (aka SteveCA).:
"Gotcha Ya!....Whoops!" 2021 07 10 Courtesy of Explore.org
821 snags a salmon and slips off the lip. Brooks Falls Katmai National Park. Courtesy of Explore.org by Flyer 4477 (aka SteveCA)
OregonSheFisher created this gif:
2021.07.11: 821 takes a nap, 7/11/2021 video by Itzy Holly_LO.
2021.07.12: 821 puts his paw up and immediately catches a salmon, 7/12/2021 video by Cheryl B.
7-12-2021 11-20 PM AKDT Paw Up! May there always be an abundance of salmon Explore.org
Video by Cheryl B
2021.07.13: Daniel Spaargaren's 7/13/2021 video. 821 is seen from 0:00-2:38, 89 Backpack is on the conveyer at 2:38 and 610 can be seen on the right at 3:39.
2021-07-13 Katmai National Park Brooks Falls Brown Bear
821, 89 Backpack and 610 July 13, 2021 video by Daniel Spaargaren
Daniel Spaargaren's 2nd 7/13/2021 video. 821 is fishing the jacuzzi, 89 Backpack is on the conveyer, 610 is seen at 0:28. 610 runs off when 503 arrives at 1:48.
2021-07-13 Katmai National Park Brooks Falls Brown Bear-2
821, 89 Backpack, 610 and 503, July 13, 2021 video by Daniel Spaargaren
821 paws at the water below the falls, 7/13/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.07.14: 821 eats his catch on the top of the falls, 7/14/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.07.15: 821 is overwhelmed by fish, 7/15/2021 video by mckate.
2021.07.16: Everyone wants to play with 821, 7/16/2021 video by mckate. "This time it was 913. At least he plays less roughly than 820."
2021.07.18: 912 and 821 are annoying 128 Grazer, 7/18/2021 gif by LunaCre.
Left to right, 128 Grazer and her 2 yearlings, 912 (light) and 821 (dark) July 18, 2021 gif by LunaCre
2021.07.19: 821 and 913 wrestle in the riffles, 7/19/2021 video by mckate.
2021.07.20: 821 gets silly, 7/20/2021 video by mckate. "I think he was trying to make catching grass as exciting as catching fish. Pepper has a vivid imagination."
2021.07.21: 821 heads up to the lip and immediately gets grazered by 128. He eventually takes his place on the lip only to be moved out by 806 and her yearling, 7/21/2021 video by Flyer 4477.
2021.07.22: 821 sits on the lip and catches a fish. 806 and her yearling also catch one, 7/22/2021 video by Cheryl B.
2021.07.23: Left to right, 820, 812 and 821 play on the lower river, 7/23/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.07.24: 821 fishes the lip, 7/24/2021 gif by Martina.821
2021.07.25: 821 shakes a fish back and forth, 7/25/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.07.26: 821 sits to fish the lip, 7/26/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.07.27: 821 (right) wants to play with a friend, 7/27/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.07.28: 812 (right) and 821 (left) play in the riffles, 7/28/2021 video by mckate.
2021.07.29: Siblings 821 (darker) and 831 (lighter) still play, 7/29/2021 video by mckate. "Five years after emancipation and two years into adulthood, these siblings still enjoy each other's company. How sweet is that! 435's cub seemed to have fun watching them too."
2021.07.30: 831 interrupts 821's play, 7/30/2021 video by mckate. "Reminds me of when 29 interrupted 27's play last season. Sisters! That was an epic play session that lasted just shy of an hour. I think 821's opponent was 903, but I'm not positive."
2021.07.31: Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor BetsyBear shared this 7/31/2021 photo of 821 on 1/23/2022. Betsy Bear's 7/31/2021 photo of 821.
Please request BetsyBear's permission prior to using her photographs!
821 (right) plays with a friend, 7/31/2021 gif by LunaCre.
August 2021:[]
2021.08.01: 821 swats a fish on the lip, 8/1/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.08.02: Betsy Bear's 8/2/2021 photos of 821, #1 (right) and #2 (sitting).
Please request BetsyBear's permission prior to using her photographs!
_August_2,_2021_photo_by_Betsy_Bear_.01.jpeg "821 (right) August 2, 2021 photo by Betsy Bear .01.jpeg (188 KB)")
_August_2,_2021_photo_by_Betsy_Bear_.02.jpeg "821 (sitting) August 2, 2021 photo by Betsy Bear .02.jpeg (198 KB)")
801 backs up 821, 8/2/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.08.03: A young bear begs from 821, 8/3/2021 gif by LunaCre. "This young bear demonstrated the most aggressive begging technique I've seen. First of all, 821 Pepper did not have any fish at that moment, and B) I'm not sure shouting "Give me your lunch money, nerd!" actually works in the bear world? (BF)"
2021.08.04: Betsy Bear's 8/4/2021 photo of 821.
Please request BetsyBear's permission prior to using her photographs!
821 and 908 play under the cam, 8/4/2021 video by mckate.
2021.08.05: 821 (near) is seen with his look-a-like in this 8/5/2021 gif by LunaCre. The imposter bear has a temporary nickname of "PJ."
2021.08.06: No more Mr Nice Guy, 8/6/2021 video by mckate. "821 bit poor 'Slappy' and shoved him off the lip. Then he went right back to doing his Tai Chi like nothing had happened. Hmm. Now that's a side of Pepper I've never really seen, well except for maybe when he would try to drown his sis when they played."
2021.08.07: 821 drops a fish and blames a subadult, 8/7/2021 video by mckate. "That's the second time he's sent this sub over the falls. It didn't help that he immediately took Pepper's (821) spot when he moved back to eat. I'm getting the feeling that maybe Pepper doesn't appreciate his presence on the lip. I'm watching for a natal collar to see if this is 99.
2021,08.08: 901 (near) and 821 (far) fish the riffles, 8/8/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.08.08-08.13: Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) shared six photos of 821 from her 8/8-8/13/2021 trip, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 and #6.
Please request deelynnd's permission prior to using her photographs!
_.01.jpg "821 August 8-August 13, 2021 photo by Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) .01.jpg (978 KB)")
_August_8-August_13,_2021_photo_by_Deanna_Dittloff_(aka_deelynnd)_.jpg "821 (near) August 8-August 13, 2021 photo by Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) .jpg (2.02 MB)")
_.02.jpg "821 August 8-August 13, 2021 photo by Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) .02.jpg (2.69 MB)")
_.03.jpg "821 August 8-August 13, 2021 photo by Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) .03.jpg (3.17 MB)")
_.04.jpg "821 August 8-August 13, 2021 photo by Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) .04.jpg (2.92 MB)")
_.05.jpg "821 August 8-August 13, 2021 photo by Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) .05.jpg (2.85 MB)")
2021.08.09: 821 (darker) plays with 902 (lighter), 8/9/2021 video by mckate.
2021.08.10: 812 (near) and 821 (far) play, 8/10/2021 video by mckate.
2021.08.12: Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsboutBears) shared this 8/12/2021 photo of 821 on the lip.
Please request Bonnie Hankins' (aka NutsBoutBears) permission prior to using her photographs!
.jpg "821 August 12, 2021 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears).jpg (863 KB)")
821 (darker) can be seen play fighting with another bear in these two 8/12/2021 videos by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears), #1 and #2. In video #3, 821 fishes the lip (furthest) while it appears to be 903 fishing closest to the camera.
821 Pepper on the lip - Aug 12, 2021
821 (far) and 903 (near) fish the lip, August 12, 2021 video by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears)
821 and 903 share the lip, 8/12/2021 video by mckate. "903 also likes to lip sit, so I keep hoping to catch them doing it together some day."
2021.08.13: 821 enjoys his meal on RW, 8/13/2021 video by Cheryl B.
2021.08.14: 812 (left) and 821 (right) play fight, 8/14/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.08:15: Missed him! 8/15/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.08.16: 821 (left) plays with "Bucky Dent", 8/16/2021 video by mckate. "Bucky is in about the same weight class as 821, so it's more of a fair fight. When 821 wrestles 812 he spends most of the time on his back!"
2021.08.17: 821 begs for fish, 8/17/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.08.18: 821 fishes the lip, 8/18/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.08.19: 821's quick catch on the lip, 8/19/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.08.20: 812 (left) and 821 (right) play fight, 8/20/2021 gif by Luna Cre.
2021.08.21: 821 (near) and 903 (far) share the lip, 8/21/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.08.22: "In case you were wondering if intimidation works in the bear world, after the recent grazering, 821 Pepper appeared a little scared by the presence of 128 Grazer and her yearlings (BF)", 8/22/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.08.23: 821 and "Bucky" make nearly simultaneous catches, 8/23/2021 video by mckate.
2021.08.24: 719 (L) gave 821 Pepper (R) a greeting that was a bit of a mixed message (BF), 8/24/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.08.25: 821 (R) danced a little with another friend (RF), 8/25/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.08.26: 909 gets rid of 821, checks on cub and back to fishing. What a mom! 8/26/2021 video by Buddy's Mom.
909 gets rid of 821, checks on cub and back to fishing. What a mom! Explore.org 8-26-21
Video by Buddy's Mom
2021.08.27: 812 (right) and 821 (left) play, 8/27/2021 video by alisa.
2021.08.28: 821 close up, 8/28/2021 video by JG.
2021.08.29: 821 had a wrestling match with a friend, 8/29/2021 gif by LunaCre.
September 2021:[]
2021.09.05: 821 on the lower river, 9/5/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.06: 812 and 821 play, 9/6/2021 video by JG.
2021.09.07: The looks! 821 & 910 discuss fishing spots & "Bucky" walks away with the fish! 9/7/2021 video by Buddy's Mom.
The looks! 821 & 910 discuss fishing spots & Bucky walks away with the fish! Explore.org 9-7-21
Video by Buddy's Mom
2021.09.08: 821 (L) was very happy to see 27 (R) and they played for a long time (RW), 9/8/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.09: 821 shifts an annoying log, 9/9/2021 video by mckate. "I'd figured that if any bear would be unafraid to move this log, it would be 821. I recorded two views so that you can see just how strong he is in the second clip as he casually wraps one paw about the log and easily shifts it to the side. I was hoping he'd really go for it and toss the whole thing over. At the end 806 looked at him like, "Are you quite finished?"
2021.09.09-09.14: Theresa Bielawski shared this 9/9-9/14/2021 photo of 821 on the lower river.
Please request Theresa Bielawski's permission prior to using her photographs!
2021.09.10: Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor 907AKSnow shared two 9/10/2021 photos of 821 on 1/23/2021, #1 and #2. Photo #2 shows 821's right hip scar well. "Good Morning All and Happy 504, 821 and 831 day. I just happened to have a few photos of 821 handy from September 10, 2021 @10:58AM taken from the riffles platform."
2021.09.10: Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor 907AKSnow shared two 9/10/2021 photos of 821 on 1/23/2021, #1 and #2. Photo #2 shows 821's right hip scar well. "Good Morning All and Happy 504, 821 and 831 day. I just happened to have a few photos of 821 handy from September 10, 2021 @10:58AM taken from the riffles platform."
Please request 907AKSnow's permission prior to using her photographs!
_September_10,_2021_photo_by_907AKSnow_.02.jpg "821 (rear view) September 10, 2021 photo by 907AKSnow .02.jpg (1.31 MB)")
821 catches a fish in the jacuzzi, 9/10/2021 video by Cheryl B.
2021.09.11: 821 includes his lip ritual in his snorkeling, 9/11/2021 video by mckate. "At first I couldn't figure out what he was doing, then realized that he was moving his front legs just as he does while sitting on the lip."
2021.09.12: 821's down low lip fishing technique, 9/12/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.13: Melissa Freels captured two 9/13/2021 photos of 812 and 821 playing, #1 and #2. Melissa Freels captured two additional 9/13/2021 photos of 821, #1 on the lip and #2 eating clay.
Please request Melissa Freels' permission prior to using her photographs!
_and_821_(right)_September_13,_2021_photo_by_Melissa_Freels_.02.jpg "812 (left) and 821 (right) September 13, 2021 photo by Melissa Freels .02.jpg (754 KB)")
821 pounced to catch a fish and 902 did not appreciate the ruckus he caused (RW), 9/13/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.14: 821 fishes the lip, 9/14/2021 video by Cheryl B.
2021.09.15: 821 debuted his brand new paw-under-the-chin move (BF), 9/15/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.16: 812 (L) and 821 (R) met up and played a little (BF), 9/16/2020 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.17: 821 careful enters the water, 9/17/2020 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.18: 821 (R) and "Bucky Dent" (L), the young bear with a vertical indentation on his muzzle, played bitey face in the river (RW), 9/18/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.19: 821 peeking out from the tall grass, 9/19/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.20: 821 on the spit, 9/20/2021 video by JG.
2021.09.21: 821 rests on the spit road, 9/21/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.22: 821 splashing and dashing, 9/22/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.23: 902 cowgirl walks while 821 watches, 9/23/2021 video by mckate.
2021.09.24: 821 (left) plays with a friend, 9/24/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.25: 821 strolls along the lower river, 9/25/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.26: 821 struts his Fat Bear body on the spit, 9/26/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.27: 821 made sure he didn’t have clay on his nose (RW), 9/27/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.28: 821 stops by the lip, 9/28 2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.09.29: 821 along river watch, 9/29/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.30: Best friends 812 (lighter) and 821 (darker) met up and played (BF), 9/30/2021 gif by LunaCre.
October 2021:[]
2021.10.01: 821 tries to conjure up some jumpers, 10/21/2021 video by mckate. "He wasn't putting his heart into his routine, so I suspect that he knew it was rather hopeless. In the entire time he was on the lip, I saw one fish make a half-hearted attempt at a jump."
2021.10.02: 821 poses, 10/2/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.03: 821 along the far side of the river, 10/3/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.04: 821 strolls the lower river, 10/4/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.05: 821 carefully ate his fish kebab (RW), 10/5/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.06: 821 enjoys his fish, 10/6/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.07: 821 (far) watches his sibling 831 (near) eat her fish, 10/7/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.08: Sleepy 821 rests on 89 Backpack's rock, 10/8/2021 video by Ratna Narayan.
2021.10.09: 821 walks the lower river, 10/9/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.10.10: 821 (left) at the oxbow, 10/10/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.11: 821 dash and grabs on the lower river, 10/11/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.12: 821 (near) and "Bucky Dent" (far) play fight, 10/12/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.14: 821 strolls the lower river, 10/14/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.15: 821 walks with his catch, 10/15/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.16: 821 is seen (nearest) fishing at the cutbank at 5:26, 10/16/2021 video by Ratna Narayan.
2021.10.17: 821 shakes it off, 10/17/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.18: 821 finishing a meal, 10/18/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.21: 821 patrols the lower river, 10/21/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.22: 821 chows down, 10/22/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.23: 821 fishing near the lower river bridge, 10/23/2021 video by JG.
2021.10.26: 821 chases and catches a fish, 10/26/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.28: 821 ambling along, 10/28/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.30: 821 does some marking, 10/30/2021 video by mckate.
November 2021:[]
2021.11.01: 821 swims through frigid water, 11/1/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.11.02: 821 kicks up a fish, 11/2/2021 video by mckate. "I've seen his sis kick fish up off the river bottom (usually with plenty of dramatics!), but I think this is the first time I've seen him do it. It would seem that diving for that fish would have been so much easier, but I guess Pepper doesn't like getting water in his ears."
2021.11.03: 821 on RW, 11/3/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.11.04: 821 snorkeling, 11/4/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.11.07: 821 was last observed on 11/7/2021 (not 11/8), video by Cheryl B. he is seen snorkeling and eating fish by the bridge on a snowy day.
2022: 7.5 Year-Old Adult Male:[]
2022 Season:[]
Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) created this 2022 season video of 821, "821 Pepper 2022."
June 2022:[]
2022.06.17: 821 is possibly the bear lying on the spit road in this 6/17/2022 Instagram post by Dylan (ddmitche). He can be viewed in image 3.
2022.06.30: 821 was first observed on the cams on 6/30/2022, video by JG. He is seen on the brooks falls low cam in multiple views.
July 2022:[]
821 appears on the list of Bears Monitored in July 2022.
2022.07.01: 821 checks out the lower river, 7/1/2022 video by JG.
2022.07.02: 821 can't believe he lost his fish, 7/2/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.07.03: 821 sits below the falls platform then heads out, 7/3/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.07.04: 821 performs his water dance to kick up salmon, 7/4/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.07.05: Truman Everts two 7/5/2022 photos of 821 shared in chat via radioquiet on 3/12/2023, #1 and #2.
Please request Truman Everts' permission prior to using his photographs!
821 fishes the lip, 7/5/2022 video by mckate.
2022.07.06: 821 enjoys his fresh catch, 7/6/2022 gif by LunaCre.
821 swats 717 gif created by Blair-55 (p 08:49).:
2022.07.07: 821 swims in the river, 7/7/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.07.10: 821 (sitting) and 912 on the lip, 7/10/2022 video by twelve22.
2022.07.11: 821 scavenges trapped salmon, 7/11/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.07.12: Siblings 821 and 831 have breakfast together, 7/12/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.07.13: 821 sits fishing the lip, 7/13/2022 video by twelve22.
2022.07.14: NWBearLove92 shared three 7/14/2022 photos of 821 on 8/1/2022, #1, #2 and #3.
Please request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using any of her photographs!
821 and 171 feast on leftovers together, 7/14/2022 video by JG.
2022.07.15: 610 and 821 courting or playing on the spit, 7/15/2022 gif by LunaCre. Boars often bite/pull sows by the back of the neck during mating sessions.
821 gets the 128 Grazer experience, 7/15/2022 video by JG.
2022.07.17: 821 and 610 mating on the spit, 7/17/2022 video by Jen Schneider.
821 & 610 cubbie making session on the spit Lower River cam Explore.org 7-17-2022-2
Video by Jen Schneider
821 hangs out in the riffles, 7/17/29022 video by twelve22.
2022.07.18: 821 tries the far lip, 7/18 2022 video by Cheryl B.
2022.07.20: 821 pushes 306 off the lip, 7/20/2022 video by mckate. "Good for her for trying to defend her spot! Unfortunately she's a little small for that, and 821 has no qualms about sending other bears over the lip. He did it at least three times last season."
2022.07.22: 361 fends off pesky 821, 7/22/2022 video by mckate. "That was kind of exhausting to watch, but she finally got 821 to settle for some play.
2022.07.23: 910 (nearest) and 821 both wave their paws, 7/23/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.07.24: 361 next to 821 goes over the falls, 7/24/2022 video by twelve22.
2022.07.26: 821 and 99 play, 7/26/2022 video by Jen Schneider.
2022.07.27: 99 breathes down 821's neck, 7/27/2022 video by mckate.
2022.07.29: 821 plays with a friend, 7/29/2022 video by twelve22.
2022.07.30: 821 gets into an argument with 717, 7/30/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.07.31: Lori Hocking's (aka Lovethebears1) 7/31/2022 photo of 99 with 821. Lori Hocking's (aka Love the bears1) 7/31/2022 photo of 99 (left) 821 (right) and 27 (middle). Lori Hocking's (aka Lovethebears1) four 7/31/2022 photos of 821 (left) with 356 (right), #1, #2, #3 and #4. Lori Hocking's (aka Lovethebears1) 7/31/2022 photo of 821.
Please request Lori's (aka Lovethebears) permission prior to using her photographs!
_with_821_(right)_July_31,_2022_photo_by_Lori_Hocking_(aka_Lovethebears1)_.02.jpeg "99 (left) with 821 (right) July 31, 2022 photo by Lori Hocking (aka Lovethebears1) .02.jpeg (201 KB)")
_821_(right)_and_27_(middle)_July_31,_2022_photo_by_Lori_Hocking_(aka_Lovethebears1)_.01.jpeg "99 (left) 821 (right) and 27 (middle) July 31, 2022 photo by Lori Hocking (aka Lovethebears1) .01.jpeg (190 KB)")
_with_356_(right)_July_31,_2022_photo_by_Lori_Hocking_(ka_Lovethebears1)_.01.jpeg "821 (left) with 356 (right) July 31, 2022 photo by Lori Hocking (ka Lovethebears1) .01.jpeg (108 KB)")
_with_356_(right)_July_31,_2022_photo_by_Lori_Hocking_(ka_Lovethebears1)_.02.jpeg "821 (left) with 356 (right) July 31, 2022 photo by Lori Hocking (ka Lovethebears1) .02.jpeg (101 KB)")
_with_356_(right)_July_31,_2022_photo_by_Lori_Hocking_(ka_Lovethebears1)_.03.jpeg "821 (left) with 356 (right) July 31, 2022 photo by Lori Hocking (ka Lovethebears1) .03.jpeg (141 KB)")
_with_356_(right)_July_31,_2022_photo_by_Lori_Hocking_(ka_Lovethebears1)_.04.jpeg "821 (left) with 356 (right) July 31, 2022 photo by Lori Hocking (ka Lovethebears1) .04.jpeg (132 KB)")
_.01.jpeg "821 July 31, 2022 photo by Lori Hocking (aka Lovethebears1) .01.jpeg (154 KB)")
August 2022:[]
2022.08.01: 821 fishes the lip, 8/1/2022 video by JG.
2022.08.02: 821 pushes 910 off the lip, 8/2/2022 video by Buddy's Mom.
2022.08.03: 909 and her yearling fish the lip next to 821, 8/3/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.08.04: 821 greets 907 in the riffles, 8/4/2022 video by mckate.
2022.08.05: 821, a professional arborist at work, 8/5/2022 video by markindify.
2022.08.07: 164 (front right) and 821 (back right) get into it, 8/7/2022 video by mckate. "821 had been fishing the sweet spot on the conveyor belt when 164 moved up and took his space. 821 caught a fish, and then decided to go fish in the office where he had no luck. In the meantime, 164 was doing well on the conveyor belt, so 821 decided he wanted that space back. He moved over by 164 and they did some trash talking which eventually erupted into 821 jumping 164 who refused to relinquish the spot."
2022.08.11: 821 gets Grazered, 8/11/2022 video by twelve22. "821 tried to do some of the pushing that he uses to get bears off the lip. Grazer wanted his fish and in the end no one got the fish. It looked like they all could have gone back to fishing on the lip together until 821 growled at one of Grazer's cubs. No growling at the giant cubs while Grazer is around! It also amused me seeing Divot climb up to see what was going on."
2022.08.12: 821 (nearest) and 903 get a nice close-up, 8/12/2022 video by twelve22.
2022.08.13: 821 takes a rest, 8/13/2022 video by JG.
2022.08.14: 21 fishes the conveyer, 8/14/2022 video by Jen Schneider.
2022.08.16: 821 and 230 wrestle again, 8/16/2022 video by mckate. "This match went on so long that Otis finally came over and told them to knock it off."
2022.08.18: 821 doesn’t move fast enough to suit 128 Grazer so she sends him down, 8/18/2022 video by Buddy's Mom.
BF. 821 doesn’t move fast enough to suit 128 so she sends him down. Explore.org 8-18-22-2
Video by Buddy's Mom
2022.08.19: 821 misses the first but catches the second, 8/19/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.08.21: 821 pounces about in the office, 8/21/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.08.22: 821 being cute, what else is new, 8/22/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.08.24: 821 up close and personal, 8/24/2022 video by Ratna Narayan.
2022.08.25: Hey, what are you doing? Can we play? 8/25/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.08.26: 821 loss a tasty bit but hold on to most of the fish, 8/26/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.08.29: 821 (left) and 903 (right) play wrestle, 8/29/2022 video by twelve22.
2022.08.30: Young boars invade the far pool, 8/30/2022 video by mckate. "230, 164, 903, and 821 or "Ben, Bucky, Gully, and Pepper." 821 (back right) has a play session with 903 (back left).
September 2022:[]
821 appears on the list of Bears Monitored in September 2022.
Note: The bear cams were offline 9/11-9/17/2022 (part of the day).
2022.09.??: 821 on the lip, September 2022 Instagram photo by angelica.cramer.
2022.09.??: 821 sitting on the lip doing his paw move, September 2022 Instagram photo by cramerclaus.
2022.09.01: NWBearLove92 shared a 9/1/2022 photo of 821 on 9/17/2022. "821 Pepper has become such a handsome big boar. 9/1/22."
Please request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using any of her photographs!
2022.09.05: NWBearLove92 shared a 9/5/2022 photo of 821 on 9/15/2022. "821 Pepper just looking adorable as usual. He is still such a playful fun bear to watch. 9/5/22."
Please request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using any of her photographs!
2022.09.08: 903, 821 and 820 at the falls, 9/8/2022 video by bubdoggy (aka Scott and Kara Jones). "821 Pepper comes off the lip, greets 903 who will take his spot on the lip, then meets 820 in front of the platform. 820 and 821 then have a long play session all the way down the river. This was on the morning of 9/8/22."
2022.09.10: Angerbodha's two 9/10/2022 photos of 821, #1 and #2. "821 Pepper with his patented paw move."
Please request angrboda's permission prior to using her photographs!
2022.09.11: Angerbodha's 9/11/2022 photo of 821.
Please request angrboda's permission prior to using her photographs!
2022.09.14: Olatz Azcona Munárriz shared a 9/14/2022 photo of 821 on 12/28/2022. "821 Pepper was fishing on the lip when I made to the falls platform, the late morning of my second day trip to Brooks River. It was the first time I saw him and I recognized him right away, since he was sitting and lifting his paw repeatedly." Olatz Azcona Munárriz shared a 9/14/2022 photo of 821 on 3/12/2023. "821 Pepper and his magic paw."
Please request Olatz Azcona Munárriz's (aka Olatz) permission prior to using their photographs!
Melissa Freels' two 9/14/2022 photos of 821, #1 and #2.
Please request Melissa Freel's permission prior to using her photographs!
Lisa Robertson shared a 9/14/2022 photo of 821 on 3/12/2023.
Please request Lisa Robertson's (aka Larinor) permission prior to using her photographs!
_.01.jpg "821 September 14, 2022 photo by Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) .01.jpg (754 KB)")
2022.09.15: Olatz Azcona Munárriz shared a 9/15/2022 photo of 821 and 99 on 12/30/2022. Olatz shared a 9/15/2022 photo of 821 on 2/15/2022. Olatz shared a 9/15/2022 photo of 821 on 2/24/2023.
Please request Olatz Azcona Munárriz's (aka Olatz) permission prior to using their photographs!
_and_99_(right)_September_15,_2022_photo_by_Olatz_Azcona_Mun%C3%A1rriz_.01.jpg "821 (left) and 99 (right) September 15, 2022 photo by Olatz Azcona Munárriz .01.jpg (5.28 MB)")
Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) shared a 9/15/2022 photo of 821 and 99 on 3/12/2023. "Because it's 821 Pepper day, and I missed 99 day on Wednesday, this photo is doing double duty. The two of them played for quite a while on the edge of the jacuzzi. 821 is on the left. September 15, 2022."
Please request Lisa Robertson's (aka Larinor) permission prior to using her photographs!
_and_99_(right)_September_15,_2022_photo_by_Lisa_Robertson_(aka_Larinor)_.01.jpg "821 (left) and 99 (right) September 15, 2022 photo by Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) .01.jpg (780 KB)")
2022.09.16: Melissa Freels' 9/16/2022 photo of 821.
Please request Melissa Freel's permission prior to using her photographs!
2022.09.17: Olatz Azcona Munárriz shared two 9/17/2022 photos of 821 on 12/25/2022, #1 and #2.
Please request Olatz Azcona Munárriz's (aka Olatz) permission prior to using their photographs!
2022.09.22: 99 tells 821 he his too close and sends him downstream, 9/22/2022 video by Ssunny.Y
-9-22-2022- 99 & 821 Pepper "99 says it's too close" (Brooks Falls Bears explore.org)
Video by Ssunny.Y
October 2022:[]
2022.10.01: 821 stands and rests below the falls platform, 10/1/2022 video by JG.
2022.10.02: 821's standing lip tai chi, 10/2/2022 video by mckate.
2022.10.03: After a fun play session with 99 821 took a nice long nap, 10/3/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.10.04: 907 (lighter) and 821 (darker), 10/4/2022 video by twelve22.
2022.10.05: 821 scavenged for spawned salmon, 10/5/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.10.06: 821 may not be a contender in Fat Bear Week, but he’s got a very round butt as a result of a summer’s hard work, 10/6/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.10.07: 821 gives the office a try, 10/7/2022 video by mckate.
2022.10.08: 99 (right) and 821 (left) play, 10/8/2022 video by twelve22.
2022.10.09: 821 used the fallen tree as his table, 10/9/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.10.10: 821 takes a rest, 10/10/2022 video by mckate.
2022.10.12: 821 checks out the office, 10/12/2022 video by twelve22.
2022.10.13: 821 had a snack by the oxbow, 10/13/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.10.14: 821 stands on the lower river, 10/14/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.10.15: 821 sits back and takes in the scene, 10/15/2022 video by JG.
2022.10.16: 821 tries the far pool then gets caught in the current, 10/16/2022 gifs by LeafyHyrax, #1 and #2.
2022.10.17: 821 (left) and 230 (right) on the lower river, 10/17/2022 video by twelve22. "But mostly 821. 230 was all over the place during the few hours the river watch camera was on today."
2022.10.18: 821 catches a nice silver salmon, 10/12/2022 video by mckate.
2022.10.20: 821 is torn between fishing and resting, 10/20/2022 video by mckate.
2022.10.21: 821 rests on a log, 10/21/2022 video by JG.
2022.10.22: 821 throughout the day at the far pool, lip, riffles and below the platform, 10/22/2022 video by JG.
2022.10.23: 821 chases off a bird, 10/23/2022 video by twelve22.
2022.10.24: 821 sits and rests on 89 Backpack's rock, 10/24/2022 video by JG.
2022.10.25: 821 makes his rounds at the falls, 10/25/2022 video by twelve22. This was the last day the the cams were online.
2023: 8.5 Year-Old Adult Male[]
June 2023:[]
2023.06.17 or Prior: 821 "Pepper" was possibly observed on June 17, 2023 or prior per Katmai Conservancy's June 17, 2023 11:00 AKDT Facebook post.:
821 "Pepper" has possibly been observed on June 17, 2023 per Katmai Conservancy's June 17, 2023 11:00 AKDT Facebook post.
2023.06.27: 821 Pepper made his first 2023 season live cam appearance. Cruiser created this video from the Brooks Falls Low cam view
and this video from the Riffles cam view.
821 "Pepper's" 2023 season live cam debut was captured by mckate in this video.
Birgitt captured this video of 821's first 2023 season live cam appearance from the Brooks Falls High cam.:
821 Checks Out the Falls 1st View 2023-06-27 14-53-51 (explore.org)
video by Birgitt
July 2023:[]
2023.07.11: 821 "Pepper" sniffs around the spit in mckate's video:
11 Jul 2023- 821 Sniffs About the Spit (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.07.13: 821 "Pepper" can't get comfortable on the lip in this video by mckate. The water was too high for sitting, but 821 couldn't properly do his leg rituals if standing. Plus there were no fish jumping.:
13 Jul 2023- 821 Can't Get Comfortable on Lip (explore.org)
video by mckate
821 "Pepper" fishing the lip with 910. 910's 2.5 year-old niece ("909 Jr"/"909F") gets most of 910's fish in this video by mckate:
13 Jul 2023- Niece Gets Most of 910's Fish (explore.org)
video by mckate
128 Grazer gives 821 "Pepper" a minor "grazering" in this video mckate captured:
13 Jul 2023- 128 Gives 821 Minor Grazering (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.07.14: 821 (left) tried to push 17 (middle) off the lip while 913 (right) tried to stay out of it in this photograph captured by Amy (NWBEARLOVE92) (p 09/03/2023 14:37).:
Please request Amy (NWBEARLOVE92)'s permission PRIOR to using their photographs!
821 makes clutch catch and gets yelled at by 83 Wayne Brother in mckate's video:
14 Jul 2023- 821 Makes Clutch Catch, Gets Yelled at by 83 (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.07.18: 821 "Pepper' gets his revenge on 28 "E" in this video by mckate:
18 Jul 2023- 821 Gets His Revenge on 28E (explore.org)
video by mckate
806 asks 821 "Pepper" for his spot in this video mckate captured:
18 Jul 2023- 806 Asks 821 for His Spot (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.07.20: 821 "Pepper' does some underwater scrapping in mckate's video. That scrap didn't sit too long before 821 came along and kicked it up.:
20 Jul 2023- 821 Does Some Underwater Scrapping (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.07.21: 821 tries to push 913 "Moomba" off the lip in this video captured by mckate:
21 Jul 2023- 821 Tries to Push 913 Off Lip (explore.org)
video by mckate
821 makes a fast exit in mckate's video. The cam view does not provide the identity of the bear that spooked 821.:
21 Jul 2023- 821 Makes a Fast Exit (explore.org)
video by mckate
821 pushes 17 into the jacuzzi where 747 is fishing video by mckate.:
21 Jul 2023- 821 Pushes 17 into the J (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.07.26: 821 "Pepper" takes a shortcut to reach 912 "Mufasa's" scraps in this video mckate captured:
26 Jul 2023- 821 Takes Shortcut to Reach 912's Scraps (explore.org)
video by mckate
27 and 88 growl at 821 in this video captured by mckate:
26 Jul 2023- 27 and 88 Growl at 821 (explore.org)
video by mckate
402 slips the lip, dives for fish, checks on yearling, smacks 821 Pepper in this video mckate captured:
26 Jul 2023- 402 Slips Lip, Dives for Fish, Checks Cub, Smacks 821 (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.07.27: 821 "Pepper" pushes 909 off the lip in this video captured by mckate:
27 Jul 2023- 821 Pushes 909 Off Lip (explore.org)
video by mckate
821 "Pepper' chases 910's adopted 2.5 year-old niece (aka "909F"/"909 Jr") for her fish and the 2.5 year-old slips the lip in this video captured by mckate. mckate shared this additional information about the video and all the pirating going on with that much desired fish.:
"Pepper really wanted that fish and it looked like 910 might have stopped him, but then he took after 909F. She panicked and got too close to the edge and slipped. It looked like she almost managed to hang on to her fish, but 912 grabbed it out of the water and then 151 stole it from him. 910 and her girl ran down to make sure 909F was okay. They came back and had a cuddle under the platform. Whew..."
27 Jul 2023- 821 Chases 909F for Fish, She Slips Lip (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.07.29: 402 suggests 821 "Pepper" take his shortcut in this video captured by mckate. 821 wanted to leave but was barred from taking the fish ladder, so had to use his new shortcut.:
29 Jul 2023- 402 Suggests 821 Take His Shortcut (explore.org)
video by mckate:
August 2023:[]
2023.08.01: 821 "Pepper" on the lip from the Riffles cam August 1, 2023 gif created by tzusruled (p 17:18). 821 "Pepper" using a log in the river as his head rest in this gif created by Blair-55 (p 08/02/23 04:42 rewind).:
2023.08.02: 821 "Pepper" resting his chin on his paw while fishing the lip gif created by LunaCre (p 13:43). 821 "Pepper" rolling around in the lower river gif created by twelve22 (p 16:24). Blair-55 created these gifs (#1, #2, #3, #4, #5 & #6) of 821 "Pepper" putting on a splashy show with a grand finale that you don't want to miss in the lower river (p 17:18).:
821 "Pepper" has a bath in the lower river in mckate's video:
2 Aug 2023- 821 Has a Bath (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.08.04: 821 "Pepper" shoves 909 off the lip of the falls gif created by Cruiser (p 08:33). 821 "Pepper" fishing the lip alone gif created by Gwynne (p 08:55).:
821 "Pepper" clears 903 "Gully" and 909 from the lip in this video captured by mckate:
4 Aug 2023- 821 Clears 903 and 909 from Lip (explore.org)
video by mckate
821 "Pepper" comes down from the lip to check out 27's catch in this August 4, 2023 video by mckate:
4 Aug 2023- 821 Comes Down to Check Out 27's Catch (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.08.05: "Mom 821 Pepper just hit me with a FISH!" gif created by Blair-55 (p 13:09) (910 far right, 910's cubs 909 Jr & 910 Jr left).:
910 and adopted 2.5 year-old cub (aka 909F/909 Jr) thwart an 821 "Pepper push" in this video mckate captured:
5 Aug 2023- 910 and 909F Thwart a Pepper Push (explore.org)
video by mckate
821 "Pepper" catches 910 without her bodyguard in this video mckate captured. 910's adopted 2.5 year-old niece"909 Jr"/"909F" was busy eating and couldn't help. 910 was rightfully ticked.:
5 Aug 2023- 821 Catches 910 Without Her Bodyguard (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.08.06: 821 "Pepper" and 27 exchange words in this video captured by mckate. mckate also shares this information in her video description: "They were apparently arguing over nonexistent scraps. You wouldn't know just looking at them that 27 is two years younger than 821. He's a large young boar.":
6 Aug 2023- 821 and 27 Have Words (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.08.08: 821 "Pepper' fishes the office in mckate's video. 821 likes to fish this spot from time to time.:
8 Aug 2023- 821 Fishes the Office (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.08.11: 821 "Pepper" is too full to finish his fish but not too full to go back to fishing in this video mckate captured:
11 Aug 2023- 821 Too Full to Finish (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.08.15: 821 "Pepper' is not overjoyed to share the lip with 164 "Bucky Dent" and mckate captured this video. 164 Bucky went up earlier and displaced 907 from that spot. Then he tried to displace 821 Pepper from his spot, but 821 refused to move. You can tell that 821 Pepper was annoyed and nervous maybe thinking 164 Bucky might try it again. :
15 Aug 2023- 821 Not Overjoyed to Be Sharing Lip with 164 (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.08.18: 909 loses the remainder of her fish to 821 Pepper in this video by mckate:
18 Aug 2023- 909 Loses Remainder of Her Fish to 821 (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.08.22: 164 "Bucky Dent" taunts 821 "Pepper" in mckate's video:
22 Aug 2023- 164 Taunts 821 (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.08.26: 821 successfully fishes the riffles in this video mckate captured:
26 Aug 2023- 821 Fishes the Riffles (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.08.27: 821 fishes the lower river at sunset in mckate's video:
27 Aug 2023- 821 Fishes at Sunset (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.08.28: 907 begs from 821 "Pepper" in this video by mckate:
28 Aug 2023- 907 Begs from 821 (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.08.30: 821 takes a break in an unusual way in this video mckate captured:
30 Aug 2023- 821 Takes a Break (explore.org)
video by mckate
821 "Pepper" repeatedly avoids 164 "Bucky Dent" in mckate's video:
30 Aug 2023- 821 Repeatedly Avoids 164 (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.08.31: 164 "Bucky Dent" chases 821 "Pepper" and pirates his fish in this video captured by mckate:
31 Aug 2023- 164 Chases 821 and Gets His Fish (explore.org)
video by mckate
September 2023:[]
2023.09.18: 821 "Pepper" sorts through island scraps in this video by mckate:
18 Sep 2023- 821 Sorts Through Island Scraps (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.09.19: 821 "Pepper" snorkels in the office in this video mckate captured:
19 Sep 2023- 821 Snorkels in the Office (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.09.23: 821 "Pepper" fishes the lower river enjoying a spawned out salmon in mckate's video:
23 Sep 2023- 821 Fishes the Lower River (explore.org)
video by mckate
821 "Pepper" wants 435 Holly's scraps but doesn't get them in this video mckate captured. Even old bears like 435 Holly can run.:
23 Sep 2023- 821 Wants 435's Scrap (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.09.26: Welcome to the special yoga class hosted by 821 "Pepper" (*substituting for his sister 831 "Salt" today). LunaCre created this gif series (#1, #2, #3 & #4) of "Pepper's" poses (p 13:51).:
821 "Pepper" spit yoga September 26, 2023 gif created by LunaCre (p 13:51 #1)
821 "Pepper" spit yoga September 26, 2023 gif created by LunaCre (p 13:51 #2)
821 "Pepper" spit yoga September 26, 2023 gif created by LunaCre (p 13:51 #3)
821 "Pepper" spit yoga September 26, 2023 gif created by LunaCre (p 13:51 #4)
mckate captured this video of 821 "Pepper" trying to make himself comfortable for his good long snooze on the spit:
26 Sep 2023- 821 Tries to Make Himself Comfy (explore.org)
video by mckate
October 2023:[]
2023.10.04: 821 "Pepper" rests on the riffles in this video captured by mckate. 821 seems to be fond of this tree.:
4 Oct 2023- 821 Rests on the Riffles (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.10.16: 821 "Pepper" eats a nice fish in mckate's video. There are still a few fresh ones about.:
16 Oct 2023- 821 Eats a Nice Fish (explore.org)
video by mckate
November 2023:[]
2023.11.06: 821 "Pepper" enjoys a snack in twelve22's video:
821 Enjoys a Snack - November 6, 2023 (explore.org)
video by twelve22
2024: 9.5 Year-Old Adult Male[]
For future use
Known Courting and Mating:[]
2021:[]
May 2021:[]
2021.05.22: 821 was observed by Ranger Naomi Boak and Kara Stenberg courting with 901 on Naknek Beach, 5/22/2021 photo by Ranger Naomi. Ranger Naomi confirmed the identifications in 5/23/2021 comments. "Okay. The ID's of the canoodling couple are: 821 & 901. Confirmed by the bear monitor after she saw my video. I never saw them mate, but they were definitely courting, teenage-style. Bear monitor and Kara confirmed. I love the fact that bears usually don't just mate, there is actual courtship. I also thought 901 would come back with cubs."
June 2021:[]
2021.06.30: 821 (6 years old) bites off more than he can chew, 6/30/2021 video by mckate. "Son if you're going to flirt with mature sows, you need to follow through! At least I think that's what 94 ( 18 years old) was telling him. Actually I have no what was going on here, but I do recall him flirting with 132 last season and it was equally awkward."
2022:[]
July 2022:[]
2022.07.15: 610 and 821 courting or playing on the spit, 7/15/2022 gif by LunaCre. Boars often bite/pull sows by the back of the neck during mating sessions.
2022.07.17: 821 and 610 mating on the spit, 7/17/2022 video by Jen Schneider.
821 & 610 cubbie making session on the spit Lower River cam Explore.org 7-17-2022-2
Video by Jen Schneider
2022.07.22: 361 fends off pesky 821, 7/22/2022 video by mckate. "That was kind of exhausting to watch, but she finally got 821 to settle for some play.
Known Relatives:[]
_July_13,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_and_821_(dark)_July_18,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_July_27,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_July_31,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_and_801_(right)_August_2,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre_.gif){kind=link}
_and_unknow_young_bear_(below)_August_3,_2021_gif_by_Luna_Cre..gif){kind=link}
_and_his_imposter_(far)_August_5,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_and_821_(far)_August_8,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_and_821_(right)_August_20,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_and_128_Grazer_(below)_8-22-2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_and_821_(right)_8-24-2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_with_a_friend_August_25,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_August_29,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_and_27_(right)_September_8,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_and_902_(right)_September_13,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_and_821_(R)_September_16,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_and_821_(right)_September_18,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_plays_with_a_friend,September_24,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre_.gif){kind=link}
_and_821_(darker)_September_30,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_and_831_(near)_October_7,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_October_10_,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_and_%22Bucky_Dent%22_(far)_October_12,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
Mother: 504, Speculated (per 2017 bear monitoring notes)
Father: Unknown
Littermate: 831 (Speculated)
Genetics Study Samples:[]
2016: None []
821 is believed to have been a yearling in 2016. Cubs were not being sampled as part of Ranger Michael Saxton's genetics study in 2016.
2017: None Known[]
There were no known darting attempt of 821 during the 2017 season by Ranger Michael Saxton for the genetics study.