856 September 2021 NPS photo
Adult Male ~ Most dominant bear from 2011 - 2016, 2018-2020
Year First Identified: 2006 as a young adult
Year Last Observed: 2023
Offspring Of: Not known
Genetics Study Samples Obtained: 856 was successfully sampled in 2006 by former wildlife biologist Tamara Olson who obtained a hair sample. Ranger Michael Saxton attempted to dart 856 in 2016, the attempt was unsuccessful. There was no darting attempt in 2017.
Identification:[]
2014 Bears of Brooks River book: 856 is a large adult. He has a uniform brown and grizzled coat. His ears are blonde and wide-set. His forehead is wide, furred, and has a noticeable shed pattern in July. His face and front legs may have numerous small scars. Like 747 "Colbert" and 814 Lurch, he is one of the largest bears that regularly uses the Brooks River.
2015 & 2016 Bears of Brooks River book: 856 is another very large bear. He has a uniformly brown and grizzled coat, his ears are blond and wide-set, and his forehead is wide and furred. He also has a noticeable dorsal stripe in July. His face and front legs may have numerous small scars.
Meet Bear 856 video by Mike Fitz, Resident Naturalist with Explore.org.: "Only the biggest and most assertive bears have the opportunity to ascend to the top of the bear hierarchy.
Eight-five-six is a very large adult male with a uniformly brown coat and light-brown ears. In early summer, he has a noticeable stripe of thin fur running from his head to his back and numerous scars and wounds are visible on his head and neck. Behaviorally, he is quite bold and assertive toward other bears."
Distinctive Behaviors:[]
2014 Bears of Brooks River book: Unlike most bears, 856 is often seen repeatedly licking his lips while he fishes the lip and walks around Brooks Falls.
2015 & 2016 Bears of Brooks River book: Like 814 Lurch, 856 is often seen repeatedly licking his lips while he fishes and walks around Brooks Falls. 856’s behavior and mere presence often has a cascading effects on the behavior of bears at Brooks River. Dominance over other bears confers many advantages. .
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Life History:[]
2006:[]
856 was initially classified as a young adult in 2006 and assigned his bear monitoring number. Since then, he has been one of the largest, and most dominant bears along the river. Most other bears, including 747 "Colbert" and 814 Lurch, typically yield space to him.
July 2006:[]
2007:[]
July 2007:[]
On July 20, 2018 Mike Fitz shared this photo of 856 (left) with 6 Headbob/Bullet (right) on the lip of Brooks Falls in July 2007:
August 2007:[]
2007.08.??: kcanada shared a video by maxventuri in chat on 1/30/2022. The video was published on August 22, 2007.
"A year or so ago I finally got around to asking Mike about this video from 2007. It shows 402s sister 403 Egberta and her cub Ugbert stealing a fish from a bear. I had long been struck by the resemblance of the bear to 503. One day it occurred to me that maybe it was Artie, 402s male cub from her first litter that was seen at the falls until 2010, and who in the sole adult photo I’ve seen of him looks very like 503 with a little of 811 tossed in with the Artie having a finer muzzle than 503.
Honestly Mike’s answer was wholly unexpected to me, though I guess it shouldn’t have been. Egberta was stealing the fish from 856." Here’s the video:
2007.08.03: Mike Fitz shared a 8/3/2007 photo of 856 in chat on 5/25/2021. "This is an NPS photo of 856 on August 3, 2007."
2008:[]
2008 Season:[]
2008.??.??: Alyeskaguides (Michael Funke) captured two 2008 photos of 856, #1 and #2.
September 2008:[]
2008.09.21: Ranger Roy Wood's photograph of 856. 856 (left) and 489 Ted playing in this photograph by Ranger Roy Wood. (Note: bear on right is 489 Ted not 747 as ID'd on flickr photograph, see Ranger Jeanne's photographs in this album where she mis-identified 856 as 814 Lurch. 489 Ted's scar is visible in some of the photographs)
2009:[]
June 2009:[]
July 2009:[]
2009.07.??: Brooks camp visitor hahatry captured this July, 2009 video that features 856 in the jacuzzi, 6 Headbob fishing the lip, 480 Otis (near on the left) and 16 Cinnamon (near on the right). Identification of these bears was made by Mike Fitz on 2/22/2021. Mike's comment: "Yes, that is 856 in the jacuzzi, 16 Cinnamon is waiting for 480 Otis's leftovers at center bottom. 6 Headbob is on the lip.
2010:[]
856 and 402 mated in 2010.
July 2010:[]
2010.07.??: Park visitor, Marcia Bernstein captured this video of 856 eating his fish in July 2010:
2010.07.??: 856 can be seen fishing in the jacuzzi in this July 2010 video by taichu99. 194 is the bear on the lip. 634 Popeye and 234 Evander are fishing below the falls (near to far from 856). Mike Fitz provided the identifications of the bears in his January 28, 2020 11:41 comment .:
There appears to be 3 blogs by the same park visitor that include photographs from their July 2010 visit to Brooks Camp: Day 1 Blog , Day 2 Blog & Day 3 Blog .
2010.07.??: Phil Schultz shared this July 2010 photo of a bear, possibly 856, on 6/19/2020. (See 2nd photo). Mike Fitz commented on the photo on 6/22/2020. "The bear in the second photo looks like it is probably 856. Not 100% sure on that one though, just 90%."
Please request PhilSchultz's permission prior to using his photographs!
2010.07.08: 856 mated with 402 on the evening of July 8, 2010. 402 also mated with 218 Ugly on the same evening. Brooks Camp's July 9, 2010 tweet .:
September 2010:[]
2011:[]
July 2011:[]
856 managed to separate 402 from one of her spring cubs; he later returned and killed it. (The video below does not show 856 killing the cub.)
Mike Fitz commented on July 20, 2018 at 10:55 and 11:30 about this incident:
It is unclear why adult males will sometimes kill cubs as the cub is not always eaten (also see 814 Lurch). In this instance 856 and 402 mated in 2010. Therefore, it is possible 856 killed his own offspring. More information about infanticide is available on page 10 of the 2018 Bears of Brooks River book: Cub Killer? Infanticide in Bears:
2011.07.05: Ranger Jeanne's 7/5/2011 photo of 856 walking above the falls.
2011.07.16: Ranger Jeanne's 7/16/2011 photo of 856 fishing in the hole.
2011.07.23: Ranger Jeanne's 7/23/2011 photo, 856 (top) dwarfs 409 Beadnose (middle) who is a large female.
2012:[]
856 was included in the 2012 Brown Bears of Brooks Camp iBook :
856 and 402 mated in 2012.
July 2012:[]
2012.07.06: 856 can be observed courting 744 Dent at 4:20 into this video by endoplasmic1357:
On April 11, 2017, Mike Fitz commented at 08:15 and identified the bears in the above video by endoplasmic1357.
September 2012:[]
2013:[]
Over the past several years, 856 has not yielded space or resources to any other bear at Brooks Falls. Even other very dominant males, like 747 "Colbert" and 814 Lurch, yield space to him.
June 2013:[]
856 was observed courting and mating with 450 . Explore.org created this highlight video of the courting and mating couple. On February 21, 2018, Mike Fitz provided cam viewers with the ID of 450 in the Explore highlight video.:
July 2013:[]
2013.07.??: July 2013 Flickr NPS video by Mike Fitz. 856 chases 814 Lurch away. 856 then displays his dominance by cowboy walking and rubbing on trees.
2013.07.27: Park visitor Eiji Takeshima capturd this close up video of 856 eating a fish near the island below the falls and then returning to the jacuzzi to fish some more.:
2014:[]
856 was included in the 2014 Bears of Brooks River book on page 28:
Over the past several years, 856 has mated with several adult females. In Katmai, most male bears do not have the opportunity to mate with females until they are in their early to mid teens—an age when they are large enough to compete other adult males for access to females. However, the hierarchy can change quickly, even within the same season. Therefore most bears, like 856, are adapted to take advantage of their position in the hierarchy.
2014 Season:[]
In early season 2014, 856 was observed appearing to attempt to court 402; but 402 still had a yearling cub in her care.
Tim Auer captured some great photographs and wrote a blog abuot his observations of 856 with 402.
June 2014:[]
Late June 2014 - Early July 2014:[]
2014.06.29 - 2014.07.05: 856 was observed courting 708 Amelia the week prior to July 12, 2014.:
An NPS photo by Ranger Michael Fitz appears in the July 15, 2014 Katmai Terrane blog: Being Dominant . Ranger Jeanne commented on July 12, 2014 that 856 was courting 708 Amelia last week (which would have been between June 29, 2014 and July 5, 2014).:
July 2014:[]
In July 2014, 856 spent considerable time courting females. Consequently, he was noticeably skinnier than 747 "Colbert" or 814 Lurch by the end of that month. 856 continued his soap opera-like relationship with 402. While she was still caring for a yearling cub (now identified as 503 Cubadult ) from her 2013 litter, 402 apparently went into estrus, abandoned the cub, and after an extended courtship period of 11 days she mated with 856.
2014.07.?? (2014.07.09 possibly): 856 separates 402 from her yearling (now known as 503 Cubadult) in this video by park visitors laddnshirl.
2014.07.??: 410 being courted by 856, July 2014 video by Joan Wallner.
2014.07.07: Laszlo Molnar captured 7/7/2014 video of 856 courting 708 at Brooks Falls. The pair can be seen from 5:20-6:17.
2014.07.11: 856 is still following 402 and the whereabouts of 402's remaining male yearling (503) is not known. Ranger Mike Fitz comments on 07/11/2014 at 12:28 about what has been observed of 402, her remaining male yearling (503), and 856 from 07/09/2014 - 07/11/2014:
Ranger Mike also shared this 07/11/2014 KNP&P blog: Surprises of the Bear World by Ranger Mike Fitz.
2014.07.12: NPS photo by Ranger Michael Fitz of 856 eating a fish from the July 15, 2014 Katmai Terrane blog: Being Dominant .
2014.07.13: Ranger Jeanne comments that she has no new information on 402's remaining yearling (503), but she has observed 402 twice this morning being pursued by 856. Ranger Jeanne said that 402 is ranging about half mile down river from the falls since she observed 856 pursuing 402 in the oxbow area. When asked if in her experience she would say that 402's remaining yearling was on his own to survivie, Ranger Jeanne replied that she has never seen a sow without one of her cubs for such a long period of time and then experienced them reuniting. Ranger Jeanne said she has also never observed a male bear pursue a female in the way that resembles courting while she still had a dependent cub. She said she observed 402 quite a bit this weekend, but never with her cub. She said it does not necessarily mean that the cub is definitely on its own, but Ranger Jeanne did not personally see them together.:
2014.07.14: 856 was observed mating with 708 Amelia. There was a video by Hermosa Paul on youTube, but youTube deleted it beacuse the words bear porn appeared in the title of the video. Mike Fitz did confirm the identification of the two bears in the video prior to it being deleted .
2014.07.15: Katmai Terrane Blog: Being Dominant by Ranger Mike Fitz
HermosaPaul captured video of 856 posted on 7/15/2014. 856 is seen catching a fish in the jacuzzi and taking it to the island to eat.
2014.07.17 - 2014.07.21: Park visitor, Tim Auer captured some incredible photographs of 856 and 402 during his trip to Brooks Camp. Tim wrote a blog: Katmai After Hours: The Story of 856 and 402 where he also shared some of the images he captured.
2014.07.21: After a courtship that lasted approximately 12 days, 856 mated with 402 near the falls.
September 2014:[]
2015:[]
856 was included in the 2015 Bears of Brooks River book on page 68:
Juergen and Martina created this video in March of 2015 of 856 (Juergen) singing to 128 Grazer:
2015 Season:[]
Volunteer in Park Anna-Marie AZ captured this video of 856 courting 410. 2015.??.??: Madeleine Rose captured video of 856 at Brooks Falls at multiple points in this 2015 video. 856 can be seen at 0:11, 0:26, 1:06 and 3:25.
2015.??.??: Brooks Camp visitor thebuc1010 recorded this 2015 video where 856 can be seen courting 410 at 2:08-3:13. 409 Beadnose is briefly seen from 3:14-3:30.
June 2015:[]
856 was observed courting 410 Four Ton in June 2015. Explore.org created this highlight video :
Explore also created this 2015 highlight video of 856 trying to stay awake while guarding a napping 410, but he ends up blowing bubbles in the river.
Sleepy Bear - Brooks Falls - Live Cam Highlight
856 trying to stay awake while guarding a napping 410, but he ends up blowing bubbles in the river. June 2015 by Explore.org
2015.06.26: Love and Rejection ~ Bear 856 in hot pursuit of Bear 410, 6/26/2015 video by 12gizmo16. 410 takes a nap in the middle of being courted and 856 chases 747 off in this video.
2015.06.30: Volunteer In Park Anna-Marie AZ captured these photos (#1 & #2) of 856 courting 410.:
Please request Anna-Marie's permission prior to using her photographs!
July 2015:[]
2015.07.??: Baby peas shared July, 2015 photos of 856 in chat on 2/21/2021, #1, #2, #3 and #4. "856: “I can go in and I can go out. I own this place!” July 2015. "Alternate views of 856 for wiki." Baby peas shared this July 2015 photo of 755 ScareD Bear (top) and 856 (bottom) on 3/10/2021. Please request Baby pea's permission prior to using her photographs!
2015.07.??: Park visitors, Ron & Linda Klein captured this photograph of 856 guarding a napping 410 on the North side of the Brooks River downriver of Brooks Falls (Goof_N posted 2020.01.19 09:35 ).
Please request Ron & Linda Klein's permission prior to using their photographs!
2015.07.??: 856 and 410 photo by Laura Lyn Photography.
2015.07.??: Volunteer in Park Anna-Marie AZ captured this video of 856 courting 410.
2015.07.??: "Bears of Brooks Falls-meet Four Ton, 410 and lover 856", July 2015 video by Helga Clephas. 856 is seen courting 410.
2015.07.01: 856 courting 410 Four-Ton video by Mso Belle
2015.07.02: 856 courting 410 near lower river gif by IslandDunesGal .
2015.07.04: Volunteer In Park Anna-Marie AZ captured this photo of 856 courting 410.: Please request Anna-Marie's permission prior to using her photographs!
2015.07.12: 856 and who(? 289 maybe) mating video by MsDebbiB:
Later the same day, Martina captured this video of 856 still courting the same female (? 289 maybe):
2015.07.18: Victoria White's 7/18/2015 video of 856 courting 410.
2015.07.24: 856 and 435 Holly interaction photographs by Mike Fitz posted February 10, 2017::
Please request Mike Fitz' permission prior to using his photographs!
435 Holly going after 856. Holly's nearby cubs are 503 (darker coat, adopted) and 719 (lighter coat, biological). 7/24/15 video by markindify (aka Martina).
2016:[]
856 was included in the 2016 Bears of Brooks River book on page 79:
2016 Season:[]
Cam viewer, Sunny captured these snapshots of 856 during the 2016 season (snapshot #1 , #2 , & #3 ).:
June 2016:[]
2016.06.14: 856 NPS photograph by Ranger Daniel Lombardi.:
After June 23, 2016: 856 was grazered by 128 Grazer during the 2016 season. Park visitor Kevin Lee captured this video during his 2016 trip to Brooks Camp. 856 being grazered by 128 Grazer can be seen from 10:28 - 11:18 into Kevin Lee's video:
Carol Gray Photography was there at the same time and captured multiple photos. Click the > to see the sequence of 11 photos. 856 looks at least twice if not three times as big as 128.
Park visitor Theresa Bielawski witnessed the 128 Grazer/856 altercation and shared a series of photos in chat on 4/17/2021. Theresa commented "One more group of pics promised on the book club meeting. Here is what "Being Grazered" looks like. It was pretty terrifying because it happened so fast and he just came unsuspectingly down the trail. He is so much larger than her and could have easily probably killed her or seriously injured her, at least. Afterwards she sat at the base of the tree her cubs were in still huffing & jaw-popping. It is pretty amazing to hear. She had a couple of puncture wounds on her face and a gash on her chest - 2 pics of little Peanut trying to make mom feel better a couple hours later when they took a nap right by the treehouse. This was July 2016." Theresa's photos of 128 Grazer and 856, #1,#2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10 and #11. Theresa's photo of 128 Grazer's chest wound and photo of 128 Grazer with spring cub 902. It is uncertain if the wound was a result of the altercation or happened previously.
Please request Theresa Bielawski's permission prior to using her photographs!
2016.06.24:
856 and 814 Lurch video by Ratna:
14:5x: 856 displaces 814 Lurch video by Mickey Williams:
2;5? pm June 24, 2016 856 chases 814 Lurch away from Falls Katmai National Park and Explore by Mickey Williams
2016.06.29: 856 and 435 Holly splash and dash down the riffles video by Arlene Beech:
July 2016:[]
Park Visitor and cam viewer, Scammin captured photographs of 856 during his July 2016 trip to Brooks Camp. Scammin shared this photo on March 3, 2019 at 08:46 and this photo at 08:48 .
2016.07.01: Brenda D captured video of 856 and 480 having a disagreement, 7/1/2016. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2016.07.06: "Everyone moves for 856", 7/6/2016 video by Brenda D. 480 Otis and possibly 700 Marge move as soon as 856 heads their way. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2016.07.08: 89 Backpack is following 289 when 856 arrives and 89 runs off, video by Brenda D, 7/8/2016. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2016.07.12: Brenda D captured 7/12/2016 video of 856 scaring 410 and then 747 running her off. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2016.07.13: 480 Otis is in the jacuzzi and distracted by 747 and a female disagreeing in the far pool. 856 carefully sneaks up behind 480 Otis and scares him, 7/13/2016 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2016.07.15: 856 waits on the bank to court 289 who is more interested in fishing, 7/15/2016 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2016.07.22: On June 9, 2019 GreenRiver created this video that incorporates 402 with her 2 yearlings (811 & 812), 719, and 856 from July 22, 2016. GreenRiver shared this information about her video.:
"I was bored this afternoon, so I made this quick little ditty, “ Suspense at Brooks Falls 2016”. I started watching the bear cams three years ago in 2016 so this will be my fourth season. This is one of the most memorable times from that first season. When 856 started after 402 and cubs and was sniffing them out by the observation deck at the falls, I was terrified, especially when he came right up to stare into the camera! I screamed and jumped a mile. The Camop said she did too. Can’t help but wonder about the people who were there that day. Yikes! 402 and the cubs went one way and 719 went the other. I never noticed it at the time but 812 seemed to know something was going on in the woods across the river because he was looking in that direction and he was right! I can’t wait to see what memorable times we will have this season. Nothing bad I hope."
This video by angerboda captures the July 22, 2016 close-up footage of 856 after 402 with her two yearlings (811 & 812) and 719 had departed the area as 856 approached.:
2016.07.14: Erie's video of 856 having a stroll on the Spit Road .....he was in a "smelling the flowers" mood, thank goodness. At the 1:50 mark a park visitor has no idea just how close he came to the areas most dominant boar. At 3:00 we see 719 and 503 together shortly after emancipation.:
2016.07.26: 856 needs a Snickers. 856 and 775 Lefty have words. Brenda D commented that "856 has been aggressive all night" in this 7/26/2016 video. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
September 2016:[]
2016.09.07: In Brenda D's 9/7/2016 video, 747 is back left, 480 Otis is back right and 856 is by the fallen log (the hole). Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2016.09.14: 856 and 747 disagree, 480 Otis plays it cool video by Lyn Gulbransen.:
2016.09.15: 856 video by Ratna:
Unbelievable! 747 goes after Mystery bear at the falls then displaced 856 from the J Sept 15, 2016 by Ratna
747 and 856 have words in the jacuzzi video by Brenda D: (turn on your sound for this one) Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2016.09.17: 856 charges a bear up the hill, 9/17/2016 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2016.09.18: 856 video by Ratna:
2016.09.19: 856 in the jacuzzi, 9/19/2016 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
October 2016:[]
2016.10.02: 856 Late Night at the Falls, Late Night at the Falls video by Brenda D 10/2/2016. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017:[]
856 was included in the 2017 Bears of Brooks River book on page 81:
2017 Season:[]
Xander-Sage captured this snapshot of 856 during the 2017 season. Sunny captured these snapshots of 856 during the 2017 season (#1 & #2 ).:
856 along the banks of the Brooks River in 2017 NPS photo :
GreenRiver created this 2017 slide show video documenting A Fallen King of Katmai :
"856, Brown Bear of Katmai National Park, Alaska. A powerful bear. The reigning dominant bear for quite a few years. One of the scariest bears on the river, if not THE scariest, in my opinion.
In 2017, the ordered world of Brooks River’s “bear town” was turned upside down when he showed up on camera at Brooks Falls, injured and limping. He could no longer hold his top position in the bear hierarchy. Until 747, second in the hierarchy, showed up extremely late and asserted his position as “king”, a bit of chaos ensued. 32 Chunk took over as the dominant bear but was, in my opinion, too “nice” to hold it. Popeye, also wounded and limping, was unable to establish dominance. On a number of days, the sows took over the falls, and it was overrun by cubs and subadults.
In the spring of 2018, bear cam watchers held their breath as they waited to see what would happen that season. The Katmai rangers indicated that, once having fallen from the top, it was very unlikely a bear would ever be able to regain his position as the dominant bear.
But, once again, our Brooks River bears broke the “rules”. 856 came back with a vengeance. He physically challenged the huge 747 and won, thus reestablishing his dominant position. Throughout the 2018 season he continually proved his top place in the bear hierarchy, even once to an unfortunate extreme.
856 was again the reigning dominant bear. Will he hold onto that position in 2019? The brown bear cams will tell the tale.
Here is a slide show video I made in 2017 when he fell from the top.
Music "Nexus Code" by Steve Everitt (Magisto license)."
July 2017:[]
2017.07.04: 856 video by babsgrabs that shows 856's limp.:
2017.07.05: Harry Purcell captured this photograph of 856 (right) with 32 Chunk (left).
2017.07.08: 856 in early 2017 when he appeared to be somewhat disabled: This is a long video, but you can click on a few spots on the timeline to get an idea of how 856 was moving. At 24:30, 856 is near the island and then goes upstream to a spot below the far pool/fallen tree. He eventually goes to the far pool and office area, and then downstream before exiting up the far bank. Most of the footage from near 18:40 and later is of 856. 7/8/2017 (Explore Recorder video ) (24:30 start)
Shel also shared these snapshots (#1 , =#2 & #3 ) of 856 on July 8, 2017 (p 03/14/2020 10:30 ).:
Brenda D's 7/8/2017 video of 856 from the island to the office to the hill. KCanada commented on 2/21/2021, "BrendaD’s recording of an unwell/injured 856 on July 8, 2017 where you can see at the beginning and end of the video how much trouble he was having in moving around." Note: Video unavailable as of 2021.
2017.07.13: 32 Chunk intimidates 68 (not 856) video by Melissa Freels: Note: 68 was mis-identifed as 856 early in the 2017 season. Correction by Mazey, 2/12/2020.
32 Chunk displaces 68 (not 856) from the office video by Brenda D.: Note: 68 was mis-identified as 856 early in the 2017 season. Correction by Mazey, 2/12/2010. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017.07.17: 856 displaces 480 Otis video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
32 greets 402 and 856 video by Flyer 7474 (aka SteveCA):
2017.07.19: 856 is submissive as 32 Chunk approaches him on 7/19/2017. Note: 856 was speculated to be injured or ill in 2017 as he was not his dominant self as the #1 boar. As 856 backs away he is bluff charged at 00:33 by an unknown sow and her 3 yearlings (now known to be female #39), video by st mango.
2017.07.20: Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor ElaineDE captured photos of 856 on 7/20/2017 and posted them in chat on 3/8/2020, #1, #2, #3 and #4.
Please request ElaineDE's permission prior to using her photographs!
Phillydude's description of a 7/20/2017 Brenda D video: "an injured looking 856 gingerly makes his way across the top of the Falls and joins Lefty on the Lip, 856 was obviously not in any shape to get into a confrontation, but showed how much respect he has as a dominant Boar as Lefty felt awkward about the situation and walked off anyway." Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017.07.21: 32 Chunk pushes 856 around, 402 looks on video by angerboda.:
775 Lefty is on the lip and 856 is in the jacuzzi when 32 Chunk arrives at 1:27 and they both yield their fishing spots to him, 7/21/2017 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
Park visitor and cam viewer, ElaineInDE, captured photos of 856 during her trip to Brooks Camp: Photo #1 and Photo #2 .
Please request ElaineDE's permission prior to using her photos!
2017.07.23: Park visitor and cam viewer, JstDucky, captured photo #1 of 856 during her trip to Brooks Camp. Scammin (JstDucky's husband) captured additional photos of 856 from 7/23/2017 and posted them in chat on 3/8/2020, photos #2 and #3.
Please request jstducky's or Scammin's permission prior to using any of their photos!
September 2017:[]
2017.09.13: 32 Chunk, 480 Otis, and 856 video by Ratna:
2017.09.15-09.16: Lee (aka RiverPA) captured photos of 856 on 9/15/2016-9/16/2017. Lee posted them in chat on 3/8/2020, #1, #2 and #3.
Please request Lee's (aka RiverPA ) permission prior to using her photographs!
2017.09.16: Brenda D's 9/16/2017 video of 856 taking the long way to the office. Kcanada commented "By September 16, 2017, 856 was hardly fully recovered from his early season problems. He was still moving slowly and not showing his usual personality, but he looked on the road to recovery, having gained a lot of weight." Note: Video unavailable as of 2021.
2017.09.23: 856 video by Ratna:
2017.09.28: Goldilocks captured these snapshots of 856 in a place that we never see him. Below the island, eating other's scraps.....building his strength and resolve for his triumphant return to the top in 2018. (Snapshot #1 , #2 , #3 , #4 , #5 & #6 ):
October 2017:[]
Bookmom captured these snapshots of 856 in October 2017 (snapshot #1 & #2 ):
2017.10.16: Shel posted 10/16/2017 photos and an Explore Recorder video (32:25-44:14) of 856 in chat on 3/8/2020. Photos #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 and #6. Shel: "When 856 was first seen on cam in 2017, he was fairly thin, seemed somewhat disabled, and acted subordinate to many bears he had appeared to dominate in previous years. Later in the season, he had gained a lot of weight and looked and acted much more fit."
2017.10.21: 856 is in the "J". He runs to the top of the falls when he sees 32/Chunk coming. 32 follows him to the top of the falls and they have a brief discussion in this video by Cindy Tucker .
2017.10.24: 856 arrives and frightens 708 Amelia video by Melissa Freels.:
2017.10.27:
856 in the office video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
856 wanders the falls video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2018:[]
856 was included in the Adult Males section of the 2018 Bears of Brooks River book on page 84. NPS photos of 856 (year taken unknown) also appear on page 21, Bear Monitoring At Brooks River, and page 64, Chapter 6: Adult Males. 856 is mentioned 33 times in the 2018 edition of the Bears of Brooks River book.:
2018 Season:[]
Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) created this video of snapshots of 856 captured during the 2018 season:
Cam viewer, Kam created this artwork of 856 from the 2018 season:
Cam viewer, JG captured these snapshots of 856 during the 2018 season. (Snapshot #1 , #2 , #3 , #4 , #5 , #6 , #7 , #8 , #9 , #10 , #11 , & #12 ):
June 2018:[]
2018.06.06 & FEW DAYS PRIOR:
856 was observed courting 409 Beadnose June 6, 2018 and the few days prior per Mike Fitz' June 6, 2018 Explore.org blog: Brooks River Bear Mating Season :
"Over the past few days at Brooks River, one of the area’s most dominant bears, 856, has been incessantly following the adult female 409 Beadnose. 409, many bearcam viewers may remember, raised two yearling cubs last summer, and she was seen with them earlier this spring. Now however, we know she has emancipated her cubs and is once again single. 856, perhaps more than anyone, knows this as well, and his proximity to Beadnose reveals his amorous intentions."
2018.06.16 Morning: 856 was observed courting 409 Beadnose on the morning of June 16, 2018 per Ranger Russ' June 16, 2018 10:35 comment : "Good morning from Alaska. I'll be here the next half hour should you have any questions. Yes, we do expect to have the bearcams to be running and the Bear Book out by next week.
There were no bear sightings yesterday. This morning 856 was seen pursuing 409. I was not able to make a photograph, but it was confirmed by several people that they were the bears seen."
2018.06.21: 856 was observed on the Explore Falls Low View bearcam:
Xander-Sage created this gif and this gif .
Flyer 7474 (aka SteveCA) captured this video :
Casper Trout captured this video :
Cruiser captured this video :
Cruiser captured this GIF.
Cruiser captured these snapshots :
Ratna captured this video :
Bookmom captured these 6/21/2018 snapshots of 856, #1, #2, #3, #4.
2018.06.26: Martina captured these snapshots of 856:
Flyer 7474 (aka SteveCA) captured this video of 856 and 747's confrontation:
2018.06.27: Brooks Camp visitor Rockatte was at Brooks Falls on 6/27/2018 and filmed a number of interactions between the most dominant boar 856 and 747 who at the time was considered the 2nd most dominant.
Video #1: 856 spots 747 at the falls. He shows his dominance over 747 by cowboy walking on the island and marking a tree. 747 sits and watches, video by Rockatte.
Video #2: 747 leaves and heads up behind the falls platform, 856 quickly follows, video by Rockatte.
Video #3: 856 and 747 have a standoff by the falls platform exit gate. 747 is very submissive, sitting and watching 856's actions. Eventually 856 marks a tree and returns to the falls, video by Rockatte.
2018.06.27-06.29: Lee (aka RiverPA) captured photos of 856 during her 6/27-6/29/2018 trip to Brooks Camp, #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5. The photos were shared in chat on 3/8/2020.
Please request Lee's (aka RiverPA ) permission prior to using her photographs!
_.01.jpg "856 June 27, 2018 photo by Lee (aka RiverPA) .01.jpg (328 KB)")
_.02.jpg "856 June 27, 2018 photo by Lee (aka RiverPA) .02.jpg (402 KB)")
_.01.jpg "856 June 28, 2018 photo by Lee (aka RiverPA) .01.jpg (536 KB)")
_.01.jpg "856 June 29, 2018 photo by Lee (aka RiverPA) .01.jpg (531 KB)")
_.02.jpg "856 June 28, 2018 photo by Lee (aka RiverPA) .02.jpg (596 KB)")
2018.06.28: 856 vs 755 Scare D Bear slow motion video by Ratna:
Arlene Beech (aka Homebird) captured this video of the interaction between 755 Scare D. Bear and 856.:
Xander-Sage created this gif of the interaction between 856 and 747.:
Brenda D captured this video of the interaction between 856 and 747. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
The second interaction between 747 and 856 on June 28, 2018 is captured in this video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2018.06.29: 856 NPS photo from KNP&P's October 6, 2018 06:00 Facebook post for the 2018 Fat Bear Week Contest:
856 on June 29, 2018, NPS photo by A Garduno:
2018.06.30: Bear 856: On Top Again blog by Mike FItz , Explore.org.:
This past week, one bear appeared determined to regain his rank at the top of Brooks River’s bear hierarchy. 856 appears to be big enough and healthy enough to show the river’s other adult male bears he’s ready to compete.
Bear 856 is one of Brooks River’s largest bears, and from 2011–2016 he was its most dominant. Last summer, however, he was unable to maintain that position, possibly due to a leg injury. As I wrote previously, the hierarchy at Brooks Falls was fated to shuffle. Each interaction between bears can help us understand the organization of the hierarchy a little further. Several interactions between 856 and other bears provide evidence that he may be, once again, subordinate to no other bear.
In the video above, bear 747 sits in the plunge pool below Brooks Falls, a spot nicknamed the jacuzzi. You can see him turn and begin to move out of the jacuzzi as another bear approaches. The other bear is 856. 747 is very large, perhaps larger than 856, but although size does matter in the bear world, disposition also plays a big role. 856 is consistently more assertive than 747. 856’s directed approach toward him is an obvious challenge: get out of my way or else!
747 doesn’t seem willing to challenge 856 in a physical fight. Under these circumstances, if 747 turned away then he would expose rear flank to attack. Possibly for this reason he stands his ground and only begins to leave after 856 appears to be preoccupied with a salmon.
856, in his hyper-dominant way, doesn’t let 747 leave without more conflict. Just before the clip ends, 856 chases 747 into the vegetation behind the wildlife-viewing platform at the falls. Several people on the platform witnessed the rest of the confrontation. They reported that 856 and 747 continued to posture silently, and 747 continued to remain submissive to 856.
856 has also confronted and challenged other large males, like 755.
Dominant bears have many suvival advantages over subordinate bears. Dominance may not provide access to more fish when salmon are extremely abundant, but dominance and a high rank would certainly provide access to the most productive fishing spots when salmon aren’t as plentiful. When salmon are migrating at Brooks Falls, for example, some fish are almost always found in the jacuzzi, 856’s most preferred fishing spot. Salmon aren’t as consistently accessible in other locations like the lip or the far pool. At least one study, however, has found dominant bears don't necessarily catch more fish than bears lower in the hierarchy. This indicates that bears utilize a variety of strategies to survive.
Dominance is just one route to success. Bears like 856 take advantage of their size and strength to make their living, displacing other bears from productive fishing areas and potential mates. As 856 continues to challenge other bears over the next few weeks, more bears will take the hint and leave him alone or simply avoid him altogether.
Soon, we may be watching the bearcam when the bears at the falls quit what they’re doing. We might see them stand and begin to move away from their favorite fishing spot. Then we might observe 856 waltz toward Brooks Falls. By avoiding his approach, the other bears demonstrate a level of respect for an assertive survivalist, one uses size and aggression to get him what he wants."
July 2018:[]
Park visitor, Mike Weagley, captured this July 2018 video of 603. 128 Grazer, 409 Beadnose (with fish), and 775 Lefty on the lip near to far at the beginning of this video. 409 takes her fish closer to the fish ladder to consume her fish. The video then switches to 603 (believed by some to possibly be 68 in the early season) and 856 (left to right) at the 0:36 mark The video then goes back to the bears on the lip and then back again to 603 and 856. The sweeping briefly to 755 Scare D Bear on the North side of the river.:
Mike Weagley also captured this July 2018 video of 603 (believed by some to possibly be early season 68) seen begging from 409 Beadnose while 128 Grazer and 775 Lefty fish the lip. When 603 turns away 856 is seen to the right.:
2018.07.01:
Approximately 12:11: 856 vs 747 Altercation:
GABear created these gifs: Gif #1 & Gif #2 Xander-Sage created this gif . Shel captured these snapshots : #1 , #2 , #3 , #4 , #5 & #6 .:
The Explore Recorder video that captures the altercation between 856 and 747. When the altercation begins, 856 is the bear on the left at 39:50 into this video :.The interaction between 856 and 747 starts prior to that.
856 attacks 747 slow motion video by tsaneda (aka Shovelbum81). "After a fair amount of time cowboy walking and other dominance displays, 856 attacks 747 at Brooks Falls at approximately noon AKDT":
Martina captured this real-time video:
Wacker42 captured this video :
Truman Everts captured this photo of the 7/1/2018 fight between 856 and 747. It is truly a piece of art!
Please request Truman Evert's permission prior to using his photographs!
2018.07.03:
On July 3, 2018 Mike Fitz, Explore.org's Bearcam Fellow, and Ranger Andrew LaValle were doing a play-by-play from the Brooks Falls wildlife viewing platform. At the 36:09 mark into the play-by-play 856 can be seen giving chase to 634 Popeye from the river below the falls, onto the bank in front of the viewing platform and then down towards the riffles. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
That chase took 856 and 634 Popeye down near the Riffles wildlife viewing platform where they encountered 132 and her two spring cubs.
(Note: 856 is seen returning up river closer to the falls at the 58:59 mark into the above play-by-play, 634 Popeye had returned earlier.)
We later learned that 856 killed one of 132's spring cubs near the Riffles wildlife viewing platform.
"Hi everyone, last night near the Riffles we had a dramatic reminder that life as a bear can be difficult, dangerous, and short.
Bear 856 came upon what is thought to be bear 132 and her two spring cubs. Bear 856 attacked and killed one of the cubs. After an altercation with 856, bear 132 then left the scene wounded. Her remaining cub was abandoned in a tree above the carcass of its deceased sibling . It could be heard vocalizing and crying out to its separated mother.
The abandoned cub was later seen coming down from the tree, still vocalizing, and wandering around by itself. The whereabouts of both it and its mother are not known at this time.
Though it can be tough to witness, infanticide is a natural part of the bear world. Both genders may kill cubs, it is most often committed by male bears.
Mike Fitz and I will be doing a live chat later today on this topic at 9am Alaska time, 10am pacific. -Ranger Andrew"
2018.07.05: NWBearLove92 shared this 7/5/2018 photo of 856 on 5/28/2020. "856 at the falls. I was trying not to make eye contact and hoping that he was looking at someone else on the platform. He looked very intimidating. 7/5/18."
2018.07.06: Death of Bear Cub at Brooks Falls , Explore blog by Mike FItz:
"As the smallest and most vulnerable of all bears, first year cubs (also called spring cubs or cubs-of-the-year) face significant risks and challenges, not the least of which are larger bears. On July 3, Katmai National Park ranger Andrew LaValle and I were hosting a live broadcast from Brooks Falls . About 40 minutes into the broadcast, we watched Brooks River’s most dominant bear, 856, chase another large male bear, 634 Popeye, downstream and out of our line of sight. Just a few minutes later and off camera, 856 encountered a mother bear and two spring cubs. He then attacked one of the cubs and killed it. The death is a powerful illustration of risk and danger in the bears’ world.
So focused on the waterfall in front of us, neither Andrew nor I saw or heard anything that even hinted at the event unfolding less than a hundred yards away, but a group of park visitors and employees witnessed the attack at the riffles platform, an elevated wildlife-viewing platform downstream of the falls. They saw 856 encounter 132 after he broke off his chase with 634 Popeye. 856 then saw the cub and attacked. 132 tried to defend her cubs but was overpowered by the much larger 856, who quickly returned to the injured cub and killed it. 132’s other cub escaped up a spruce tree, where it remained for about two hours .
856’s motivation in this instance isn’t entirely clear. He didn’t eat it, so hunger might not have played a strong role. Some biologists hypothesize that mate recognition influences the frequency of infanticide in certain species. Male bears may recognize former mates and kill cubs from unfamiliar females to reduce future competition for themselves and their kin. They may also be motivated to sire more offspring. Killing all cubs from a litter can cause a female bear to enter estrus and potentially be available to mate again. Importantly, the instinct to attack vulnerable animals, even if it leads to infanticide, might simply be a trait of many bears. In 2013, the bearcams captured footage of 402 defending her cubs from 813, an adult female, after 813 began to pursue one of 402’s cubs as it fell over Brooks Falls.
For the mother, the cub’s death represents a significant loss. She’s devoted considerable time and energy into caring for it, and 132 risked severe injury, even death, when she tried to defend her cub from 856. Mother bears seem to recognize the risk posed by other bears, which could be the main reason why many females avoid bringing their spring cubs near the falls. However, the possible reward of abundant salmon can be a powerful motivator for a mother who’s trying to meet the nutritional demands of her cubs and satisfy her own insatiable hunger.
Under the circumstances, the infanticide seemed to be a product of chance. Bears appear conditioned to attack vulnerable prey, even if it doesn’t necessarily lead to a meal. 856, perhaps perceiving the cub’s vulnerability, took advantage of a situation where the cub couldn’t defend itself or flee. Bears also show no empathy for their prey. It’s easy to see salmon suffering under the claws and teeth of hungry bears, such as when bears tear the skin off of living salmon. These events certainly aren’t committed under malice or cruelty, as bears live outside our morals, ethics, and the other values that help define our sense of right and wrong.
When I left Brooks Falls at 10 p.m. on July 3, 132’s remaining spring cub had just climbed out of its sanctuary in the spruce tree. It continued to bawl as it walked farther into the forest. As I departed, I caught a glimpse of 132 sniffing at the same tree where the cub found temporary safety. She then walked in the direction the cub had taken shortly before. Now, we know that 132 was reunited with her remaining cub .
Brown bears live in a fierce and competitive world, and spring cubs are the most vulnerable of all bears. Through luck, skill, and the guidance of their mothers, cubs can grow into healthy independent bears. It’s a risky and challenging world though, one in which cubs, their mothers, and the river’s most dominant bears all compete to survive within.
NWBearLove92 shared this 7/6/2018 photo of 856 on 5/4/2020.
Please request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using any of their photographs!
2018.07.10: 856 fishing the lip of Brooks Falls video by Ratna:
2018.07.11 19:45: 856 and 32 Chunk displaying dominance while Ranger Andrew and Ranger Mike were doing a play-by-play video by Lani:
During a 7/11/2018 Play by Play with Mike Fitz and Ranger Andrew LaValle, 900 is seen entering the top of the falls from the far side at 8:23. 856 is in the far pool below. At 8:48, 856 goes after 900 for no reason. 900 was unidentified at the time, video by Brenda D.
2018.07.19: 856 boots 32 Chunk from the falls video by mckate.:
2018.07.22: Video by Lani H of 856 being displaced from the jacuzzi by an unidentified boar (68 maybe?):
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.:
"Not often seen in 2018 -- 856 being displaced from the J: 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* subsequently displaces 856 from the J. (7/23/18)
Note: March 3, 2019 comment by Shel : re: possibly 68* in this video with 856 and 747 "Some of us think the bear initially by the island in this video is 68. I suspect this bear was ID'ed by the bear monitor as 603 during the July monitoring session. 68 was not officially ID'ed by the bear monitor in July 2018 (but 603 was). 68 was officially ID'ed by the bear monitor in the 2018 fall session (but 603 wasn't).
Bears officially ID'ed by the bear monitor in 2018 from Katmai Ranger's comment link "
2018.07.26: Flyer 7474 captured video of a confrontation between 856 and 747 on 7/26/2018. 856 moves 747 out of the jacuzzi (watch 856 jaw popping). Not content to fish the jacuzzi and eat his fish, 856 chases 747 when he tries to leave.
Cruiser captured a photo and added special effects from the same incident.
_and_856_(right)_July_26,_2018_snapshot_by_Cruiser.jpg "747 (left) and 856 (right) July 26, 2018 snapshot by Cruiser.jpg (336 KB)")
September 2018:[]
Scooch captured this snapshot of 856 in September 2018 and added a Lou Holtz quote to go along with it when she shared her snapshot on 2019 856 bear-a-day day.:
"856 ~
Ability is what you're capable of doing.
Motivation determines what you do.
Attitude determines how well you do it."
2018.09.10: 856 returns to the falls video by mckate.:
747 (largest bear sitting in the far pool), 480 Otis (licking the rock in the far pool), 856 (is the bear that catches the fish), and 634 Popeye (in the office) video by Birgitt:
503 Cubadult and 812 smelling 856? video by mckate.:
2018.09.12: 856's approach displaces 480 Otis and another bear in this video by mckate.:
2018.09.13: 480 Otis, 151 Walker, 32 Chunk and 856 exchange video by mckate. 151 Walker begs from 480 Otis and gets jumped. 32 Chunk intervenes (and checks for leftovers) and 856 chases Chunk because only the top bear intervenes. :
2018.09.14: 856 and 503 Cubadult video by Martina:
2018.09.14 - 2018.09.17: Park visitor and cam viewer, Ratna Narayan captured this photograph of 856 during her trip to Brooks Camp. Ratna also captured this photograph of 747 (above the falls, left) with 856 (below the falls, right).: Ratna also captured these photographs (#1 , #2 & #3) of 747 (above the falls, left) with 856 (below the falls, right). Ratna shared this photo of 856. Ratna shared this photograph of 856 (p 02/29/2020 18:08 ). Ratna also shared these photographs (#1 , #2 & #3 ) of 856 (p 03/01/2020 16:04 ).:
Please request Ratna Narayan's permission prior to using her photographs!
Ratna also captured this photograph of 856 during her trip to Brooks Camp. Scooch composed this to go along with Ratna's photo on 856 day held March 3, 2019.: Please request Ratna Narayan's permission prior to using her photographs!
"Today we celebrate 856 ~
You better stay away from him
He'll rip your lungs out, Jim!
"I never give up.
I never give down.
I don't give side to side,
And I won't give around.
I never give up.
I never relent.
There's only one thing I give,
And that is 100 percent."
2018.09.15: Ratna Narayan captured these photographs (#1 & #2 ) of 856 (far) with 747 (near) on September 15, 2018 (p 01/22/2020 08:28 ). Ratna also captured these photographs (#1 , #2 & #3 ) of 856 (right) with 747 (left) (p 01/22/2020 08:27 ).:
Please request Ratna Narayan's permission prior to using her photographs!
2018.09.18: Anna-Marie created this video of 856's interaction with 32 Chunk:
Martina captured these snapshots of 856 and 32 Chunk:
2018.09.21: 747, 856 and 480 Otis have words in the far pool video by Birgitt:
856 harasses 747 for good measure video by mckate.:
2018.09.24: 856 video by mckate:
2018.09.25: Alaska's badass bears: A battle to reclaim the river's throne by Mark Kaufman , Mashable.
2018.09.27: 32 Chunk finds himself between 856 and 747 video by Lani H.:
747 negotiates log and 856 video by mckate.;
2018.09.28: 856 NPS photo by Ranger Russ Taylor.:
October 2018:[]
2018.10.08:
Birgitt captured these snapshots (#1 & #2 ) of 856. Mike Fitz and Birgitt discussed 856 on Fat Tuesday, March 5, 2019 (snips of comments below).:
Mike Fitz : "856 goes to show that you don't have to spend all your time eating to get fat. At the falls at least, he spends considerable more time displacing other bears and competing for access to females than most other males. Yet, he still gets very fat. Of course, you can't get that big without being good at fishing."
Birgitt: "He was taking a break to chase 83 there. Do you have any sense of why he moved out of the J and to the far pool last year?"
Mike Fitz : "I don't know. He may have had a good reason, but I also suspect bears do things sometimes just because they want to, not because it gives them any sort of selective advantage. With that being said, fish may have been so plentiful last year that he didn't need as much access to the jacuzzi compared to other years. When there are fewer fish available, the j is one of the most consistently good fishing spots at the falls. When fish are super abundant though, it's not necessarily any more productive than several other places, including the far pool."
Birgitt: "I was thinking something similar about the abundance of salmon, because neither 856 nor 747 spent much time in the J last summer. In fact, most of the big boars lined themselves up on the far side of the river. I started thinking of it as Boar Alley back there. Which, of course, gave 503 a lot of time in the J and gave the youngsters 812, 903 and 719 a chance to explore fishing in the J.
But you're right. We should start thinking in terms of them doing things because they want to."
Another Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum moment for 856 (credit to Goldi for the scary giant reference) as he chases 83 Wayne Brother then puts his nostrils to work. Video by mckate :
Shel also shared snapshots (#1, #2 and #3 ) and an Explore Recorder video (31:10-33:00) of 856 after he chased 83 Wayne Brother, 3/8/2020.
2018.10.10: 856 displaces 68 snapshots by Shel (snapshot #1 , #2 , #3 , #4 , #5 , #6 , #7 , #8 , #9 , #10 , #11 , & #12 ) :
![68 eventually goes back to the J, [edit: 856] is in the office October 10, 2018 snapshot by Shel](/wiki/File:856_PIC_2018.10.10_DISPLACING_68_SHEL_POSTED_2019.03.03_12.jpg "856 PIC 2018.10.10 DISPLACING 68 SHEL POSTED 2019.03.03 12.jpg (176 KB)")
Most of the above (except for 68 returning to the J) is shown here (51:30 start):
2019: Adult Male[]
2019 Season:[]
GreenRiver created this 2016-2019 video of 856 from snapshots taken on the bear cams and shared it on 5/25/2020. "856. The number of a bear who has over the last five years earned my respect. He may not be one of my favorite bears, but his place at the top of the Brooks River Brown bear hierarchy has been well earned. So here is my new slideshow video with pics from the Explore.Org Brown Bear Cams over those years. He may well be the father and or grandfather of many of our Brooks River Bears, including our well beloved 503."
Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor Kam shared her artwork of 856 from the 2019 season, 3/8/2020. Art #1, #2, and #3.
Please request Kam's permission prior to using their photographs!
_747_(right)_2019_season_art_by_Kam.jpg "856 (left) 747 (right) 2019 season art by Kam.jpg (96 KB)")
Phillydude shared favorite 2019 season photos of 856 in chat on 3/8/2020, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8 and #9. "Happy 856 Day! - he had a busy Summer last year in between fending off 68's hierarchy challenge and remodeling Otis' office into his own private dinning room, but through it all 856 remained top Bear and reminded all the other Bears of that at every opportunity - 856 is an amazing and at times breathtaking Bear to watch, these are some of my favorite snaps of him from last season."
Birgitt captured the "Parting of the Boars", as seen in photo #5, in this 8/4/2019 video.
_747_(middle)_68_(near)_2019_snapshot_by_Phillydude_.02.jpg "856 (far) 747 (middle) 68 (near) 2019 snapshot by Phillydude .02.jpg (230 KB)")
_and_747_(far)_2019_snapshot_by_Phillydude_.04.jpg "856 (near) and 747 (far) 2019 snapshot by Phillydude .04.jpg (191 KB)")
_2019_snapshot_by_Phillydude_.05.jpg "856 (middle) 2019 snapshot by Phillydude .05.jpg (300 KB)")
_and_68_(far)_2019_snapshot_by_Phillydude_.06.jpg "856 (near) and 68 (far) 2019 snapshot by Phillydude .06.jpg (217 KB)")
_and_68_(near)_2019_snapshot_by_Phillydude_.07.jpg "856 (far) and 68 (near) 2019 snapshot by Phillydude .07.jpg (242 KB)")
Xander-Sage-2 shared snapshots and a snapshot collage of 856 on 3/9/2020. Snapshots #1 and #2. Snapshot collage #3. Note: In photo #1, 856 has his back to the camera. His shed pattern makes him look bare from the waist down.
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.:
2019.??.??: 856 during the 2019 Season video by Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd).:
2019.??.??: 32 Chunk splashes 856 and gets away with it while 747 sits nearby and enjoys the drama. 2019 instagram video by Steve Merlino.
June 2019:[]
2019.06.??: 856 can be observed courting 854 Divot at various points in this video by Marvin Neitzert.:
2019.06.19: On June 20, 2019 at 08:55 AKDT, Katmai Conservancy Ranger Naomi commented and shared photos (#1 634 Popeye , #2 128 Grazer , #3 128 Grazer on the lip , #4 856 ) of the bears observed at Brooks Falls on the evening of June 19, 2019.:
"The salmon have arrived and the bears have followed. Last night Mike Fitz, John Koster and I were at The Falls. Here are pictures of 634 Popeye, Grazer (sorry, no cubs), a sub and 856. When 856 strutted in, Grazer had already left having eaten 7 salmon. But Popeye took one look at 856 and ran up the far bank. 856 not satisfied with that, followed him up the bank. Dominance seems to be his priority. Once satisfied that Popeye was really gone, he returned to take his place in the jacuzzi. The season has begun. "
2019.06.20: Katmai Conservancy Ranger Naomi Boak (aka NSBoak) captured a 6/20/2019 photo of 856 which she shared in chat on 3/8/2020.
Permission to use her NPS photos posted on the bearcam comments
2019.06.24: 856 jumps unknown boar video by mckate. 856 had been chasing 634 Popeye up above the falls just about 20 minutes earlier, so that may explain why he seemed winded.:
2019.06.26: 856 June 26, 2019 NPS photo by Ranger Tammy Carmack KNP&P Flickr.
2019.06.27: 747 (left) faceoff with 856 (right) NPS photograph by 2019 Katmai Conservancy Ranger Naomi Boak (p 01/22/2020 03:21 ).:
2019.06.28: 856 loses 854 Divot and trashes 480 Otis' office video by mckate. Mckate shared these thoughts in the description of the video.: "
856 and 854 Divot are courting. Divot must have needed a break, so slipped into the bushes above Otis's office. I have to wonder about 856's eyesight. He didn't see her walk right into that area and, when he finally tracked her scent, she was sitting right there and he didn't see her until she took off again. 480 Otis will not be pleased to see that they redecorated without his permission."
856 above the office video by Birgitt.:
2019.06.27: Katmai Conservancy Ranger Naomi Boak (aka NSBoak) captured a 6/27/2019 photo of 856 which she shared in chat on 3/8/2020. 856 is seen on the right, 747 is on the left.
Permission to use her NPS photos posted on the bearcam comments
_and_747_(left)_June_27,_2019_photo_by_Katmai_Conservancy_Ranger_Naomi_Boak.jpg "856 (right) and 747 (left) June 27, 2019 photo by Katmai Conservancy Ranger Naomi Boak.jpg (4.63 MB)")
856 appears to possibly be courting 128 Grazer and possibly be protecting his courting rights from another unidentified adult male in this June 27, 2019 video by Erum Chad.:
856 courting 128 Grazer above the falls video by Birgitt.:
2019.06.28: An unfortunate bear (65) in the office gets schooled by 856, 6/28/2019 video by primatador (tm saneda.)
2019.06.29: 856 goes courting 854 Divot video by Brenda D.:
856 courting 854 Divot as 854 takes her fish to go; video by Birgitt.:
2019.06.30: 402 gives lip fishing lessons above 856 video by mckate.:
July 2019:[]
2019.07.??: 856 in July 2019. Explore photograph via Mike Fitz.:
2019.07.01: Truman Everts shared this 7/1/2019 photo of 856 in chat.
Please request Truman Evert's permission prior to using his photographs!
2019.07.02: 856 challenges 68(?) video by Birgitt:
Tzusrule shared these snapshot collages (#1 & #2 ):
2019.07.02: Truman Everts shared this 7/2/2019 photo of 856 in chat.
Please request Truman Evert's permission prior to usinh his photographs!
2019.07.03: The Bears of Brooks Falls series by Mike Fitz, Resident Naturalist with Explore.org ~ Meet Bear 856 video
Only the biggest and most assertive bears have the opportunity to ascend to the top of the bear hierarchy.
Eight-five-six is a very large adult male with a uniformly brown coat and light-brown ears. In early summer, he has a noticeable stripe of thin fur running from his head to his back and numerous scars and wounds are visible on his head and neck. Behaviorally, he is quite bold and assertive toward other bears.
2019.07.03: Katmai Conservancy Ranger Naomi Boak (aka NSBoak) captured a 7/3/2019 photo of 856 which she shared in chat on 3/8/2020.
Permission to use her NPS photos posted on the bearcam comments
_747_(behind_856)_July_3,_2019_photo_by_Katmai_Conservancy_Ranger_Naomi_Boak.jpg "856 (near) 747 (behind 856) July 3, 2019 photo by Katmai Conservancy Ranger Naomi Boak.jpg (4.12 MB)")
2019.07.04: 856 chases 747 up the hill on the North side of the river video by Ratna Narayan.:
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)")
2019.07.06: KNP volunteer Stacey shared this 7/6/2019 story of 856 and 747 on 2/21/2021.
One more 856 story:
It was July 2019 (I think), around 6 p.m.
I'd been volunteering on the Brooks Falls platform, and had stayed after my shift to watch the bears.
The platform was unusually empty; it was the rare quiet hour between the daytime crowd and the nighttime crowd when most visitors had left to get dinner.
So it was me and a younger couple on the platform, watching the bears.
856 and 747 were fishing at the falls, and there was a young female bear fishing in the riffles.
747 decided to go down to the riffles to say hello to the female. And suddenly, 856 decided he was interested in her, too.
The poor female (I didn't recognize her, but she seemed very young) made a quick getaway.
747 decided to follow -- until 856 decided he wasn't happy about that, and started pursuing 747.
From the Riffles, 747 (followed by 856) moved up toward the falls. Then the two boars marched toward the BF platform (where the couple and I stood watching, agape).
They went up to our left, toward the fish ladder, then UP THE HILL behind the platform, so that they stood at eye level to us: 856 following 747, not running, but in deliberate pursuit, sending a message.
Poor 747 moved behind the platform and into the woods on the right side of the platform (where BF low sometimes looks backward into the woods).
We saw 747 emerge into the riffles, 856 still walking deliberately behind.
They repeated their circle of the BF platform -- once again standing eye level to us, just a few yards away.
I have never been so transfixed.
Eventually, the two bears disappeared into the woods by the Riffles.
At that point, the three of us started breathing again.
We felt like we had witnessed the most incredible bear activity of the day -- and only the three of us had seen it.
At the end of this, the couple needed to get back to the lodge for dinner -- but we were well aware that the two bears had disappeared into the woods near the riffles, and we really didn't want to encounter them on the Brooks Falls Trail!
So we hung out for a little bit, giving the bears time to disperse, then walked back down the BF Trail together, talking loudly all the way so that the bears knew we were there.
And guess what: We DID encounter a bear on the trail! But it was the female that they'd initially been interested in -- not the two males.
An exciting -- and breathtaking -- display of dominance. We felt so privileged to have experienced this.
On 2/21/2021 scooch replied to Stacey's story: "Hi Stacey! That incident that you described may be part of these two gifs that I recorded on July 6, 2019. The first gif shows 747, right after he had exited the river by the BF platform, looking back to see if 856 was still following him, then moving on up the path. The next gif, taken a few seconds later, shows 856 in quick pursuit of 747." Gif #1 (747) and gif #2 (856).
2019.07.06: Cruiser captured this snapshot of 856 on 7/6/2019.
2019.07.07: NWBearLove92 shared this 7/7/2019 photo of 856 on 5/26/2020. NWBearLove92 shared this 7/7/2019 photo of 856 on 5/7/2020. NWBearLove92 shared 3 additional photos of 856 on 2/21/2021, #1, #2, #3.
Please request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using any of their photographs!
_with_68_(right)_July_7,_2019_photo_by_NWBearLove92_.01.jpg "856 (left) with 68 (right) July 7, 2019 photo by NWBearLove92 .01.jpg (2.85 MB)")
856 displaces 89 Backpack from the far pool, 7/7/2019 video by Olatz A.M.
2019.07.09: Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor Olatz Azcona Munárriz (aka Olatz) shared shared six 7/9/2019 photos of 856 on 1/302022, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 and #6. 856 is seen with 747 in photo #3. Olatz also shared a story about these photos.
"856 was in the Jacuzzi, 854 Divot in the far pool, and 820 near Alice´s restaurant, when 747 - that had been taking a nap by the falls platform - entered the river the luminous, but thankfully not so hot evening of July 9th, 2019. The bear of colossal proportions, totally aware of the Boss´ presence in the river, walked around him crossing the island on his way to the conveyor belt. I was following him through the viewfinder of my camera when, all of a sudden, he stopped and his gaze was directed to the Jacuzzi. 856 had seen him and felt the urge to remind 747 who was in charge in Brook River that season. 856 approached 747 and they both exchanged some harsh words, until 856 felt the message had been clearly sent and received. Then, he turned around and walked away from 747 and toward the island. He cowboy-walked on it, scent-marked it and when his display of dominance was over, he moved again to the Jacuzzi. 747 sat in the river and stared at 856 all along, probably thinking one day it would be 856 the one that would yield to him. Little we knew that day was not so far away. Pictures taken during the evening of July 9th, 2019." Olatz Azcona Munárriz (aka Olatz) shared an additional 7/9/2019 photo of 856 on 2/12/2023.
Please request Olatz Azcona Munárriz's permission prior to using their photographs!
_.01.jpg "83 Wayne Brother July 7, 2019 photo by Olatz Azcona Munárriz (aka Olatz) .01.jpg (2.72 MB)")
_.02.jpg "856 July 9, 2019 photo by Olatz Azcona Munárriz (aka Olatz) .02.jpg (3.45 MB)")
_and_856_(near)_July_9,_2019_photo_by_Olatz_Azcona_Mun%C3%A1rriz_(aka_Olatz)_.jpg "747 (far) and 856 (near) July 9, 2019 photo by Olatz Azcona Munárriz (aka Olatz) .jpg (2.09 MB)")
_.03.jpg "856 July 9, 2019 photo by Olatz Azcona Munárriz (aka Olatz) .03.jpg (2.61 MB)")
_.04.jpg "856 July 9, 2019 photo by Olatz Azcona Munárriz (aka Olatz) .04.jpg (2.54 MB)")
_.05.jpg "856 July 9, 2019 photo by Olatz Azcona Munárriz (aka Olatz) .05.jpg (3.54 MB)")
_.07.jpg "856 July 9, 2019 photo by Olatz Azcona Munárriz (aka Olatz) .07.jpg (5.63 MB)")
2019.07.09-07.12: Lori Hocking (aka Lovethebears) shared these 7/9-7/12/2019 photos of 856 on 6/2/2020, #1 and #2.
Please request Lori's (aka Lovethebears) permission prior to using her photographs!
_.01.jpg "856 July 9, 2019-July 12, 2019 photo by Lori Hocking (aka Lovethebears) .01.jpg (1.38 MB)")
_.02.jpg "856 July 9, 2019-July 12, 2019 photo by Lori Hocking (aka Lovethebears) .02.jpg (1.37 MB)")
856 chases 854 Divot video by mckate.:
2019.07.14: 856 Scares Shaggy video by mckate. Mckate also shared this information about the her video: "856 caught Shaggy aka Mane Bear in the office and pushed him downstream. I would imagine that these two represent the top and the very bottom of the boar hierarchy.":
68 blocks 856 video by mckate.:
856 wins standoff with 68 video by mckate.:
Birgitt's 7/14/2019 video of an 856 and 68 standoff at the falls.
2019.07.17: 503 Cubadult sneaks past 856 video by mckate.:
2019.07.22: 856 NPS photo by 2019 Katmai Conservancy Ranger Naomi Boak from the KNP&P flickr .:
Birgitt's 7/22/2019 video "Fi Fie Fo Fum", 856 wandering the lower river stealing fish from subs.
2019.07.26: The baddest, most dominant bear cam bear has emerged by Mark Kaufman , Mashable.
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: 755 Scare D Bear catches a fish on the lip while 856 has words with 503 Cubadult or 812 video by mckate.:
August 2019:[]
2019.08.03: 856 slips into the river behind 812 and 806 as they chow down video by mckate.:
2019.08.04: Birgitt's 8/4/2019 video titled "856 The Parting of the Boars and 128 The Departure of Walker." As 856 moves from the far pool to the jacuzzi, the boars make a path for him. At the same time, 128 Grazer arrives at the top of the falls which causes 151 Walker to make a hasty retreat.
2019.08.05: 68 displaces 856 from the jacuzzi video by mckate.:
2019.08.06: 856 denies 68 the jacuzzi video by mckate.:
2019.08.07-08.12: Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor Kam shared photos of 856 in chat on3/8/2020. The photos were taken on Kam's 8/7/2019-8/12/2019 trip, photos #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5. Kam shared 3 additional photos on 1/30/2021, #1, #2 and #3.
Please request Kam's permission prior to using their photographs!
2019.08.25: The Party's Over, 856 returns video by mckate.:
2019.08.26: 747 subtly signals his desire for the jacuzzi where 856 is fishing video by mckate.:
2019.08.27: 909 keeps and eye on 856 video by mckate.:
2019.08.28: 856 eats at his "desk" video by mckate.:
2019.08.29: 856 moves for 854 Divot video by mckate.:
856 takes a break video by mckate.:
Lani H's 8/29/2019 video of 856, "I'm cute too."
2019.08.31: 856 laying down video by Lani H.:
September 2019:[]
2019.09.01: 856 and 747 have words video by Lani H.:
856 catches 747 leaving work early video by mckate.:
2019.09.02: 856 acknowledges 68's return to the falls video by mckate.:
2019.09.03: 856 dines on the bank below the Falls platform video by Birgitt.:
747 bites 755 Scare D Bear, 856 does not get involved video by mckate.:
856 marks the island for the benefit of 747 video by Felicia (aka Leala). The video description includes this additional information: 856 "did this as a follow-up to 747 marking the island".:
2019.09.05: 856 disrupts 747's nap video by mckate.:
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-2
2019.09.08: Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor TDown shared 3 photos ogf 856 in chat on 3/24/2020, #1, #2 and #3.
Please request TDown's permission prior to using their photographs!
Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor Lisa Robertson shared a 9/8/2019 photo of 856 on 1/30/2022. "We know that 747 is the largest bear at Brooks Falls, but 856 looked pretty close to the same size on 9/8/19. Here they are having a few words with each other. 856 is on the left. P.S. I love 747's button tail :) Photo was taken by me." Please request Lisa Robertson's (aka Larinor) permission prior to using her photographs!
_and_747_(right)_September_8,_2019_photo_by_%C2%A9Lisa_Robertson_(aka_Larinor).jpg "856 (left) and 747 (right) September 8, 2019 photo by ©Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor).jpg (1.31 MB)")
68 interrupts 856's meal, they have words again, 9/8/2019 video by Lani H.
2019.09.10: 907 fishes with 856, 9/10/2019 video by mckate.
Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) shared this 9/10/2019 photo of 856 on 2/22/2021. "I see it's 856 day today. Here he is on 9/10/19. Photo is my own." Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) shared a 9/10/2019 photo of 856 on 1/30/2022. Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) shared this 9/10/2019 photo of 856 on 2/12/2023. "t's kind of intimidating when it seems like 856 is looking right at you, especially through a telephoto lens! Photo was taken on 9/10/19. The photo is my own. Edited to add: I accidentally posted the photo without my watermark." Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) shared this 9/10/2019 photo of 856 (near) and 812 (far) on 2/12/2023. "I only have 2 photos of both 856 and 812 in the same shot from my 2019 visit. 856 was on his way over to let 151 Walker know who was boss. Photo is from 9/10/19."
Please request Lisa Robertson's (aka Larinor) permission prior to using her photographs!
_.01.jpg "856 September 10, 2019 photo by ©Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) .01.jpg (885 KB)")
_.02.jpg "856 September 10, 2019 photo by ©Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) .02.jpg (608 KB)")
_.03_.jpg "856 September 10, 2019 photo by Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) .03 .jpg (604 KB)")
_and_812_(far)_September_10,_2019_photo_by_Lisa_Robertson_(aka_Larinor).jpg "856 (near) and 812 (far) September 10, 2019 photo by Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor).jpg (1.54 MB)")
2019.09.13: 856 in the office video by mckate.: 812 on the lip, 747 in the J, 503 by the old log, 32 by the table rock, 856 in the office, and Scrappy by the wall.:
Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) captured photos of 856 in the office on 9/13/2019,#1 and #2. She shared them in chat on 3/8/2019.
Please request Bonnie Hankins' (aka NutsBoutBears) permission prior to using her photographs!
_.01.jpg "856 September 13, 2019 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) .01.jpg (956 KB)")
_.02.jpg "856 September 13, 2019 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) .02.jpg (1.29 MB)")
2019.09.15: 856 displaces 32 Chunk video by Lani H.:
Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) captured this photograph of 856 and 32 at 19:43 (p 01/04/2020 09:58 ).:
Please request Bonnie Hankins' (aka NutsBoutBears) permission prior to using her photographs!
2019.09.16: 480 Otis tells 856 it is rude to stare video by mckate.:
Brooks camp visitor and chatter scooch captured 7 photos of 856 on 9/16/2019, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7. Scooch shared the photos in chat on 3/9/2020. Scooch shared 2 additional photos on 3/10/2020, #8 and #9.
Please request Scooch's permission prior to using her photographs!
Scooch also captured photos of 480 Otis (lighter) and 856 on 9/16/2019. Scooch shared the photos in chat on 3/9/2020, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7. "856 displaced 480 Otis from the J and though Otis barely voiced his displeasure you can see the anger on his face." Photo #8 is a snapshot taken on the cam at the same time.
Please request Scooch's permission prior to using her photographs!
_and_856_September_16,_2019_photo_by_scooch_.01.jpg "480 Otis (lighter) and 856 September 16, 2019 photo by scooch .01.jpg (1.91 MB)")
_and_856_September_16,_2019_photo_by_scooch_.02.jpg "480 Otis (lighter) and 856 September 16, 2019 photo by scooch .02.jpg (1.92 MB)")
_and_856_September_16,_2019_photo_by_scooch_.03_.jpg "480 Otis (lighter) and 856 September 16, 2019 photo by scooch .03 .jpg (1.97 MB)")
_and_856_September_16,_2019_photo_by_scooch_.04.jpg "480 Otis (lighter) and 856 September 16, 2019 photo by scooch .04.jpg (1.96 MB)")
_and_856_September_16,_2019_photo_by_scooch_.05.jpg "480 Otis (lighter) and 856 September 16, 2019 photo by scooch .05.jpg (1.97 MB)")
_and_856_September_16,_2019_photo_by_scooch_.06.jpg "480 Otis (lighter) and 856 September 16, 2019 photo by scooch .06.jpg (1.94 MB)")
_and_856_September_16,_2019_photo_by_scooch_.07.jpg "480 Otis (lighter) and 856 September 16, 2019 photo by scooch .07.jpg (1.97 MB)")
_and_856_September_16,_2019_cam_snapshot_by_scooch.jpg "480 Otis (lighter) and 856 September 16, 2019 cam snapshot by scooch.jpg (219 KB)")
October 2019:[]
2019.10.04: 12 bears until 856 arrives video by mckate.:
2020: Adult Male[]
2020 Season:[]
856 was included in the 2021 Bears of Brooks River book page 77.
2020 season:[]
Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) created this 2020 season video of 856.
GreenRiver created a video "The King and I"which follows the courtship of 402 by 856.
2020.??.??: NSBoak's (aka Ranger Naomi Boak) 2020 video of 856 showing 634 Popeye "Who Da Boss."
June 2020:[]
2020.06.22: 856 returns to the Brooks River courting....who? Cruiser captured this video .:
Phillydude captured these snapshots (#1 , #2 , #3 , #4 & #5 ) of 856 courting who(?) (p 06/22/2020 17:39 ).:
6/22/2020 video by mckate, 856 and 402 fishing in the riffles.
6/22/2020, 856 courts 402, video by mckate.
402 on the lip, 856 in the jacuzzi, 6/22/2020 video by mckate.
6/22/2020 video by Ratna Narayan.
6/22/2020 video by Ratna Narayan.
6/22/2020 video by Ratna Narayan.
6/22/2020 video by Lani H.
6/22/2020 video by Lani H
6/22/2020 video by Lani H.
6/22/2020 video by Birgitt.
2020.06.24: 151 Walker approaches 402 and 856 runs from the J to chase him off, 6/24/2020 video by Lani H.
856 spots 151 Walker approaching 402 and takes off like a freight train, 6/24/2020 video by mckate.
2020.06.25: 856 on the Brooks Falls Low View Cam gif created by Blair-55 (p 06/25/2020 13:44 ).:
(Wiki wouldl not permit the gif to be uploaded 2020.06.25 15:20 ~ LTC)
2020.06.26: Cruiser created this video of 856 courting 402.:
856 takes a break from courting 402, 6/26/2020 video by Birgitt.
2020.06.27: 856 breaks up a discussion between 747 and 83 Wayne Brother, 6/27/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.06.28: 856 tells Popeye to back off the lip, 6/28/2020 video by Naomi Boak (aka Ranger Naomi Boak).
Stay away from my jacuzzi. 856 tells Popeye what for.
856 tells 634 Popeye to back off the lip, June 28, 2020 video by Naomi Boak (aka Ranger Naomi Boak)
July 2020: []
2020.07.01: 402 and 856 came in like wrecking bears, 7/1/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.04: 856 (right) displaces 747 (left) and 480 Otis (far left at 0:22), 7/4/2020 video by Naomi Boak (aka Ranger Naomi Boak).
856 Displaces 747 & 480 Otis
856 displaces 747 and 480 Otis, July 4, 2020 video by Naomi Boak (aka Ranger Naomi Boak)
Naomi Boak (aka Ranger Naomi Boak) recorded a 2nd 7/4/2020 video of 747 left and 856 right. "Nothing says dominance like a look and a nod from Bear 856."
A Little 856 Drive By 7 4 2020
856 (right) gives 747 (left) a look and a nod as he walks by, July 4, 2020 video by Naomi Boak (aka Ranger Naomi Boak)
2020.07.06: Wolf fishes the lip with 856 in the jacuzzi, 7/6/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.07: 482 Brett smacks 856 on the face, 7/7/2020 video by Hey Princess.
2020.07.08: 856 and unknown boar dominance display, 7/8/2020 video by Lani H.
Mckate's 7/8/2020 video of 856 with the new unknown boar.
2020.07.10: JG observed 856 at the falls on the morning of July 10, 2020. 856 had a slight limp .. JG shared this morning of July 10, 2020 snapshot (p 07/10/2020 20:54 ).:
856 was observed at the falls late night on July 10, 2020. 856 had wounds / scars on his head and left side and had a slight limp.
Resch captured this snapshot (BFHV gallery 07/10/2020 23:09 ). Coleus on (CP 2012) captured this snapshot (BFHV gallery 07/10/2020 23:10 ). Resch captured this snapshot (BFHV gallery 07/10/2020 23:10 ). Resch also captured this snapshot (BFHV gallery 07/10/2020 23:10 02 ). CamOp HG Wells captured this snapshot (BFHV gallery 07/10/2020 23:10 ). CarolineB captured this snapshot (BFHV gallery 07/10/2020 23:10 ). Evwada captured this snapshot (BFHV gallery 07/10/2020 23:10 ).:
2020.07.11: 856 was observed limping badly on the morning of July 11, 2020
GABear created these gifs (#1 & #2 ) of 856 limping badly (p 07/11/2020 06:00 ).:
NOTE: Wiki would not permit the gif to be uploaded, the gif files were 16.5 & 16.0 MB in size.
Lani H captured this video .:
CamOp Snow captured this snapshot of 856 (BFHV gallery 07/11/2020 07:40 ).:
tm saneda captured this video of 856 limping badly on July 11, 2020 at 07:45 AKDT.:
Mckate captured this video of 856 climbing the hill near the "Nanny Tree":
856 can be seen having difficulty climbing the hill on the far side of the falls near the "Nanny Tree" in this video on Travel Guide Book's Facebook page. The wounds on 856's left rear paw can be seen in this video.
2020.07.11/2020.07.12: Cloud captured this video of 856 limping late night on July 11, 2020 or very, very early morning on July 12, 2020:
2020.07.12: Later in the day on July 12, 2020 856 was observed, still limping, in the riffles. Lani H captured this video .:
2020.07.13: 856 was observed on the lower river on the evening of July 13, 2020. Ratna captured this video :
7/13/2020 video by Lani H of 856 scavenging in the oxbow.
Scooch created these gifs (#1 , #2 & #3 ) of 856 limping in the lower Brooks River on the evening of July 13, 2020 at approximately 20:18 (p 07/13/2020 20:38 ).:
2020.07.14: Tzusrule created this gif of 856's interaction with another adult male (p 07/14/2020 05:44 ). Bri created this gif of 856 (p 07/14/2020 05:53 ).:
Wiki would not permit Bri's gif to be uploaded, the file is 16.6 MB.
Ratna Narayan captured this video of 856 in the office...he is walking like he is in the process of recovery:
Mckate's 7/14/2020 video of 856 high grading in the office.
2020.07.16-07.17: Cam watcher and Brooks Camp visitor Lee Pastewka (aka RiverPA) captured five 7/16/2020 photos of 856 at Brooks Falls, #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5. In photos #1 and #2, wounds can be seen on 856's left rear foot. This may possibly be the cause of his limping. Lee also captured a 7/17/2020 interaction between 747 (left) and 856 (right) in three photos, #1, #2 and #3. Note: No more photos can be added to this gallery as it redirects to tzusrule's 7/14/2020 gif gallery above. This is a glitch with the new software that Wiki migrated to.
Please request Lee's (aka RiverPA ) permission prior to using her photographs !
_.01.jpg "856 July 16, 2020 photo by Lee Pastewka (aka RiverPA) .01.jpg (881 KB)")
_.02.jpg "856 July 16, 2020 photo by Lee Pastewka (aka RiverPA) .02.jpg (732 KB)")
_.03.jpg "856 July 16, 2020 photo by Lee Pastewka (aka RiverPA) .03.jpg (782 KB)")
_.04.jpg "856 July 16, 2020 photo by Lee Pastewka (aka RiverPA) .04.jpg (785 KB)")
_.05.jpg "856 July 16, 2020 photo by Lee Pastewka (aka RiverPA) .05.jpg (612 KB)")
_and_856_(right)_July_17._2020_photo_by_Lee_Pastewka_(aka_RiverPA)_.01.jpg "747 (left) and 856 (right) July 17. 2020 photo by Lee Pastewka (aka RiverPA) .01.jpg (768 KB)")
_and_856_(right)_July_17._2020_photo_by_Lee_Pastewka_(aka_RiverPA)_.02.jpg "747 (left) and 856 (right) July 17. 2020 photo by Lee Pastewka (aka RiverPA) .02.jpg (757 KB)")
_and_856_(right)_July_17._2020_photo_by_Lee_Pastewka_(aka_RiverPA)_.03.jpg "747 (left) and 856 (right) July 17. 2020 photo by Lee Pastewka (aka RiverPA) .03.jpg (719 KB)")
856 moving to the far pool, 7/17/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.18: 856 charges 32 Chunk, gif created by Blair-55 (p 07/18/2020 17:05 ).:
Mckate captured this video of 856 surprising 32 Chunk:
Mazey captured this 7/18/2020 screenshot of 32 Chunk being ambushed by 856.
_ambushed_by_856_(far)_July_18,_2020_screenshot_by_Mazey.jpg "32 Chunk (near) ambushed by 856 (far) July 18, 2020 screenshot by Mazey.jpg (213 KB)")
856 tells 747 to leave 480 Otis alone video by mckate.:
856 ambushes 32 Chunk in the riffles, 7/18/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.19: 856 tells an unknown boar to wind his neck in, twice, 7/19/2020 video by mckate.
2020.07.20: 854 Divot hop charges 856. She was NOT pleased to see 856 on the lower river and watched and paced for a long time, 7/20/2020 video by mckate.
2020.07.23: As 18 comes down the far path to the falls, 856 can be seen sitting in front of him, 7/23/2020 video by Cruiser.
2020.07.25: Close up of 856 in the far pool, 7/25/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.26: 856 interrupts 747 having words with 801, 7/26/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.28: 151 Walker vacates the office as 856 shows up, 7/28/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.29: 856 enters the far pool and has words with 775 Lefty, 7/29/2020 video by Lani H.
August 2020:[]
2020 08.01: 856 surprised 480 Otis, 8/1/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.08.02: 856 enters and has words with 775 Lefty, 801 also leaves the office, 8/2/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.08.03: 856 in the far pool in the morning mist, 8/3/2020 video by Ratna Narayan.
2020.08.09: 856 keeps the peace 8/9/2020 video by mckate. "856 usually doesn't involve himself in 747's disputes with young bears like 820. Maybe it's because 747 also ran off 151, or maybe 856 was just in the mood to yell at 747."
2020.08.21: 856 returned to Brooks Falls after an 18 day abscence. He did not waste much time making sure that 747 knew who was more dominant, 8/21/2020 video by flyer 7474.
2020.08.22: 856 in the far pool in the early morning, 8/22/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.08.23: Lani H 8/23/2020 video of 856 sitting above the falls.
2020.08.24: 856 reminds 32 Chunk who is at the top, 8/24/2020 video by mckate.
2020.08.25: 8/25/2020 snapshot by lauridsen09 of 856 in the far pool.
September 2020:[]
2020.09.??: Aditya Datta's closeup video of 856 in the far pool, September, 2020.
2020.09.04: 32 Chunk has a close encounter with 856, 9/4/2020 video by mckate.
Lani H video of 856 fishing in the jacuzzi, 9/4/2020.
856 Chases 812 Out of J, 9/4/2020 video by mckate.
856 sits right in front of 32 Chunk in the office and catches a salmon, falls and riffles view, 9/4/2020 video by Lani H.
856 sits right in front of 32 Chunk in the office, catches a salmon falls and riffles view 9-4-2020
Video by Lani H
2020.09.05: 856 has to remind 747 he's still in charge, 9/5/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.09.09: NSBoak (aka Ranger Naomi Boak) shared a 9/9/2020 photo of 856 on 1/30/2022.
Please request NSBoak's (aka Ranger Naomi Boak) permission prior to using her photographs!
.jpg "856 September 9, 2020 photo by NSBoak (aka Ranger Naomi Boak).jpg (253 KB)")
Lani H 9/9/2020 video of 747 moving 151 Walker and 820 out of the office, 856 breaks up 747 having words with 820.
747 moves 151 Walker and 820 out of the office, 856 breaks up 747 having words with 820 9-9-2020-2
Video by Lani H
2020.09.10: Mckate's 9/10/2020 video A Little Friendly Competition. "747 really perked up when he saw 856 moving into the office. He did his best to make a catch, but missed. That spin was impressive though. He's nimble for a 1400 lb bear. Then 856, being his usual badass self, saunters over and makes a catch right in front of 747."
856 close up in the far pool, 9/10/2020 video by Birgitt.
2020.09.12: 856 (far) and 812 (near) peacefully fish in the office, 9/12/2020 video by Ratna Narayan.
2020.09.12-09.17: Theresa Bielawski shared six photos of 856 on 6/9/2021, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 and #6. The photos were taken between 9/12-9/17/2020. "Here are some shots of 856 from Sept 2020. He certainly is handsome."
Please request Theresa Bielawski's permission prior to using her photographs!
2020.09.13: Hey Princess's 9/13/2020 video of 856 (far) and 747 (near) fishing at the falls.
2020.09.14: 856 (far) and 747 (near) again fishing in the far pool, 9/14/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.09.15: Lani H captured 9/15/2020 video of 856 chasing 32 Chunk out of the office. 32 Chunk is then trapped between 747 and 856.
856 chases 32 Chunk out of the office. 32 Chunk is then trapped between 747 and 856. 9-15-2020
Video by Lani H
2020.09.16: 856 orders 820 and 602 out of the pool, 9/16/2020 video by mckate.
2020.09.17: Becky Osberg 9/17/2020 video of 856 displacing 747 from the Jacuzzi.
2020.09.19: NSBoak (aka Ranger Naomi Boak) posted a photo of 856 in chat on 2/21/2020.
Please request NSBoak's (aka Ranger Naomi Boak) permission prior to using her photographs!
.jpg "856 September 19, 2020 NPS photo by NSBoak (aka Ranger Naomi Boak).jpg (326 KB)")
856 chases 151 Walker but gets distracted by a fish, 9/19/2020 video by mckate. "He was annoyed with 151 from the moment he left the far pool. Something must have happened between prior to this that I completely missed."
2020.09.23: 9/23/2020 video of 856 at the falls and riffles by Hey Princess.
2020.09.24: 856 again walks down the riffles from the falls, 9/24/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.09.25: Lani H 9/25/2020 video of 856 fishing the far pool.
2020.09.27: 856 (far) and 812 (near) in the far pool, 9/27/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.09.28: 856 fishes the jacuzzi, 9/28/2020 video by Lani H.
October 2020:[]
2020.10.01: 856 stops by the falls, 10/1/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.03: A subadult is fishing the lip, 812 sits by the far pool, 856 is in the jacuzzi but moves over to the office. 812 wisely moves, 10/3/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.13: Lani H captured 856 making his rounds in this 10/13/2020 video. 856 moves from the office to the hole and then to the jacuzzi. The lighting is excellent on this video to get a good look at 856.
2020.10.17: 856 makes a small catch at the falls, 10/17/2020 video by Lani H.
2021: Adult Male[]
856 was included in the 2022 Bears of Brooks River book page 86.
2021 Season:[]
Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) created this 2021 season video of 856, "856 2021."
June 2021:[]
2021.06.14: During a 6/15/2021 Text Chat Ranger Naomi Boak shared a 6/14/2021 NPS photo of 856. The photo was taken by Ranger Tammy Carmack. "856 was seen yesterday. Here is a pic from Ranger Tammy. "
2021.06.21: 856 made his first cam appearance on 6/21/2021, video by Hey Princess. He was observed on the spit.
Video by 12gizmo16, 6/21/2021.
Blair-55 gifs of 856 on the spit, 6/21/2021, #1 and #2.
856 was observed later in the evening of 6/21/2021 walking along the spit road and heading towards the falls. Cam viewers captured gifs and snapshots. Xander-Sage-2's snapshot collage, LunaCre's gifs #1 and #2, Owl&Osprey<3's snapshot, Debi (Bearz61's) snapshot and a_lisa's snapshot.
.jpg "856 June 21, 2021 snapshot by Debi (Bearz61).jpg (85 KB)")
Ratna Narayan captured two videos of 856 on the evening of 6/21/2021.
Video #1, on the spit road and headed to the falls:
Video #2, at the falls, both low and brooks falls views.
Birgitt's 6/21/2021 video of 856 at the falls.
2021.06.22: 856 made an appearance at the falls on 6/22/2021 entering from on the top of the falls, then sitting in the hole and also trying out the J. He then spent some time eating grass on the island, resting and finally leaving up the far path. Cam viewers captured gifs and snapshots. Snapshot by Red_Eagle, snapshot by SgtPepper, snapshot by Debi (Bearz61), snapshot by Blair-55, snapshot by Pam Lazo, snapshot by Barbara/Michigan, snapshot by Cruiser, snapshot by WinterchillsCO, snapshot by Bookmom, snapshot by kcanada, gif by Colleen_John, gif by Blair-55, gif by Blair-55, gif by Cruiser, snapshot collage by Cruiser, gif by LunaCre, gif by LunaCre.
.jpg "856 June 22, 2021 snapshot by Debi (Bearz61).jpg (73 KB)")
Mckate's 6/22/2021 extreme closeup video of 856 in the jacuzzi.
JG's 6/22/2021 video of 856 waiting for the salmon.
After a nap on the island, 856 checks the J and leaves up the far path, 6/22/2021 video by flyer 4477.
2021.06.23: 856 was observed crossing the riffles to the cutbank area on 6/23/2021, video by flyer 4477.
JG also captured 6/23/2021 video.
Later in the evening on 6/23/2020, 856 made a quick trip to the falls and tried out the jacuzzi. Cruiser's snapshot, princess503's snapshot, Bommy's snapshot. Debi (Bearz61)'s snapshot, Blair-55's gif.
.jpg "856 June 23, 2021 snapshot by Debi (Bearz61).jpg (404 KB)")
Hey Princess's 6/23/2021 video of 856 trying out the jacuzzi.
2021.06.24: 856, June 24, 2021 photo shared by Truman Everts. "Count the many shades of brown on 856, as he gives 634 a warning from across the river. Wisely, 634 fled as 856 walked across the Falls." Truman Everts shared a 6/24/2021 photo of 856. Truman Everts shared a 6/24/2021 photo of 856 putting on a dominance display for 634 Popeye. See Truman's description at this link. Truman Everts shared a 6/24/2021 photo of 856. Truman Everts shared three 6/24/2021 photos of 856, #1, #2 and #3.
Please request Truman Everts' permission prior to using his photographs!
856 made a brief appearance on the cams on 6/24/2021. He could be seen walking across the top of the falls, video by flyer 4477.
2021.06.25: 856, 6/25/2021 photo shared by Truman Everts. Truman shared a 6/25/2021 photo of 856. Truman shared a 3rd 6/25/2021 photo of 856. Truman Everts shared a 6/25/2021 photo of 856. Truman Everts shared a 5th 6/25/2021 photo of 856. Truman shared a 6/25/2021 photo of 856. Truman Everts shared two 6/25/2021 photos of 856, #1 and #2.
Please request Truman Everts' permission prior to using his photographs!
856 searches for fish at the falls, 6/25/2021 video by Hey Princess.
JG's 6/25/2021 video, 856 checks the falls, twice.
2021.06.26 or prior: Brooks Camp visitor Louise Lannan posted an Instagram photo of 856 at the falls on 6/26/2021.
2021.06.26: JG captured 6/26/2021 video of 856 above the falls. He stayed up there for over 6 minutes wondering where the salmon are.
2021.06.27: Truman Everts shared a 6/27/2021 photo of 856. "Literally the last guy I want to run into on the road. And yet, there he [856] is. That expression isn't helping, any, either... "
Please request Truman Everts' permission prior to using his photographs!
856 makes another trip to the falls, 6/27/2021 video by JG.
2021.06.27-.07.01: Melissa Freels shared two photos of 856 from her 6/28-7/1/2021 trip to Brooks Camp on 7/4/2021, #1 and #2. The 2nd photo shows 856 sleeping near the platform. "856 sure looks handsome this year. These pics were taken last week; he was sleeping near the platform but would wake to serve as the "fun police" whenever another bear arrived. On three separate occasions, he made sure 151, 83 and a cute little blonde sub were far from the falls before he returned to his bed."
Please request Melissa Freels' permission prior to using her photographs!
Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) shared three photos of 856 from her 6/27/-7/1/2021 trip to Brooks Camp. Photo #1 from 6/29/2021 was shared on 7/7/2021, photo #2 from 6/30/2021 was shared on 7/3/2021 and photo #3 from 7/1/2021 was shared on 7/3/2021. Bonnie Hankins shared a 6/29/2021 photo of 856 on 1/30/2022. Bonnie also shared a 7/1/2021 photo of 856 on 1/30/22.
Please request Bonnie Hankins' (aka NutsBoutBears) permission prior to using her photographs!
.jpg "856 June 29, 2021 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears).jpg (1.41 MB)")
.jpg "856 June 30, 2021 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears).jpg (1.15 MB)")
.jpg "856 July 1, 2021 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears).jpg (1.24 MB)")
_.02.jpg "856 June 29, 2021 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) .02.jpg (1.55 MB)")
_.02.jpg "856 July 1, 2021 photo by Bnnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) .02.jpg (1.38 MB)")
2021.06.28: On the morning of 6/28/2021, 856 was seen fishing at the falls. Not catching anything, he retired up the hill. He came back to the J a short time later and caught a fish. Instead of his usual routine of taking it to the island to eat he went up the fish ladder to consume it. That is when 747 showed up. Chatter FatBearChamp747 gives a verbal play-by-play below.
FatBearChamp747 described their interpretation of the first interaction between 747 and 856. "Went back and watched the 1st confrontation between 747 & 856 and it was even more amazing than the 2nd one - 856 Finally catches a salmon in they J - Yay the salmon are back! - but instead of eating it in the J or by the Island like he normally does, 856 climbed the ladder and went above the falls to eat his catch by 812's dinner rock - was the King of the Falls the last 10 years actually worried about getting his Salmon stolen? - then 747 climbs the ladder and approaches 856, he doesn't try to steal his fish buts puts on a full dominance display - with two tree markings above the Falls and one below by the viewing platform for good measure as he left (beginning to understand how 747 got those racing stripes on his back) maybe this is why 856 has been so anxious for the Salmon to come, he knows he is not as big as 747 is right now, maybe it won't last but at least for the moment it does look like there is a new sheriff in town."
FatBearChamp's subsequent comment. "OMG the crushing down of the tree as 747 approached 856 - lol - it's King Kong vs Godzilla and King Kong won the first two rounds - 747 was not intimidated by 856 even a little bit, maybe 747 will pay fir this insubordination later in the season but for now it sure does look like there has been a change at the top."
Mike Fitz gave his interpretation of the events. "That was quite an interesting confrontation between 747 and 856, two of the river's largest and most dominant bears. Initially, I couldn't tell if 747 approached 856 because he wanted some of 856's salmon or if 747 was just feeling strong enough to challenge 856 for dominance.
Either way, 747 demonstrated some boldness by directly approaching 856 and marking trees in front of him. After 747 moved away, 856 reciprocated a bit and also marked some of the trees near the fish ladder. However, I would score that confrontation as a draw. No bear seemed to yield to the other and much of their behavior was obscured by vegetation.
But about 10 minutes later, 747 directly approaches 856 below the falls. 856 yields upon 747's approach! Then 747 turns his back and walks away. Since this wasn't a conflict over a fishing spot then it's a clear indication that 747 "won" the interaction and at the moment can be considered more dominant. If we see 856 yield to 747 again, then we'll know there has been a shift in the hierarchy. For more than a decade, 747 has yielded to 856. That may have just changed."
Blair-55 posted this gif of the 747 (left) and 856 (right) interaction.
_and_856_(right)_confontation_June_28,_2021_gif_by_Blair-55.gif "747 (left) and 856 (right) confontation June 28, 2021 gif by Blair-55.gif (4.92 MB)")
Mike Fitz commented about the two boars body language a short time later. after viewing Blair's gif. "This captures the interaction well.
747: Head up, ears forward, direct approach--all signs of dominance.
856: Head slightly lowered, ears back, walking backwards while opponent approaches--all signs of submission."
Hey Princess's 6/28/2021 video that captures both interactions.
GA Bear's 6/28/2021 video that captures the jacuzzi interaction. Turn the sound up to hear vocalizations.
2021.06.29: Truman Everts shared a 6/29/2021 photo of 856. "This is likely a mug shot--property of the King Salmon Police Department--of Bear 856, following one of his many brushes with Johnny Law." Truman Everts shared a 6/29/2021 photo of 856.
Please request Truman Everts' permission prior to using his photographs!
856 in the sun, 6/29/2021 video by JG.
856 confronts 83 Wayne brother, 6/29/2021 video by JG.
2021.06.30: 856 with his catch, 6/30 2021 gif by LunaCre.
July 2021:[]
2021.07.01: 856 escorts 151 Walker off of the premises, 7/1/2021 video by mckate. "I guess attempting to push the elderly (634 Popeye earlier) off the lip wasn't sufficient excitement for Walker. He had to try it with his best friend (503) too until 856 intervened. This is what I like most about 856 -- he knows how to keep order. Meanwhile 503 thinks, "Well, as long as nobody's using the J...."
2021.07.02: 856 in the J, 7/2/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.07.03 or prior: Brooks Camp visitor Peter Vanek posted 2 Instagram photos of 856, #1 and #2.
2021.07.03: Brooks Camp visitor and cam viewer NWBearLove92 shared a 7/3/2021 photo of 856. "Welcome back 856! Here’s a photo of him in the jacuzzi from 7/3/21. He looks really good this year. "
Please request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using any of their photographs!
747 displaces 856, 7/3/3021 video by JG.
2021.07.04: 747 and 856 have another confrontation on 7/4/2021, video by Hey Princess.
Hey Princess's 7/4/2021 video 856 resting downriver. 812 can be seen passing in front of him.
2021.07.05: 856 reminds 634 Popeye that he is still the boss, 7/5/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.07.06: Some changes in the hierarchy during the early 2021 has 856 being consistently displaced by 747....that change in the hierarchy provided a path to a sight that many cam viewers doubted they would ever see....856 fishing the riffles with his believed to be offspring, 503 Cubadult, especially in a season where the salmon are late to arrive and competition for food resources have bears jockeying for the best fishing spots. Flyer4477 (aka SteveCA) created this video.:
503 With 856 on 2021 07 06 Courtesy of Explore.org
503 Cubadult with 856 on July 6, 2021 by Flyer4477 (aka SteveCA)
2021.07.07: 747 puts on a display of dominance for 856, scenting and cowboy walking on the island. 7/7/2021 video by Cloud.
2021.07.08: 856 (far) and 801 (near) are seen fishing in the far pool, snapshot by Owl&Osprey<3.
_and_801_(near)_July_8,_2021_snapshot_by_Owl%26Osprey-3.jpg "856 (far) and 801 (near) July 8, 2021 snapshot by Owl&Osprey-3.jpg (104 KB)")
2021.07.09: NWBearLove92 shared a 7/9/2021 photo of 856 on 7/28/2021. "856 looks very handsome this year. He has more fluff and less visible scars. I think this is the best I’ve seen him look. 7/9/21."
NWBearLove shared six 7/9/2021 photos of an interaction between 856 and 747, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, and #6. "7/9/21 was my last day at Brooks…it was cold and raining pretty hard most of the day. Of course, that did not stop me from from enjoying the bears. I just put on my poncho and warm clothes. (As a plus there were less people on the falls platform). However, it did make taking photos a little more challenging. I call this series of 6 photos “two grumpy boars arguing in the rain”. 856 came up from the riffles towards the falls and had a mild disagreement with 747 near the island. 856 seemed to back down and 747 was satisfied with his new top bear status." NWBearLove92 shared a 7/9/2021 photo of 856. "Happy Tongue Out Tuesday from 856! photo from 7/9/21."
Pease request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using any of their photographs!
_and_856_(right)_July_9,_2021_photo_by_NWBearLove92_.01.jpg "747 (left) and 856 (right) July 9, 2021 photo by NWBearLove92 .01.jpg (984 KB)")
_and_856_(right)_July_9,_2021_photo_by_NWBearLove92_.02.jpg "747 (left) and 856 (right) July 9, 2021 photo by NWBearLove92 .02.jpg (894 KB)")
_and_856_(right)_July_9,_2021_photo_by_NWBearLove92_.03.jpg "747 (left) and 856 (right) July 9, 2021 photo by NWBearLove92 .03.jpg (1.03 MB)")
_and_856_(far)_July_9,_2021_photo_by_NWBearLove92_.01.jpg "747 (near) and 856 (far) July 9, 2021 photo by NWBearLove92 .01.jpg (889 KB)")
856 defends the "J" sending 747 to the side, 7/9/2021 video by flyer 4477.
856 is seen at the riffles, 7/9/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.07.10: 402 was first observed on cams in the riffles being courted by 856, video by Hey Princess.
856 followed 402 to the lip as she wanted to fish, 7/10/2021 video by Hey Princess. She was boxed in and soon left with 856 following her.
2021.07.11: NSBoak shared a 7/11/2021 photo of 856 on 2/12/2022.
Please request NSBoak's (aka Ranger Naomi Boak) permission prior to using her photographs!
856 fishes the lip next to 913, 7/11/2021 video by mckate. "I can't recall 856 ever having done this. Maybe when he was younger? I have to give 913 credit for being willing to stay up there and fish with him. He's either really hungry or brave, or maybe both."
2021.07.16: LunaCre created this gif of 856 (near) fishing below Brooks Falls with 147 (far).:
2021.07.18: 856 (left) yields to 747, 7/18/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.07.19: 856 (front left) eats his fish on the conveyer, 7/19/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.07.20: 856 displaces 911 from the conveyer, 7/20/2021 video by JG.
2021.07.21: 856 warns 151 and 911 (not 011) on the lip, 7/21/2021 video by Ratna Narayan.
2021.07.22: 856 confronts 32 Chunk, 7/22/2021 video by JG.
2021.07.23: 856 is seen on the conveyer at 6:30 into this 7/23/2021 video by Ratna Narayan.
2021.07.24: 856 fishes the conveyer while 503 is in the carpool, 7/24/2021 gif by Martina.
2021.07.25: 856 (right) yields to 747 but complains loudly, 7/25/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.07.26: 856 (not 89) fishes the conveyer, 634 Popeye is behind him, 7/26/2021 video by Itzy Holly.
A beautiful bear- 89 July 26 2021 explore.org
856 (near) and 634 Popeye (far) 7/26/2021 video by Itzy Holly
2021.07.27: 856 gets an itch, 7/27/2021 video by JG.
2021.07.28: 856 finds 19 annoying, 7/28/2021 video by mckate. The infrequent visitors such as 19 just aren't aware of the rules like "Don't Fish Behind 856."
2021.07.29: Cathy73's 7/29/2021 snapshot of 856 standing on the conveyer.
2021.07.30: 856 displaces 83 Wayne Brother, 7/30/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.07.31 or prior: 856 (right) pushes 151 (left) out of his comfort zone on Brooks Falls, 7/31/2021 Instagram photo by howlsthunder. Swipe for 2 more photos.
2021.07.31: 856 gently moves 480 Otis out of the far pool at 7:38, 7/31/2021 video by Cheryl B.
August 2021:[]
2021.08.01: 856 fishing the jacuzzi, 8/2/2021 snapshot by Moon river.
2021.08.02: 503 and 856 fishing in the far pool, 8/2/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.08.04: 856 in the jacuzzi, 8/4/2021 snapshot by MikgK.
2021.08.05: 480 Otis, 801 and 856, 8/5/2021 video by Flyer 4477. "After being displaced by 801 and a tense standoff with 856, 480 Otis does regain his Office".
September 2021:[]
2021.09.04: 856 returned to Brooks Camp after a 1 month absence, 9/4/2021 video by JG.
2021.09.05: 820 (right) waits for 856's scraps, 9/5/2021 video by Cheryl B.
2021.09.06: 856 attacks 274 overflow, 9/6/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.07: Close-up of 856 in the far pool, 9/9/2021 video by JG.
2021.09.08: 856 (left) and 747 (right) in the far pool, 9/8/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.09: 856 pounces for a fish while 747 lays down to eat, 9/9/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.09-09.14: Theresa Bielawski shared six photos of 856 taken between 9/9-9/14/2021, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 and #6. "Trying to remember to jump on here on Sundays. Here are pictures of 856 from Sept 2021. I compared to pics taken in Sept 2020 and that are all very similar; look like they were taken at the same time. These shots are all Sept 9-14 2021."
Please request Theresa Bielawski's permission prior to using her photographs!
2021.09.10: 856 takes his catch downstream to eat, 9/10/2021 video by JG.
2021.09.11: 856 takes a break above the falls, 9/11/2021 video by Cheryl B.
2021.09.12: 747 gives 856 a bite, 9/12/2021 video by Cruiser.
2021.09.13: Cam watcher and Brooks Camp visitor 907AKSnow recorded this 9/13/2021 video of 856 having a few words with 634 Popeye who is sitting in the office. The 3rd bear may be 474.
856 in the far pool, 812 sits nearby, 9/13/2021 video by Cheryl B.
2021.09.13-09.15.2021: Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor KingOTIS shared two photos of 856 on 1/30/2022, #1 and #2.
Please request KingOTIS's permission prior to using their photographs!
2021.09.14: 32 Chunk arrives and is quickly greeted by an unhappy 856, 9/14/2021 video by Hey Princess.
32 Chunk arrives and is quickly greeted by an unhappy 856. September 14, 2021 (Explore.org)
Video by Hey Princess
2021.09.15: 856 mumbles to himself in the jacuzzi, 9/15/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.16: 856's grumpy look, 9/16/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.09.17: 856 yells at 634 Popeye, 9/17/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.18: 856 asserts himself to 634 Popeye, 9/18/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.09.19: 856 in the far pool, 9/19/2021 snapshot by Hibernating Bear.
2021.09.20: 856 watches 480 Otis take over the office, 9/20/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.09.21: 856 close up, 9/21/2021 video by JG.
2021.09.22: 856 concentrates on his fishing, 9/22/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.23: 856 charges 602 displacing him out of the office, 9/23/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.09.24: 856 spooks 812 and 480 Otis, 9/24/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.09.27: 856 catches a fish in the jacuzzi, 9/27/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.28: 856 on the infrared cam, 9/28/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.29: 856 leaving the falls, 9/29/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.30: Views of 856 in the far pool and eating his fish downstream, 9/30/2021 video by JG.
856 knows you are laughing at his tongue, 9/30/2021 gif by LunaCre
October 2021:[]
2021.10.01: 856 displaces 18 Humphrey but quickly departs the falls, 10/1/2021 video by Hey Princess.
856 displaces 18 Humphrey but quickly departs the falls Explore.org 10.01.21-2
Video by Hey Princess
856 eats below the Brooks Falls platform, 10/1/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.03: 856 surveys the far pool, 10/3/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.04: 856 fishes the jacuzzi and the far pool, 10/4/2021 video by JG.
2021.10.06: 856 asserts himself to 503 and 115, 10/6/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.10.07: 856 confronts 469 Patches in the far pool, 10/7/2021 video by JG. He gives 469 a fairly gentle reminder with a few swats that he is more dominant.
856 peacefully displaces 480 Otis, 10/7/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.10.08: 856 initiates the far pool shuffle, 10/8/2021 video by mckate. "32 (Chunk) was glad to no longer be trapped against the falls and quickly nabbed the office. I'm not sure how long he got to keep it. 89 (Backpack) , 812, and 99 (left to right) didn't waste any time in getting out of 856's way."
2021.10.09: A very fat 856 fishes the far pool, 10/9/2021 video by JG.
2021.10.10: 856 patrols the far pool, 10/10/2021 video by mckate. 812, 99 and 820 can be seen (left to right) towards the end of the video. "I get the feeling that 856 is more interested in keeping others out of the far pool than he is in fishing. He's particularly hard on poor 89, but has no qualms about chasing youngsters 812 and 99 too. I don't remember him being like this the last few falls, but also don't remember him being such a presence in October. I wonder if he's taking advantage of 747's absence to reassert his dominance?"
2021.10.12: 856 was last observed fishing at night, 10/12/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2022: Adult Male[]
2022 Season:[]
Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) created this 2022 season video of 856, "Bear 856 2022."
June 2022:[]
2022.06.17 or prior: 856 was observed by Ranger Tammy Carmack on June 17, 2022 or prior. Ranger Tammy said "I didn't notice any wounds, but I didn't get a good look."
2022.06.24: 747 and 856 had their first interaction of the year on 6/24/2022, video by Jen Schneider. JG shared the following interpretation of the interaction between 856 and 747 at the falls (p 16:18). (Approx 16:14). "856 challenged 747 kept his ears forwards, 747 didn't take him up on it and 856 turned his back perceiving no threat."
In a 2nd interaction on 6/24/2022, 856 is in the J while 747 is seen in the background eating a fish, video by Cheryl B. 856 approaches 747 who is submissive and drops his fish which 856 finishes for him.
6-24-2022 BF (Part 1) 856 & 747 "Testing Boundaries" establishing hierarchy Explore.org-2
Video by Cheryl B
JG's video of multiple encounters during the day, 6/24/2022 video.
2022.06.25: 820 is seen walking in the oxbow area when 856 approaches from behind and is eating grass. 856 suddenly chases 820 who avoids a major confrontation, 6/25/2022 video by Flyer 4477.
2022.06.26: Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) shared two photos of 856 courting 901 on 7/6/2022, #1 and #2. "First bear observed upon our arrival at Brooks, 901 at the very back of the oxbow. And right on her heels, 856. Should have been my first clue this visit was going to be different from previous. We ran into them at every turn for the next two days. - Jun 26." Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) shared two additional photos of 856 courting 901 on 7/11/2022, #1 and #2. "This pair were great entertainment. First bears we saw this trip with 901 leading 856 through the lower river. Later at the falls they appeared again. Debate about who was wearing out who. My personal opinion is she was wearing out him. She sure didn't make any real attempts to lose him. We were to see the pair multiple additional times before they went their separate ways a couple days later. - Jun 26."
Please request Bonnie Hankins' (aka NutsBoutBears) permission prior to using her photographs!
_.01.jpg "901 June 26, 2022 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) .01.jpg (1.09 MB)")
_.01.jpg "856 June 26, 2022 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) .01.jpg (1.1 MB)")
_.02.jpg "901 June 26, 2022 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) .02.jpg (1.46 MB)")
_.02.jpg "856 June 26, 2022 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) .02.jpg (1.33 MB)")
856 courts 901, 6/26/2022 video by Cheryl B. 901 was 856's main focus during mating season in 2022.
2022.06.27 or prior: 856 is seen pursuing 901 in this 6/27/2022 or prior Instagram photo by johnstonoutdoor media.
2022.06.27: 128 Grazer and her cubs watch the 901/856 courtship parade go by, 6/27/2022 video by twelve22.
128 Grazer and Her Cubs Watch the 901-856 Courtship Parade Go By - June 27, 2022 (explore.org)
Video by twelve22
More encounters between 856 and 747, 6/27/2022 video by JG.
2022.06.27-07.01: Melissa Freels 6/27-7/1/2022 photo of 901 and 856. "901 was the "It" girl in early season, and she was relentlessly pursued by 856--from the lower river to the campground to the spit to Valley Road to the falls! We nearly met them head on as we explored the campground trail. When you see 901 and 856 together in person, their difference in size is immediately apparent, and I think this photo does a good job of conveying that." Melissa Freels' 6/27-7/1/2022 photo of 856 following 901 across the top of the falls.
Please request Melissa Freel's permission prior to using her photographs!
_and_856_(right)_June_27-July_1,_2022_photo_by_Melissa_Freels_.o1.jpg "901 (left) and 856 (right) June 27-July 1, 2022 photo by Melissa Freels .o1.jpg (1.69 MB)")
_and_856_(right)_June_27-July_1,_2022_photo_by_Melissa_Freels_.02.jpg "901 (left) and 856 (right) June 27-July 1, 2022 photo by Melissa Freels .02.jpg (2.03 MB)")
2022.06.28: 856, 6/28/2022 photo by Truman Everts. 856 photo by Truman Everts, 6/28/2022. "Trying (unsuccessfully, IMHO) to look innocent..." Truman Evert's 6/28/2022 photo of 856. "Always take Tinder pictures with a grain of salt..."
Please request Truman Everts' permission prior to using his photographs!
Melissa Freel's 6/28/2022 photo of a large looking 856.
Please request Melissa Freel's permission prior to using her photographs!
856 has the hiccups, gif created by Jag (p 20.52). The file is larger ( x ) than the server is configured to allow. Please click "gif" to view.
164 watches 856 eating his fish, 6/28/2022 video by Buddy's Mom. 856 is annoyed and charges 164. They move out of the frame. A young bear, possibly 137, takes advantage of the situation and scoops up 856's fish. When 856 returns, he looks at the camera as if to say "where did my fish go?"
A very determined 164 deflects 856's aggression twice, 6/28/2022 video by JG.
2022.06.29: Betsy Bear's 6/29/2022 photo of 856 (left) and 399 (right) during an altercation. This occurred on the first day that 399 arrived at Brooks Camp. 399 was a new bear and unaware of the hierarchy.
Please request BetsyBear's permission prior to using her photographs!
_and_399_(right)_June_29,_2022_photo_by_Betsy_Bear_.01.jpeg "856 (left) and 399 (right) June 29, 2022 photo by Betsy Bear .01.jpeg (324 KB)")
Melissa Freels also captured what appears to be the same interaction between newly arrived 399 and 856, 6/29/2022 photo.
Please request Melissa Freel's permission prior to using her photographs!
_and_399_(right)_June_29,_2022_photo_by_Melissa_Freels_.01.jpeg "856 (left) and 399 (right) June 29, 2022 photo by Melissa Freels .01.jpeg (214 KB)")
Some interactions between 856 and 399 on the first day that 399 was observed, 6/29/2022 video by JG. 856 quickly reinforced who was the dominant boar.
2022.06.30: JG captured this 6/30/2022 video of 856 asserting his dominance over 747. 856 approaches 747 on the lower river. 856 is seen jaw popping and cowboy walking. 747 lays down as 856 walks away. 856 circles around, approaches 747 again and walks into the tall grass as 747 turns and looks on.
July 2022:[]
856 appears on the list of Bears Monitored in July 2022.
2022.07.01: 856 close-up in the jacuzzi, 7/1/2022 video by Jen Schneider.
2022.07.02: Betsy Bear's 7/2/2022 photos of 856, #1 and #2.
Please request BetsyBear's permission prior to using her photographs!
164 runs into 856 (at 2:22) in the grass, has a brief interaction and is able to escape, 7/2/2022 video by twelve22.
2022.07.03: 856 fishes the far pool, 7/3/2022 video by JG.
2022.07.04: Betsy Bear's 7/4/2022 photo of 856.
Please request BetsyBear's permission prior to using her photographs!
856 follows (courts) 171, 7/4/2022 video by twelve22. "With a surprise pop up from a small blonde bear near the end."
2022.07.05: 504 with her 2 yearlings is at the oxbow, 7/5/2022 video by Birgitt. 856 approaches the family and is charged by 504. 856 decides to take an alternate route.
In Which 504 'Charge' Charges & 856 Decides He Really Would Rather Go Around 2022-07-05 21-19-08 (explore.org)
Video by Birgitt
856 continues to court 171, 7/5/2022 gifs by LunaCre, #1 and #2.
2022.07.06: 856 cowboy walks on the spit as possibly 747 sits in the water and watches, 7/6/2022 video by JG.
2022.07.08: CONTENT WARNING - GRAPHIC - MAY BE DISTURBING FOR SOME WIKI USERS!
39 and her 2 spring cubs have an encounter with 856. This encounter includes a fight between sow 39 and 856:
Please see the impromptu live chat done by Mike Fitz below ~ WARNING! ~ Please be advised, footage contained in the live chat may be disturbing for some viewers to watch. A fight between 39 and 856 is part of the footage.
Lovebigcats created this gif of 856 coming too close to 39 and her 2 spring cubs (p 16:31). Blair-55 created this gif of 856 chasing one of 39's spring cubs (p 16:32). MaryM Otis 2021 created this gif of 856 chasing 39's spring cub. Cruiser created this gif of 856 chasing 39's spring cub (p 16:34).:
WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT: Footage contained in the following videos may be disturbing for some viewers to watch:
Jen Schneider captured this video of the fight between 39 and 856.:
Graphic warning- 39 and 856 fight Brooks Falls Low cam Explore.org 7-8-2022
WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT: by Jen Schneider
Cheryl B (aka BearNecessities) captured this video of the altercation between 39 and 856:
7-8-2022 BFL GRAPHIC!!! 39 trying to protect her cubs has Intense fight with 856 Explore.org
GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING! by Cheryl B (aka BearNecessities)
Flyer 4477 (aka SteveCA) captured this video of the incident between 39, her two spring cubs and 856:
At 20:47, Melissa Freels shared the following information regarding 39 and her 2 spring cubs:
"Just fyi ... Someone shared the following on FB:" " ... a person at the platform witnessed the event and said both cubs survived. One treed, the other that ran got away. 856 gave up and went back to fishing. No updates yet if 39 and coy are reunited yet."
Melissa Freel's July 8, 2022 20:47 comment re: update on 39 and her 2 spring cubs, 856
Park visitor, Wenona Suydam was at Brooks Camp on July 8, 2022 when the altercation between 39 and 856 took place. Wenona gave eaglespirit permission to share the following personal photographs (p 13:54 07/10/22). Please request Wenona Suydam's permission prior to using their photographs.:
Park visitor, Wenona Suydam was at Brooks Camp on July 8, 2022 when the altercation between 39 and 856 took place. Wenona gave eaglespirit permission to share the following personal photographs (p 13:54 07/10/22). Please request Wenona Suydam's permission prior to using their photographs.
2022.07.09: 856 continues to court 171, 7/9/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.07.10: 856 pursues a sow believed to be 171 on the lower river, 7/10/2022 video by Jen Schneider.
2022.07.12: 856 ignores 634 Popeye catching a fish, 7/12/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.07.13: 856 eats his catch by the waterlogged island, 7/13/2022 video by Jen Schneider.
2022.07.15: 634 Popeye hangs tough when 856 blocks his way to the river, 7/15/2022 video by Flyer 4477.
2022.07.17: 856 conserving energy - catches fish while lying down, 7/17/2022 video by Jen Schneider.
856 conserving energy - catches fish while lying down Brooks Falls cam Explore.org 7-17-2022-2
Video by Jen Schneider
2022.07.18: 747 and 856 have a quick stare down before 856 walks away, 7/18/2022 video by Jen Schneider.
747 and 856 have a quick staredown before 856 walks away Brooks Falls cam Explore.org 7-18-2022
Video by Jen Schneider
2022.07.19: 856 walks by the platform and into the water, 7/19/2022 video by Jen Schneider.
2022.07.20: 856 vs 32 Chunk, 7/20/2022 video by chatter and Brooks Camp visitor Kara di Baleaux. Shared in chat on 8/4/2022. "856 marks tree in front of Chunk. They have an altercation and 856 struts away close to 747, who takes notice. Chunk moves up river soon after but keeps his distance from 747." 32 Chunk is seen at 0:53 (on the right) and at 1:52. 747 is seen at 1:30.
2022.07.22: 856 calmly displaces 747 from the J, 7/22/2022 video by Jen Schneider.
2022.07.25: 856 fishes from the conveyer, 7/25/2022 video by Jen Schneider.
2022.07.27: 856 arrives by the platform, 7/27/2022 video by Jen Schneider.
2022.07.29: 856 tolerates 230 fishing near him, 7/29/2022 video by Jen Schneider.
2022.07.30: 856 arrives from the top of the falls and all the bears take notice, 7/30/2022 video by Jen Schneider.
2022.07.31: 856 alternates sitting and standing on the conveyer to fish, 7/31/2022 video by JG.
August 2022:[]
2022.08.01: 856 is suddenly acting submissive to 747's approach, 8/1/2022 video by JG. Was there an off cam event that could have caused this?
2022.08.02: 32 Chunk charges 821, 856 notices and chases 32, 8/2/2022 video by Cheryl B.
BF. 32 bluff charges 821; 856 takes offense and gives chase, moving 151 Explore.org 8-2-22
Video by Cheryl B
2022.08.04: Gorgeous 856 relaxing at the falls, 8/4/2022 video by Jen Schneider.
2022.08.06: 856 (near) and 801 fish the far pool, 8/6/2022 video by Jen Schneider.
2022.08.11: 856 walks above the falls, 8/11/2022 video by mckate. "Walk, stop, lick lips, repeat. I wonder if he's trying to pick up the smells of the bears in the far pool as he approaches?"
2022.08.14: 856 fishes the office in this 8/14/2022 video by JG.
2022.08.17: 856 and 747 getting along in the far pool, 8/17/2022 video by Hey Princess.
2022 08.18: 747 displaces 856, 8/18/2022 video by JG. It appears that 747 is now the dominant boar.
2022.08.19: 856 enjoys his catch, 8/19/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.08.20: 856 spends some time on the lower river and eats clay, 8/20/2022 video by Jen Schneider.
2022.08.28: Tensions increase in the far pool between 856, 747 and 801, 8/28/2022 video by JG.
2022.08.29: 856 rests on top of the falls, 8/29/2022 video by JG.
747 (right) displaces 856 from the conveyer belt, 8/29/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.08.30: 856 backs 480 Otis against the falls, 8/30/2022 video by mckate. "I think this was the sequence of events. 856 displaced Otis from the office and, rather than move downstream, Otis stood watching 856 hoping to eventually regain the spot. 856 grew tired of being stared at and went over to give Otis the word. As 856 walked away, Otis growled at him which raised his ire so he forced Otis up against the falls. We know how much Otis hates being splashed, so being drenched this way was probably the worst part for him. These boars need more fish."
2022.08.31: 856 ejects 801 from the far pool, 8/31/2022 video by JG.
September 2022:[]
856 appears on the list of Bears Monitored in September 2022.
2022.09.01: 856 has the hiccups, 9/1/2022 video by Ssunny.Y.
2022.09.02: On 2/12/2023, cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor Bearoplane_747 shared two 9/2/2022 photos of 747 with 856 in the far pool, #1 and #2. "Happy 856 day! This handsome boar was fishing in the office on my day trip to Katmai on 9/2/22. He and the other boars were a little overshadowed by the adorable antics of 910's cub she's hard to look at from, but I still got some nice photos of everyone else. 747 in front with 856 in the office." Bearoplane_747 shared four additional photos of 856 on 2/12/2023, #1, #2, #3 and #4. "Here's a few more shots of 856 from my day trip on 9/2/22 as well! I really think 856 is a supermodel bear, he always reminds me of Derek Zoolander. "
Please request Bearoplane_747's permission prior to using their photographs!
_and_856_(far)_September_2,_2022_photo_by_Bearoplane_747_.01.jpg "747 (near) and 856 (far) September 2, 2022 photo by Bearoplane 747 .01.jpg (2.06 MB)")
_and_856_(far)_September_2,_2022_photo_by_Bearoplane_747_.02.jpg "747 (near) and 856 (far) September 2, 2022 photo by Bearoplane 747 .02.jpg (1.99 MB)")
747 pushes 856 downstream, 9/2/2022 video by mckate.
2022.09.04: 856's long fishing session in the office, 9/4/2022 video by JG.
2022.09.05: Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor bubdoggy shared this 9/5/2022 photo of 856 (left) and 634 Popeye (right) on 1/22/2023. "856 and 634 Popeye on 9/5/22." Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor bubdoggy shared a 9/5/2022 photo of 801, 747 and 856 on 1/25/2023. "801 was first bear that I posted a snap on the chat about when I went from being a lurker into being a chatter, so he holds a special place in my heart! I was so excited to see him in person on 9/5/22 at our first visit to the falls. He was in the far pool with his buddies 747 and 856. They both are more famous, but I do love 801." Bubdoggy shared 9/5/2022 photos of 856 on 2/12/2022, #1, #2, #3 and #4. Bubdoggy shared a 9/5/2022 photo of 856 and 634 Popeye on 2/12/2022. Bubdoggy shared two 9/5/2022 photos of 801, 747 and 856 on 2/12/2023, #1 and #2. "These three big guys made up the "Bearmuda Triangle" in the far pool on 9/5/22. Bears 801, 856 and 747."
Please request bubdoggy's permission prior to using their photographs!
_and_634_Popeye_(right)_September_5,_2022_photo_by_bubdoggy.jpg "856 (left) and 634 Popeye (right) September 5, 2022 photo by bubdoggy.jpg (3.86 MB)")
_with_747_(right)_and_856_(back)_September_5,_2022_photo_by_bubdoggy_.01.jpg "801 (left) with 747 (right) and 856 (back) September 5, 2022 photo by bubdoggy .01.jpg (2.81 MB)")
_and_634_Popeye_(right)_September_5,_2022_photo_by_bubdoggy_.02.jpg "856 (left) and 634 Popeye (right) September 5, 2022 photo by bubdoggy .02.jpg (3.83 MB)")
_747_(right)_and_856_(far)_September_5,_2022_photo_by_bubdoggy_.01.jpg "801 (left) 747 (right) and 856 (far) September 5, 2022 photo by bubdoggy .01.jpg (3.29 MB)")
_747_(right)_and_856_(far)_September_5,_2022_photo_by_bubdoggy_.02.jpg "801 (left) 747 (right) and 856 (far) September 5, 2022 photo by bubdoggy .02.jpg (3.13 MB)")
Bubdoggy (aka Scott and Kara Jones) shared this 9/5/2022 video of 634 Popeye (right), 856 (left) and 89 Backpack. "634 Popeye meets 856 at Alice's Restaurant. 89 Backpack does not want to join them and passes by."
634 Popeye meets 856 with 89 Backpack appearance 090522
Video by bubdoggy (aka Scott and Karen Jones)
Bubdoggy (aka Scott and Kara Jones) 9/5/2022 video, 747 displaying dominance to 856, 820 and 32 Chunk. "747 looped around the far pool showing every bear there that he is the boss. First he moved 856 out of the office just because he could, because he did not want the office. Then he moved a nervous 820 away from his favorite spot by the wall, while 856 moved back to the office. 32 Chunk had moved to 747's normally favored spot on the conveyor, so 747 completed his loop and moved 32 Chunk out. There were some impressive growls to be heard with this move. 801 held his spot during all this commotion. 907 fished successfully in the J while the big guys played musical bear chairs. 909 and 910, were fishing the lip. 910jr and 909jr watched the drama play out on the bank."
747 Displaying Dominance to 856 820 and 32 Chunk 090522 HD
Video by bubdoggy (aka Scott and kara Jones)
856 and 747 fish peacefully, 9/5/2022 video by Hey Princess.
2022.09.06: Cam viewer and Brooks camp visitor bubdoggy shared two 9/2022 photos of 32 Chunk, 747 and 856 on 2/12/2023, #1 and #2. "Here is a slightly different "Bearmuda Triangle" in the far pool on 9/6/22, with 32 Chunk replacing the role previously played by 801 on the day before, but 856 and 747 reprising their roles."
Please request bubdoggy's permission prior to using their photographs!
_747_(near)_and_856_(far)_September_6,_2022_photo_by_bubdoggy_.01.jpg "32 Chunk (left) 747 (near) and 856 (far) September 6, 2022 photo by bubdoggy .01.jpg (3.13 MB)")
_747_(near)_and_856_(far)_September_6,_2022_photo_by_bubdoggy_.02.jpg "32 Chunk (left) 747 (near) and 856 (far) September 6, 2022 photo by bubdoggy .02.jpg (2.84 MB)")
856 charges 32 Chunk and pushes him out of the office, 747 watches, 9/6/2022 video by Ssunny.Y.
-9-6-2022- 856, 747 & 32 Chunk "32 wants to be in the office" (Brooks Falls Bears explore.org)
Video by Ssunny.Y
2022.09.12: Brooks Camp visitor and cam viewer angrboda's 9/12/2022 photo of 856 and 32 Chunk.
Please request angrboda's permission prior to using her photographs!
_and_32_Chunk_(right)_September_12,_2022_photo_by_angerbodha_.01.jpeg "856 (left) and 32 Chunk (right) September 12, 2022 photo by angerbodha .01.jpeg (154 KB)")
2022.09.13: Brooks Camp visitor and cam viewer angrboda's 9/13/2022 photos of 856, #1 and #2. Please request angrboda's permission prior to using her photographs!
Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) shared a 9/13/2022 photo of 856 on 2/12/2023. "856 on 9/13/22. This photo was taken when the cams were down, and when there was a rare moment of sun peeking through the clouds and it wasn't raining."
Please request Lisa Robertson's (aka Larinor) permission prior to using her photographs! Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) shared a 9/13/2022 photo of 856 on 2/12/2023. "856 on 9/13/22. This photo was taken when the cams were down, and when there was a rare moment of sun peeking through the clouds and it wasn't raining."
Please request Lisa Robertson's (aka Larinor) permission prior to using her photographs!
_.01.jpg "856 September 13, 2022 photo by Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) .01.jpg (646 KB)")
Olatz Azcona Munárriz (aka Olatz) shared two 9/13/2022 photos of 856 on 2/12/2023, #1 and #2. "856 was fishing in the far pool when I made it to the platform the late morning of my first day trip to Brooks River, and was still there when I left a couple of hours and a half later." Olatz shared a 9/13/2022 photo of 856 on 12/30/2022. Olatz shared a 9/13/2022 photo of 856 on 1/13/2023.
Please request Olatz Azcona Munárriz's (aka Olatz) permission prior to using their photographs!
_.01.jpg "856 September 13, 2022 photo by Olatz Azcona Munárriz (aka Olatz) .01.jpg (5.4 MB)")
_.02.jpg "856 September 13, 2022 photo by Olatz Azcona Munárriz (aka Olatz) .02.jpg (3.31 MB)")
_.03.jpg "856 September 13, 2022 photo by Olatz Azcona Munárriz (aka Olatz) .03.jpg (3.88 MB)")
_.04.jpg "856 September 13, 2022 photo by Olatz Azcona Munárriz (aka Olatz) .04.jpg (3.3 MB)")
2022.09.17: Cams are back after being offline. 856 is seen fishing in the office and the far pool, 9/17/202 video by mckate.
2022.09.18: 747 and 856 share the far side of the falls, 9/18/2022 video by JG.
2022.09.20: A closer look at 856, 9/20/2022 video by Hey Princess.
2022.09.21: 856 finds a good scratching post in the riffles, 9/21/2022 video by Cruiser.
2022.09.23: Major lick lipping by 856 in the far pool, 9/23/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.09.25: 856 shows his huge size standing on the lip, 9/25/2022 video by Ssunny.Y.
-9-25-2022- 856 "Showing his huge size on the lip" (Brooks Falls Bears explore.org)
Video by Ssunny.Y
2022.09.26: 856 in close-ups, 9/26/2022 video by JG.
2022.09.29: 856 displaces 474 from the office, 9/29/2022 video by JG.
2022.09.30: 602 freezes after spotting 856 on the bank, 9/30/2022 video by mckate. "I don't think he expected to run into him here on the riffles. 856 made a point of walking over and looking at him. Yikes."
October 2022:[]
2022.10.07: 856 looks in on the falls, 10/7/2022 video by JG.
2022.10.09: 856 in the lower river, 10/9/2022 video by JG. 856 is resting on the far bank, gets up and scratches his back on a tree then heads out to fish.
2022.10.12: 856 makes three of 348, 10/12/2022 video by mckate. "Or maybe four or five. It's not often we get to see him standing near a three-year-old.
856 snoozes on the river bank, 10/12/2022 video by mckate.
2022.10.13: 856 on the lower river, 10/13/2022 snapshot by JoanK.
2022.10.17: RioSamba's snapshots of 856 on the lower river, #1 and #2,
2022.10.18: 856 was last observed on 10/18/2022, video by mckate.
2023: Adult Male[]
June 2023:[]
2023.06.28: 856 returns to the Brooks River for the 2023 season. Cruiser captured this video:
856 appears at BF 28Jun23 explore.org
video by Cruiser
856 finds high water at the falls in this video by mckate.:
28 Jun 2023- 856 Finds High Water at Falls (explore.org)
video by mckate
JG captured 856's return to the river from multiple cam views in this video:
856 returns - Explore.org June 28, 2023
video by JG
Cruiser created this gif of 856 licking his lips (p 20:43):
2023.06.29: Rae_Rae created these gifs (#1 & #2) of 856 making his way up river (p 17:50). Blair-55 created these gifs (#1 & #2) of 856 in the jacuzzi (p 17:04).:
July 2023:[]
2023.07.01: 856 gives 151 Walker a fright in this video captured by mckate:
1 Jul 2023- 856 Gives 151 a Fright (explore.org)
video by mckate
856 came in like a wrecking ball to assert his dominance over 151 Walker. Rae_Rae created this gif (p 21:03). Rae_Rae created this gif (p 21:10). Blair-55 created these gifs (#1, #2, #3, #4, #5 & #6) of 856 and 151 Walker (p 07/02/23 05:39).:
Cruiser captured this video of 856 going after 151 Walker on July 1, 2023.:
856 goes after 151 Walker BF 01Jul23 explore.org
video by Cruiser
856 towers over 151 Walker as he "reminds" him who is higher in the hierarchy! Video by JG.:
856 issues 151 a reminder - Explore.org July 1, 2023-2
video by JG
2023.07.02: Blair-55 created these gifs (#1, #2, & #3) of 856 with fresh wounds (p 06:23). Cruiser created this gif of 856 walking by the Brooks Falls Low cam (p 06:38).:
856 shows his new wounds in this video captured by mckate:
2 Jul 2023- 856 Shows New Wounds (explore.org)
video by mckate
Flyer 4477 (aka SteveCa) captured this video of 856 making a morning visit to Brooks Falls on July 2, 2023.:
2023-07-02...856 Morning Visit to Brooks Falls...Courtesy of Explore.org
video by Flyer 4477 (aka SteveCa)
2023.07.05: 856 chases 151 Walker down river into the riffles, then 856 walks on the bank of the riffles in this video by mckate:
5 Jul 2023- 856 Chases 151, Walks Riffles Bank (explore.org)
video by mckate
856 charges 151 Walker in the lower river. Blair-55 created this gif (p 07/06/23 04:23). 856 was moving so quickly that even the live cam had trouble keeping up with him. 856 and 151 Walker must have kept going at a high rate of speed because a very short time later Walker showed up at the riffles and 856 went to the J. Neither was out of breath!::
mckate captured this video of 856 chasing 151 Walker:
5 Jul 2023- 856 Chases 151 Yet Again (explore.org)
video by mckate
Sometimes even the dominant boar has to shake it off; July 5, 2023 gif created by JG (p 20:35).:
2023.07.06: 856 rests on the island in mckate's video:
6 Jul 2023- 856 Rests on Island (explore.org)
video by mckate
856 displays his dominance for 747 in this video captured by mckate:
6 Jul 2023- 856 Postures in Front of 747 (explore.org)
video by mckate
856 displaces 747 from the jacuzzi in mckate's video:
6 Jul 2023- 856 Moves 747 from the J (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.07.07: 856 checking above the falls gif created by Cruiser (p 05:43). Blair-55 created these July 7, 2023 gifs (#1, #2 & #3) of 856 (p 12:16).:
856 watches from the bank in this video captured by mckate:
7 Jul 2023- 856 Watches from the Bank (explore.org)
video by mckate
JG described the interaction between 634 Popeye (left) and 856 (right) on July 7, 2023: "The RF camera was zoomed out but you can make out that 856 charged at 634 off the bank above the falls kind of like he did to 151. 634 pushed back and swatted 856. Then 856 swatted him twice. They stood face to face with 634 protest growling. 856 turned his back and went back on the bank." (p 15:39). Blair-55 created these gifs (#1 & #2) of 634 Popeye (left) and 856 (right) after the cam got a better view while the interaction between the two boars continued (p 15:47)
856 disturbs 747's restful slumber on what remains of the island in this video by mckate.:
7 Jul 2023- 856 Thinks 747 Looks Too Comfortable (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.07.08: 856 walks by the Brooks Falls Low view cam. Blair-55 created this gif (p 10:06). NYCSteve created this gif (p 10:09). 856's approach from stage right prompts 128 Grazer's exit stage left in these gifs (#1 of 128 & #2 of 856) created by Cruiser (p 13:19). 856 makes a catch and dines behind the platform in these gifs (#1 & #2) created by Blair-55 (p 18:22). 856 makes another catch and takes it to go again in these gifs (#1 & #2) created by Blair-55 (p 18:38). 856 (near) and 747 (far) gif created by oregonshefisher (p 19:29).:
2023.07.09: 856 can't abide 634 Popeye's lip fishing video by mckate:
9 Jul 2023- 856 Can't Abide 634's Lip Fishing (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.07.10: Mike Fitz shares his morning of July 10, 2023 observation of 171 and 856 courting and mating as he stepped out of his cabin at approximately 8:40 into this video.:
On the Ground at Brooks Falls - More to Explore
856 & 171 courting and mating July 10, 2023 approximately 8:40 into this video
2023.07.11: 856 displaces 12 Grazer gif created by Cruiser (p 19:59).:
2023.07.12: 856 says "Pardon me, you're in my seat" to 747 in this video captured by mckate:
12 Jul 2023- Pardon Me, You're in My Seat (explore.org)
video by mckate
856 scares 27 away in mckate's video:
12 Jul 2023- 856 Scares 27 Away (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.07.13: 856 disturbs 747's nap in this video mckate captured:
13 Jul 2023- 856 Disturbs 747's Nap (explore.org)
video by mckate
856 takes his big catch to go in this gif created by iwillreignite (p 18:12):
2023.07.15: 856 chases 912 "Mufasa" in this video captured by mckate:
15 Jul 2023- 856 Chases 912 Away from J (explore.org)
video by mckate
856 pirates from 912 "Mufasa" in this video mckate captured:
15 Jul 2023- 856 Pirates from 912 (explore.org)
video by mckate
The dominance hierarchy story of the 2023 season continues to unfold in the two interactions captured by mckate on July 15, 2023.
In chapter one of today's display of dominance, 32 Chunk tells 747 he is not welcome in the far pool. 747 stood there for the longest time afterwards. Chunk seems to be enjoying throwing his weight around. mckate's video of the 32 & 747 interaction:
15 Jul 2023- 32 Tells 747 He's Not Welcome in Far Pool (explore.org)
video by mckate
Later, 856 Reminds 32 Who's Boss. mckate notes: "It looked like 856 came down the hill specifically to do this, so I suspect that he witnessed 32 keeping 747 from the far pool. 856 is always watching...". mckate's video of the 856 & 32 interaction:
15 Jul 2023- 856 Reminds 32 Who's Boss (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.07.18: 856 has a discussion with 32 Chunk in this video by mckate:
18 Jul 2023- 856 Has a Discussion with 32 (explore.org)
video by mckate
856 displaces 27 in this gif created by Blair-55 (p 18:13):
17 (aka "505F") climbs the lip of the falls to flee 856 in this video captured by LaBelleCorisande:
17 climbs lip fleeing 856 2023-07-18 c. 5-15pm RF, BF explore.org
video by LaBelleCorisande
2023.07.25: Gwynne created this gif of 856 (p 09:03):
September 2023:[]
2023.09.08: 856 returns from his walkabout in this video mckate captured:
8 Sep 2023- 856 Returns from His Walkabout (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.09.09: 856 startles 602 in this gif created by Blair-55 (p 19:51):
856 has a little fun at 602's expense in this video by mckate:
9 Sep 2023- 856 Has a Little Fun at 602's Expense (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.09.23: Blair-55 created this gif of 856 in the office (p 19:30).:
856 returns and moves 32 Chunk from the office in this video captured by mckate. 32 Chunk did not look happy. He's been enjoying his status as the temporary top boar.:
23 Sep 2023- 856 Returns and Moves 32 from Office (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.09.24: 856 (right) charges 747 (left) on the evening of September 24, 2023 gif created by Pablo Hablo (p 09/25/23 06:26). 747 responded with his characteristic head-down but not backing up at all.:
2023.09.25: 32 awakened from his daydream in this video by mckate. Nothing like 856 strolling right by to bring you to full alertness.:
25 Sep 2023- 32 Awakened from His Daydream (explore.org)
video by mckate
October 2023:[]
2023.10.16: 856 fishes the office in mckate's video:
16 Oct 2023- 856 Fishes the Office (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.10.21: 856 walks the oxbow in this video by mckate:
21 Oct 2023- 856 Walks the Oxbow (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.10.22: 856 jumps 602? in this video captured by mckate. It was hard to tell who 856 confronted. (Note that they switch places mid-way through.) Some thought 299, but I didn't think it looked like his muzzle. I see that JG thinks it might have been 602 which makes more sense. If this is him, 602 has really become a target for the big guys because 747 tried to run him off back in July.:
22 Oct 2023- 856 Jumps 602? (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.10.24: 856 chases down a fish in mckate's video. It's always fun to see the big ole bears displacing water. Note that the little fox is back. He was in the grass when 856 laid down to eat.:
24 Oct 2023- 856 Chases Down a Fish (explore.org)
video by mckate
November 2023:[]
2023.11.01: 856 drops in captured in this video by mckate:
1 Nov 2023- 856 Drops In (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.11.03: 856 tries to chase down a fish in this video captured by mckate:
3 Nov 2023- 856 Tries to Chase Down a Fish (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.11.04: 856 makes the rounds at the falls in mckate's video:
4 Nov 2023- 856 Makes the Rounds of the Falls (explore.org)
video by mckate
Traits of a Dominant Bear[]
The following information is from Katmai Terrane blog: Being Dominant by Ranger Michael Fitz:
Dominant male bears along the Brooks River gain many advantages over other bears. They can access the most preferred fishing spots when they choose, easily appropriate food from other bears, and have a higher likelihood of courting female bears and siring offspring. Gaining access to food allows bears to grow larger. Growing larger gives bears a greater chance to become reproductively successful.
856 is a mature and large adult male who is frequently seen at Brooks Falls. He has his pick of fishing spots and is unchallenged when courting females. He’s the most dominant bear seen along the Brooks River over the past few summers. But, how does a bear become dominant? What behavioral signs indicate a dominant bear?
Traits of a dominant bear:
- Large: Dominant bears are typically the largest bears.
- Male: The most dominant bears are adult males, most likely because males are 1/2 to 1/3 larger than females.
- Assertive: Dominant bears have an assertive disposition, move in an apparently confident manner through the river, and often ignore competing bears.
- Body and Ear Positioning: Dominant bears approach other bears with their head up and ears forward.
856 consistently demonstrates all of those physical characteristics and behaviors. In contrast, submissive or subordinate bears yield space and resources to 856 and bears like him. During an encounter, submissive bears also hold their head lower and position their ears back against their head. They are defensive and usually choose to avoid the approach of dominant bears.
Dominance simply means having power and influence over others . Dominant bears influence the movement and behavior of other nearby bears, and while they can’t command another bear to do anything they can use their size, strength, and power to force bears to yield or move away. 856 uses his size and disposition (he is more willing to assert himself around other bears) to gain access to the resources that he wants. Bears live in a competitive world where the biggest animals acquire and maintain greater access to the resources necessary to survive. In a bear’s world, being dominant is yet another way to win the game of life.
Fun Facts About 856:[]
- In one notable moment in 2013, 274 Overflow managed to steal a fish from 856 when 856 bear confronted another male. Seeing that 856 had left his fish unattended, 274 swooped in, picked it up, and ran quickly down river before 856, the dominant boar turned around.
- In July 2014, 856 spent considerable time courting females. Consequently, he was noticeably skinnier than #747 or #814 by the end of that month.
- In July 2015, 775 Lefty, inexperienced at fishing Brooks Falls, challenged 856 for fish. July 2015 was the first season that 775 Lefty was observed at Brooks Falls in July. Before 2015, 775 only fished along the Brooks River in the fall. Luckily for 775 Lefty, his inexperience with a dominant boar like 856 did not end badly.
- 856 is often seen repeatedly licking his lips while he fishes and walks around Brooks Falls. 814 Lurch also shared this same behavior.
Known Courting & Mating:[]
2010:[]
402 Courting & Mating:[]
856 courted and mated with 402 in 2010. See above July 2011 information in Life History section for additional information. Brooks Camp's July 9, 2010 tweet re: 856 mated with 402 on the evening of July 8, 2010. 402 also mated with 218 Ugly the same evening.:
2011:[]
94 Courting & Mating:[]
856 courted and mated with 94 in July 2011.
2012:[]
402 Courting & Mating:[]
402 and 856 courted and mated again in 2012.
744 Dent Courting:[]
July 6, 2012 video by endoplasmic1357. 856 can be observed courting 744 Dent at 4:20 into this 2012 video.
2013:[]
450 Courting & Mating:[]
In June 2013 856 was observed courting and mating with 450 . Explore.org created this highlight video .Mike Fitz provided the ID of 450 on February 21, 2018.
2014:[]
402 Courting & Mating:[]
856 separated 402 from her yearling (503) in July 2014.
On July 21, 2014, after a courtship lasting about 12 days, 856 mated with 402 near the falls.
708 Amelia Courting on July 7, 2014:
Laszlo Molnar captured 7/7/2014 video of 856 courting 708 at Brooks Falls. The pair can be seen from 5:20-6:17.
708 Amelia Courting Late June / Early July 2014 & Mating July 14, 2014 :[]
856 was observed courting 708 Amelia the week prior to July 12, 2014. An NPS photo by Ranger Michael Fitz appears in the July 15, 2014 Katmai Terrane blog: Being Dominant . Ranger Jeanne commented on July 12, 2014 that 856 was courting 708 Amelia last week.:
856 was observed mating with 708 Amelia on July 14, 2014. There was a video by Hermosa Paul on youTube, but youTube deleted it beacuse the words bear porn appeared in the title of the video. Mike Fitz did confirm the identification of the two bears in the video prior to it being deleted .
2015:[]
289 Courting & Possibly Mating:[]
856 was observed courting 289 during the 2015 season. 289's page of the 2016 Bears of Brooks River book, page 43 provides this information:
On July 12, 2015 at approximately 11:30 AKDT, 856 was observed mating with a bear that is believed to possibly be 289, video by MsDebbiB:
Later that same day (July 12, 2015) Martina captured this video of 856 continuing to court the same adult female, believed to also possibly be 289.:
410 Courting:[]
856 was observed courting 410 in June and July 2015. Volunteer in Park Anna-Marie AZ captured this video of 856 courting 410 during the 2015 season.
June 2015:[]
Explore.org created this June 2015 highlight video of 856 courting 410:
July 2015:[]
2015.07.??: 856 courting 410 photographs by Laura Lyn Photography: Photo #1 , & Photo #2
2015.07.01: 856 courting 410 Four-Ton video by Mso Belle:
2015.07.02: 856 courting 410 near lower river gif by IslandDunesGal .
2016:[]
289 Courting & Mating:[]
856 courted and mated with 289 in July 2016.
2018:[]
409 Courting:[]
856 was courting 409 Beadnose June 6, 2018 and the few days prior per Mike Fitz' June 6, 2018 Explore.org blog: Brooks River Bear Mating Season :
"Over the past few days at Brooks River, one of the area’s most dominant bears, 856, has been incessantly following the adult female 409 Beadnose. 409, many bearcam viewers may remember, raised two yearling cubs last summer, and she was seen with them earlier this spring. Now however, we know she has emancipated her cubs and is once again single. 856, perhaps more than anyone, knows this as well, and his proximity to Beadnose reveals his amorous intentions."
On the morning of June 16, 2018, 856 was observed courting 409 Beadnose per Ranger Russ' June 16, 2018 10:35 comment : "Good morning from Alaska. I'll be here the next half hour should you have any questions. Yes, we do expect to have the bearcams to be running and the Bear Book out by next week.
There were no bear sightings yesterday. This morning 856 was seen pursuing 409. I was not able to make a photograph, but it was confirmed by several people that they were the bears seen."
2019:[]
128 Grazer: 856 Courting 128 Grazer Maybe? June 27, 2019:[]
856 appears to possibly be courting 128 Grazer and possibly be protecting his courting rights from another unidentified adult male in this June 27, 2019 video by Erum Chad.:
856 courting 128 Grazer above the falls video by Birgitt.:
854 Divot: 856 Courting 854 Divot, June 2019:[]
856 can be observed courting 854 Divot at various points in the June 2019 video by Marvin Neitzert.:
Brenda D captured this video of 856 courting 854 Divot on June 29, 2019:
2020:[]
402: 856 Courting 402, June 2020:[]
2020.06.26: Cruiser created this video of 856 courting 402.:
_and_747_(right)_confrontation_July_18,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_July_19,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_and_503_(far)_July_24,_2021_gif_by_Martina.gif){kind=link}
_and_856_(right)_July_25,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_July_29,_2021_snapshot_by_cathy73.jpg){kind=link}
_and_856_(right)_July_30,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_and_747_(right)_September_8,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_and_747_(right)_September_9,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_and_634_Popeye_(right)_September_17,_2021_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
_and_747_(right)_August_29,_2022_gif_by_LunaCre.gif){kind=link}
2021:[]
171: 856 courting 171[]
July 2021:[]
2021.07.06: 171 being courted by 856? 7/6/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.07.10: 402 being courted by 856, 7/10/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2022:[]
June 2022:[]
2022.06.26: Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) shared two photos of 856 courting 901 on 7/6/2022, #1 and #2. Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) shared two additional photos of 856 courting 901 on 7/11/2022, #1 and #2.
Please request Bonnie Hankins' (aka NutsBoutBears) permission prior to using her photographs!
856 courts 901, 6/26/2022 video by Cheryl B. 901 was 856's main focus during mating season in 2022.
2022.06.27 or prior: 856 is seen pursuing 901 in this 6/27/2022 or prior Instagram photo by johnstonoutdoor media.
2022.06.27: 128 Grazer and her cubs watch the 901/856 courtship parade go by, 6/27/2022 video by twelve22.
128 Grazer and Her Cubs Watch the 901-856 Courtship Parade Go By - June 27, 2022 (explore.org)
Video by twelve22
2022.06.28: 164 "Bucky Dent" holds his own against 856 and then catches a fish mid-air in Cheryl B's video:
6-28-2022 164 Bucky Dent holds his own with 856 then catches a fish mid air Explore.org
video by Cheryl B
July 2022:[]
2022.07.04: 856 follows (courts) 171, 7/4/2022 video by twelve22. "With a surprise pop up from a small blonde bear near the end."
2022.07.05: 856 continues to court 171, 7/5/2022 gifs by LunaCre, #1 and #2.
2022.07.09: 856 continues to court 171, 7/9/2022 gif by LunaCre.
2022.07.10: 856 pursues a sow on the lower river, 7/10/2022 video by Jen Schneider.
2023:[]
856 & 171 Courting & Mating:[]
July 2023:[]
2023.07.10: Mike Fitz shares his morning of July 10, 2023 observation of 171 and 856 courting and mating as he stepped out of his cabin at approximately 8:40 into this video.:
On the Ground at Brooks Falls - More to Explore
856 & 171 courting and mating July 10, 2023 approximately 8:40 into this video
Known Relatives:[]
There are no known (DNA confirmed) relatives of 856 at this time.[]
Siblings: None Known[]
The subject of 856 having possible siblings came up on January 18, 2020. Mike Fitz commented on this subject on January 20, 2020 at 09:24 :
GreenRIver's January 18, 2020 05:50 comment : "I have always wondered. Did 856 have any siblings? Would be interesting to know. Cuz I would love to see if he has treated them any differently than other bears if he did."
Mike Fitz' January 20, 2020 09:24 comment in reply to GreenRiver: "856 was first identified in 2006 and the bear monitoring database from that time does not mention any possible sibling relationships. So if he has any, we don't know. Brothers are so rarely seen together at the falls as adults that we don't have many observations to say whether they'd be more tolerant of each other compared to unrelated bears. The only example I can think of is 83 and 868 who were suspected to be brothers from the same litter. 83 always seemed to be more dominant than 868 but they didn't interact much at the falls, although they would play fight in the lower river in late summer..."
Genetics Study Samples Obtained:[]
2006: Hair Sample Obtained by Ranger Tamara Olson, Wildlife Biologist[]
856 was successfully sampled in 2006 by former wildlife biologist Tamara Olson who obtained a hair sample.
2016: Attempted, Unsuccessful by Ranger Michael Saxton[]
Ranger Michael Saxton attempted to dart 856 in 2016, the attempt was unsuccessful.
2017: None Known[]
There were no darting attempts, successful or unsuccessful, of 856 in 2017 by Ranger Michael Saxton.