Known Litters of Cubs

Known Litters of Cubs by Sow:

Note:  Click on the links provided below for blogs, and to view photographs or videos of the sows with cubs  each link is associated with.  A separate page was added to look up Sows and Cubs by year going back to 1982. Starting in 2020 this page will not be updated further. See each individual sow's Bear Book Wikipedia page.

1 Goatee:

1988: Goatee was identified as an older adult female by S. Fitkin and T. Olson.

1989: 2 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year - one of these spring cubs is believed to be 410 (Chowmane, Cubless, Four-ton). The other spring cub was killed at Brooks Falls by a boar in July 1989. The other spring cub (410) escaped up a tree.

1990: 1 Remaining Yearling - 410 (Chowmane, Cubless, Four-ton) is believed to be this yearling.

39 (AKA 153): 

2011:  1 Spring Cub / Cub-of-the-Year

2012:  1 Yearling ~ A photo of 39 with her yearling can be seen on page 27 of the 2015 Bears of Brooks River book. Ranger Jeanne captured 48 photos of 39 and her yearling on 7/8, 7/12 and 7/14/2012. Click the right arrow to view all 48 photos.

2016: Sow 39 was not thought to be seen in 2016. NOTE: In 2017 it was realized that she was misidentified in the fall of 2016 as sow 171 with 3 spring cubs (many 2016 videos are labeled 171 and 3 spring cubs). This is 39's 2nd known litter. NOTE: In 2017 she was re-identified as bear 153. On 10/3/16 Erie captured 39 and her 3 spring cubs at Brooks Falls. 39's dark cub with a prominent natal collar can be clearly seen. Erie captured 39 and her 3 cubs twice on 10/8/2016, video #1 and video #2. 39 and her 3 cubs were filmed in the oxbow area on 10/17/2016, video by Erie. 39 and her 3 cubs can be seen in this Melissa Freels video on 10/21/16. Note the natal collar on the first cub behind her. It can also be seen in 2017. The video is titled 171 but is now known to be 39. Cam viewer Erie also captured 39 and her 3 cubs on 10/21/2016, part 1, part 2 and part 3. The family is viewed traveling between the oxbow and corner, eating salmon scraps and resting.

2017: NOTE: When the 2018 Bear Book was released, it was learned that the bear previously identified as 153 in 2016 was now re-identified as bear 39, "Previously, this bear was misnumbered as bear #153. They are now thought to be the same bear." There will be many 2017 videos on YouTube, Vimeo etc labeled as 153 and yearlings. Those videos are actually bear 39.

Bear 39 returned to Brooks Falls in early July with 3 yearlings. On 7/2/17 Brenda D filmed the family at Brooks Falls (video is not 171 as labeled). It is early in the season and 39 and cubs are shedding and appear thin. The family can be seen in this 7/3/17 photo by Tina Crowe (photo used with permission) on the bank of the riffles. In a photo taken 7/6/17 by Truman Everts (used with permission), 39 and her yearlings are resting on the south bank, near the bear monitor's chair. A 7/6/2017 video by Mickey Williams shows 39 and her 3 yearlings fishing just below the far pool area of Brooks Falls (video is not 171 as labeled). NOTE: 39 was misidentified in the fall of 2016 and early in 2017 as sow 171. 39 and her cubs can be seen from 3:54-4:55 in this mid- July video by Graham Bloye. One of the cubs had an unfortunate encounter with a porcupine per the Rangers. The quills are seen in the cub's right front lower leg at 4:22. The cub recovered quickly and had no limp within a few days. On 7/19/17 the 39 family is seen cautiously fishing at Brooks Falls with male bears 32 and 856 nearby, video by st mango. This 7/22/17 post by Brooks Lodge Facebook shows 39 with her 3 yearlings, photo by Kara Stenberg. Karen Hanson filmed the 39 family at Brooks Falls (1:32-1:50). The dark cub's distinct natal collar is still present as a yearling (3:01-3:30). Another 7/23/17 video by Scammin shows 39 and her cubs near the treehouse at Brooks Falls. Joe Morris Photography captured 39 and 1 yearling on 7/23/2017 and the 39 family on 7/27/2017. Park visitor Sonja Wieck filmed the 39 family in the summer of 2017. They are seen at 0:21-0:40 and at 1:28-2:05 a 39 cub catches a good sized salmon. 39's cubs have shown good fishing skills for yearlings. On 8/4/17 39 is observed disciplining a cub that wants some of her salmon. Another cub takes the salmon while this occurs, video by flyer 7474. Another 8/4/17 video by Brenda D shows the defensiveness of sows when they feel their cubs are threatened. At the adjusted time stamp of 8:44, a 128 cub is observed alone, the camera pans to 39 and cubs. One of the 39 cubs gets caught in the current, is swept downstream and while trying to climb back is attacked by sow 128. A scuffle ensues between 128 and 39 to protect their cubs. Both families continue fishing after the event. Explore Bears & Bison posted this September, 2017 video of 39 and her yearlings in the riffles (video is not 153 as labeled). The 39 family is seen at Brooks Falls late in the season, video by flyer 7474, on 9/29/17.

Note: 39 was successfully darted for the DNA study.

2018: A sow who resembled 39 was observed during a Play By Play on 7/4/18. Mike Fitz could not give positive identification but if it is 39, she has emancipated her 3 cubs.

2019 and 2020: See 39's Bear Book Wikipedia page for 2019 and 2020 information.

94:

2008:  3 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ female 289 is believed to be one of the offspring from this litter.  In October of 2018, Mike Fitz commented that 94 was possibly only 5.5 years old when she had this first litter. There was also speculation that 94 was an offspring of 236 Milkshake's 2003 Litter. A photo of 94 with one of these spring cubs can be seen on page 28 of the 2015 Bears of Brooks River book.

2009:  2 Remaining Yearlings ~ female 289 is believed to be one of the offspring from this litter.  94 lost one of the spring cubs from this 2008 litter sometime between fall of 2008 and summer of 2009.  A photo of 94 with her 2 yearlings can also be seen on page 28 of the 2015 Bears of Brooks River book.

2015:  2 Spring Cubs   / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ 2nd known litter  ~  Stephen Brkich captured 94 and her 2 spring cubs in this video from September/2015. Elaine G's September 17, 2015 photo of 94 with her 2 spring cubs    Martina's September 19, 2015 gif of 94 with her 2 spring cubs   Other September 19, 2015 gifs of 94's family group by Martina are found here    and  here  .  Victoria White captured 94 and her 2 cubs on the closed trail, 9/17/2015. Video of 94 chasing another bear down the spit to protect her cubs, 9/19/15, video by rossetro. Mike Fitz also captured 94 and her cubs on 9/19/2015. A photo by Images by Walt taken a day earlier on 9/18/2015 also appears to be 94 and her 2 spring cubs. A 10/5/15 video by Mickey Williams shows 94 with her 2 cubs late in the season walking on the spit road. The darker cub is the one thought to have been lost between fall of 2015 and spring of 2016.

2016: 94 was believed to have returned in 2016 with only 1 yearling It was thought early in the 2016 season that she might have returned with 2 yearlings but she was never officially observed by the Rangers with 2 cubs. A number of June 2016 videos and photos resembled 94 but there was never any confirmation. On 1/28/2020 Mike Fitz was able to identify 94 with 2 yearling cubs . The family can be seen in 3 videos on 6/20/2016 by Mickey Williams, Erum Chad and eiguoc. Martina also captured 6 photos (1-6) and 2 videos (7-8) on 6/20/2016 at this link. The family was again seen on 6/26/2016, video by Tzz Oha. 94 was not observed on the cams again until 9/10/2016 at which time she only had 1 yearling. It is unknown what happened to the 2nd yearling. Park visitor Ana captured a very loud confrontation between 94 (1 yearling) and 409 Beadnose (2 spring cubs) on 9/10/2016. Both sets of cubs probably treed themselves. The sows and their cubs were seen later no worse for the wear. A lone yearling was observed on the spit on 9/11/2016, video by Melissa Freels. Could this have been 94's missing cub? 94 and her remaining yearling were observed resting by the grassy point on 9/12/2016, video by Mickey Williams. On 9/15/2016 Ranger Daniel stopped in chat and discussed the missing yearling. He said that he had seen it that morning. His comments are at this link. Brooks Lodge Facebook posted a Kara Stenberg photo of 94 and her yearling on 9/16/2016. The lone yearling was viewed again on 9/20/2019, video by Melissa Freels. At 2:36 the yearling is bluff charged by 435 Holly. Martina captured 94 and her cub by the lower river bridge gate on 10/6/2016. The cub is seen laying by the gate eating salmon scraps. 94's yearling became more independent as summer turned to fall, often wandering away from his Mom. In a 10/25/2016 video by Melissa Freels, 94 and her yearling are seen on the spit when something scares 94. She can be seen running toward her cub and knocking him over in her haste. The cub was not injured. A video by Cam viewer GreenRiver shows 94 and her cub throughout the 2016 season.

Note: 94 was successfully darted for the DNA study, video by Erie, 22:33-24:36.

2017: 94 is believed to have been seen on 7/9/2017 as a single female. She was observed in September without her male cub who was emancipated.

2018: On 7/15/18 a dark sow with 3 spring cubs was observed on the lower river walking on the spit road and then in front of the viewing platform. She can be seen in this video by Lani H. This sow was not seen again until she appeared on the web cam on 7/20/18, again on the lower river spit road and past the viewing platform with her 3 dark cubs, video by Lani H. Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor Lynne Lewis captured 94 and her spring cubs on the lower river during a 7/20-7/23/2018 visit. Click the right arrow to view 18 photos. On the morning of 7/21/18, Ranger Russ stopped in the chat to announce that this sow was in fact bear 94. This is 94's 3rd known litter of cubs and her 2nd litter of 3. A Costel Necula Instagram video shows 94 and her 3 spring cubs walking along the beach in July. Park visitor Mark Forsyth also filmed 94 and her cubs walking by the lower river platform (1:09-2:11). On 7/28/18 Ranger Russ Taylor posted his photo of 94 and her 3 spring cubs on the spit. During a 8/24/18 text chat, Ranger Russ Taylor shared a photo of 94 and her cubs that was taken on 7/20/18. In this July video captured by Thomas Luley, 94 is seen on the lower river running and pouncing for salmon while her 3 spring cubs follow her on the bank (10:44-11:38). 94 and her cubs were mostly observed in the oxbow area, closed trail and the spit during the 2018 season. She was not known to be observed at Brooks Falls. 94 often treed her cubs when she would fish in the oxbow area. On 7/30/18 this behavior was observed at least 3 different times. On one of those occasions (video by Lani H), 94's cubs would not come back down so she climbed the tree to retrieve them. 94 climbs up at 0:19 and comes back down at 2:13 with the 3 cubs following. Watch on full screen. Taylor Thomas Albright photographed 94 and cubs during the 2018 season. In the month of August, the 94 family was last seen on the lower river and spit area, both videos by flyer 7474, 8/10/2018. They then traveled to Margot Creek. When the salmon run has subsided at Brooks many bears travel to other streams and creeks where salmon may still be running. In this September 9, 2018 video by Mereidi Liebner, 94 and her 3 cubs are observed at Margot Creek, approximately 10-12 miles from Brooks Camp. Cam viewer RiverPa who was visiting Katmai happened to witness this event and confirmed the location. Mike Fitz was able to identify 94 and also commented "The behavior also indicates a bear who's highly habituated to the presence of people" as evidenced by 94 closely approaching the boat. RiverPa was able to capture 3 photos of this encounter, Photo #1, #2 and #3. A Place in Time Photos Maui on Instagram (Jen Rogers) also captured 94 and her 3 spring cubs during their time at Margot Creek. 94 and her spring cubs returned to the Brooks area on 9/20/18, video by Lani H. The cubs discovered a broken slat in the bridge gate and explored the floating bridge on a few occasions, videos by Lani H. 94 was frequently seen nursing her cubs on the spit, as seen in this 9/26/18 video by Birgitt Evans. BearWatcher, mckate filmed the family on the underwater camera as they swam by the lower river bridge, 9/28/2018. In a 9/28/2018 video by Birgitt, 94 and her 3 spring cubs meet subadult sisters 909 and 910 on the spit. An Instagram photo by Nomadruss on 9/28/2018 shows 94 and her 3 spring cubs in early fall. The cubs are still displaying their natal collars. Birgitt captured video of 94 nursing her cubs on 9/30/2018. On 10/7/2018 Birgitt filmed the 94 family on the spit with 132 and her spring cub. Both sows were tolerant of each others presence although 94's cubs appeared cautious. The 94 family was seen late in the season on the lower river looking ready to head to den, video by Birgitt, 10/20/2018. Cam viewer Deanna Dittloff captured the 94 family in a 2018 season video.

2019: On June 21, 2019 Ranger Naomi Boak posted in chat "here is a picture of a sow with three yearlings out by the spit road." The sow appears to be 94 with all 3 yearlings from her 2018 litter. Ranger Boak later commented that "I took the photo of 94 yesterday, 6-20-19." Brooks Lodge Facebook posted a Kara Stenberg photo of 94 and her 3 yearlings on the beach on 6/22/2019. Ranger Naomi dropped by chat on 6/27/2019 and posted a photo of 3 yearlings but was unsure of the sow they belonged to. She later posted a 2nd photo and confirmed they were the yearlings of 94. Photo #1 and photo #2. Pam Dorner posted a 2019 photo of 94 and her 3 yearlings on Instagram, exact date unknown. Andy Coleman Photography captured 2019 photos of 94 and her 3 yearlings on the spit (photo #12) and 94 alone (#49). Both photos can be viewed on Mr Coleman's portfolio. Howlsthunder filmed 94 and her 3 yearlings walking through the grass by the new bridge, 6/24/2019. Park visitor David Hunter captured 4 photos of 94 and her 3 yearlings on 6/27/2019, click the right arrow to view 3 more photos. 94 and her cubs cannot avoid the insects as they rest in the grass, Brooks Lodge Facebook photo by Kara Stenberg on 6/28/2019. 94 and her cubs were seen on the River watch cam on 6/29/2019. These 2 GIFS by Blair-55 show how playful and determined cubs can be. #1 "Tada"and #2 "Little Pipsqueak." Also on 6/29/2019, Brooks Lodge Facebook posted a photo by Kara Stenberg with 94's cubs up a tree next to the Lodge. Lani H captured 4 videos of 94 and her yearlings on 6/29/2019. Video #1 at the oxbow, video #2 in the marsh, video #3 on the closed trail and video #4 in the oxbow area again. Howlsthunder also filmed 94 and her 3 yearlings on 6/29/2019. While 94 is fishing, the 3 cubs play on the closed path. Lani H captured the 94 family on the closed Trail again on 6/30/2019. Jan and Marvin who travel the National Parks stated at the beginning of their video that they visited Katmai National Park at the "end of June 2019." 94 and her 3 yearlings are seen at 4:12-5:31, 5:47-5:59, 94 alone 7:17-8:32 and 14:41-15:10. Kris Hazelton filmed the 94 family in an early July 2019 video, 13:11-14:35. They can be seen on the lower river and the cubs play on he closed path. On 7/2/2019, 94 and her 3 yearlings "visited the Brooks Lodge gift shop but they were just browsing", photo by Kara Stenberg. Flyer 7474 filmed 94 and her cubs on the closed trail on 7/2/2019. The cubs are engaged in a long play session. Lani H captured 94 nursing her cubs on the closed trail the same day. The 94 family was seen frequently on 7/4/2019. Lani H recorded 3 videos. Video #1 with cubs playing on the closed trail, video #2 again on the closed trail and video #3 napping near the point and gravel bar. On 7/5/2019, mckate captured a humorous sequence where 94's 3 yearlings played Tug-of-War with a piece of cloth that they found. The 94 family is seen resting on the beach on 7/7/2019, Kara Stenberg photo posted by Brooks Lodge. Birgitt recorded a very interesting interaction between 94 and what appears to be a subadult that gets too close to one of her cubs on 7/6/2019. 94 can be seen charging the subadult twice, at 1:30 and 3:26. One of her cubs decides to bluff charge the unseen subadult at 2:07. Cubs learn survival skills from their Mothers as evidenced by the cubs behavior. 94 and 2 of her 3 cubs are seen on the underwater cam on 7/6/2019, video by Brenda D The family also spent time on the downriver island and grassy point on 7/6/2019, video by Lani H. Park visitor JayseaC filmed video of 94 and her 3 cubs 7/6/2019, 4:17-4:30. Note: the date was determined by footage of 747 chasing 89 Backpack above the falls on 7/6/2019, video by Ratna Narayan and that same footage is seen in this video from 3:53-4:16. On 7/7/2019, 94 and cubs are seen walking along the closed trail to the point where they rest and 94 nurses her yearlings, video by Lani H. The family was seen again in this 7/7/2019 Lani H video. As they are walking along the closed trail they are alerted to an unidentified sow and yearling or 2 subadults. They were last seen on the bearcams on 7/10/2019 when 94 nursed the cubs on the point, video by Lani H. Brooks Lodge Facebook posted 2 Kara Stenberg photos of the 94 family on 7/13/2019 (94 and 1 yearling) and 7/15/2019 (all 3 cubs). The exact dates of the photos are unknown. Ranger Naomi stopped in chart in early September and commented that both 94 and 482 were both seen at Margot Creek with their cubs. Ranger Naomi further shared "there may not be any family groups here at the falls or in the lower river, but there sure are a lot at Margot Creek. Here are some photos taken by Tina Scheffler. You can see 94 (?) & 482's families all together. Apparently the cubs were playing together. And here are two pictures of a sow and her 3 spring cubs. I do not know who this bear is." 94 returned from her Margot Creek hiatus on 9/18/2019 with all 3 yearlings. They were absent on the web cams for 8 weeks. The family can be seen resting on the spit, video by Lani H. Birgitt captured video of 94 and her 3 cubs walking past the Q to the spit on 9/22/2019. On 9/24/2019 94's cubs can be seen chasing a subadult from the spit, down the spit road to the area of the lower river platform, video by mckate. 94 relaxes on the lower river island while her 3 yearlings fish on 9/26/2019, video by mckate In this 9/27/2019 video by Lani H, the 94 family is seen scavenging on the lower river. 94 and her cubs rest on the spit as 719 with her 2 spring cubs pass by in the lake on 9/30/2019, video by mckate. Also on 9/30/2019, 94's larger blondish cub noted to be female at 0:25 as evidenced by her urinating out the back. On 10/3/2019, mckate filmed the 94 family twice. In video #1, 94's cub uses a bridge pole for scratching. In video #2, 94's smallest, blondish cub is noted to be female as evidenced by urinating out the back at 0:01. 94's triplet spring cubs spent some time below the lower river platform on 10/4/2019, video by Lani H. They were seen the next day snorkeling and fishing on the lower river, video by Lani H 10/5/2019. Mckate filmed 94 and her yearlings on the closed path, 10/6/2019. In a 10/8/2019 video, the 94's are viewed by the bridge and downriver island, video by Lani H. The darkest cub of 94 is noted to be male as he urinates straight down at 0:15 in this 10/9/2019 video by mckate. The last day that 94 and her 3 yearlings were observed on the web cam was on 10/9/2019. The family spent time on the closed trail while 94 did a bit of fishing, video by Lani H.

Note: The Lower River East Cam was turned off on 10/1/2019 so there was no view of the spit. LR, RW and the UW cam were turned off on 10/10/2019. Sows and cubs may have still been at Brooks Camp after those dates.

2020: Ranger Naomi Boak announced in chat on 6/18/2020 that 94 was observed with her three 2.5 year old cubs on 6/15/2020. No photos were available. Will 94 Emancipate her cubs? 94 kept her three 2.5 year old cubs for the 2020 season. This is the 1st litter that 94 has kept into their 3rd year. See 94's Bear Book Wikipedia page for 2020 Information.

128 Grazer:

2016: 128 returned in June, 2016 with 3 spring cubs(photo by Tammy Carmack) her first known litter. Photos of 128 and cubs can be seen in this album (photo by Truman Everts) and here (photo by Anela Ramos). Brooks visitor 13blove13 captured 128 and her 3 spring cubs in a video by the riffles platform, 6/29-7/3/16. On 7/6/2016, Mike Fitz filmed 128 with her 3 spring cubs and 409 with her 2 spring cubs. The encounter is tense but no actual fight occurs. Mike discusses this interaction in a blog post "When Mother Bears Collide." Mike Fitz captured 128 and her cubs by the Falls platform on 7/9/2016. While nursing her cubs, 128 notices a large male approaching the falls. Her concern for the cubs can be seen as she decides to move away from the area rather than risk a possible confrontation. Mike Fitz also filmed 128 eating her salmon catch. Mike notes that "Mother bears eat first. If the cubs get fish, it's mom's leftovers." This video by Melissa Freels shows 128 and 3 spring cubs at the falls, mid-July. 128's cubs were all different sizes, the largest and smallest were light colored and the medium sized cub was dark. 128 preferred fishing at Brooks Falls in the evening, often times late, and her cubs would sit on either bank, or tree themselves if there was a threat. 128 made the [news] when her 3 cubs were swept over Brooks Falls. 128 was extremely defensive of her cubs if she felt any danger. She took on numerous boars despite their size. These included 32, 83 (video by Mike Fitz) ?274 or 801, 480, 747, 755, 775 (video by Chandler West Photography) and 856, seen in a series of 11 photos by Grayfoxxpixx (click right arrow). This same event was captured in a video by Kevin Lee at 10:28-11:18 time stamp.128 was also seen defending her cubs against sows 94 and 409 when they appeared to be too close. Vaguely Crunchy captured 2 videos of 128 and her 3 cubs in July. The 1st video shows her nursing her cubs and in the 2nd video 128 digs furiously while her spring cubs play. Vaguely Crunchy's excellent blog from their trip includes more photos and narrative. EHS National Parks posted video of 128 and her 3 spring cubs on 7/18/2016. The family is seen below the Brooks Fall platform, 2:00-2:36 and while 128 is fishing the cubs can be seen treed, 4:45-6:06. The 128 family was filmed at Brooks Falls by Peter Lemme in July of 2016, 13:55-18:05. Park volunteer Amalia Garduno filmed the 128 family on 4 occasions in 2016: #1 The smallest cub successfully fights for a big piece of fish. #2 The spring cubs play under the viewing platform. #3 128 rests with her cubs in her favorite area by the riffles platform. #4 The smallest cub goes after her bigger sibling after he bites her ear, turn your volume up. 128 and her growing cubs were observed in this Melissa Freels video on the bank at Brooks Falls in mid September and in another Melissa Freels video on 10/14/16. They were all seen through mid October. Ranger David Kopshever wrote a very informative article about first time Mom 128 on the Katmai Terrane blog.https://www.nps.gov/katm/blogs/2016-bear-profile-128-grazer.htm

Note: 128 was successfully darted for the DNA study.

2017: 128 returned to Brooks Camp on 6/7/2017 with 3 yearlings. They can be seen in this Katmai National Park Facebook post. The photographer was not identified and therefore not credited. Photos of 128 and her yearlings can also be viewed in this 6/17/17 Brooks Lodge Facebook post, by Kara Stenberg. Flyer 7474 filmed the 409 and 128 families on 6/21/2017. 409's 2 cubs treed themselves in the "Nanny Tree" at Brooks Falls. 128 Grazer then came along with her 3 cubs who also went up the tree. A standoff and scuffle ensued between the 2 sows but eventually all cubs and Moms went their separate ways. Mike Fitz discusses this Mother bear behavior in a blog post. Melissa Freels captured this photo of the yearlings on 6/23/17 and the family on 6/24/17. Melissa also filmed 128 and her yearlings on her trip to Brooks Camp (0:04-0:39 with 2 of 3 cubs and 1:54-2:02 with all 3 cubs). 128 can be viewed playing with her 3 yearlings in this 7/3/17 video by Cheryl Burnside and this Karen Hanson video from 5:24-5:49. 128 appears to be approaching another bear with a fish as she and her cubs climb the hill behind her. Brenda D filmed the 128 family at the falls on 8/3/17. 128 can be seen fishing the lip while her 2 larger, male cubs explore the jacuzzi area and her smaller female cub stays closer to the platform area. The growing 128 family is observed in late August in an 8/28/17 video by flyer 7474. Explore posted a video of 128 and her yearlings on 8/31/2017. The family can be seen fishing on the far side of Brooks Falls. 128 warns 747 to keep his distance by charging him twice. On 9/1/17 Brenda D captured the 128 family at the falls in 2 videos.The first shows 128 Grazer fishing while her cubs sit under the platform for a play session that includes a fallen tree branch. In the second video the 128 family is seen resting for an extended period of time. On 8/22/2018 Nomadruss posted a photo of 128 with her smallest yearling that was taken in 2017. He remarks "You don't want to mess with this little bear, she learned from her mama." In an Explore video posted on 9/1/2017, 128's 3 yearlings are observed resting, playing and scratching just below the Brooks Falls platform. A video by Little Adventures taken the first week in September captured 128 and her chubby yearlings by the lower river platform. This 9/24/17 video by Brenda D shows 128 and her cubs searching for fish at Brooks Falls. 128's two larger cubs are male, the smallest cub is female.

2018: On 5/21/18 KNP posted on their Facebook page that 128 was seen in recent days with her three 2.5 year old cubs. However a 5/20/18 photo taken by R. Taylor showed her with only 2 cubs. KNP suggested that 128 may have emancipated one of her cubs. A 5/23/18 photo of 128 and 2 cubs was shared by Ranger Russ on chat. Another 5/23/17 photo was posted by KNP on Flickr. Will she emancipate the other 2 or has one cub wandered off. Note: 128's Mother, 408 CC, kept her 2005 litter of 3 cubs until they were 3.5 years old, emancipating them early in the 2008 season. Ranger B. Lutes posted photos of 128 and her remaining 2 cubs in chat on 5/25/18. On 6/1/18 KNP Facebook posted a R. Taylor photo of the 128 and 409 families on the Spit Road. The photo was taken "last week" so it is not known if the families are still intact. A photo of a subadult taken on 6/2/18 was shared on the chat by Ranger Russ. He commented that on 6/1/18 "I saw what appeared to be 128 chasing off a blonde subadult." The subadult resembles 128's smallest cub. It does appear that 128 has emancipated her 2 remaining cubs.

2020: 128 Grazer returned to Brooks Camp on 6/18/2020 with 2 spring cubs. This is 128 Grazer's 2nd known litter. See 128 Grazer's Bear Book Wikipedia page for 2020 information.

132:

2014:  3 Spring Cubs   / Cubs-of-the-Year  ~ 1st known litter ~  Ranger Jeanne's photos of 132 and her 3 spring cubs can be viewed in this album. The 132 family can be seen in this 9/15/14 video by yesitsdonna.

2015:  3 Yearlings   ~ RGK captured 132 with her 3 yearlings  on July 9, 2015.  Jack Denger captured multiple photos of 132 and her yearlings on 7/15/2015. Click the right arrow to view 35 photos. Park visitor spinalt4pp filmed 132 and her 3 yearlings in a video published on 7/16/15. Anna-Marie captured this video of 132 with two of the three yearlings in July 2015.    Amalia Garduno filmed 132 and her very vocal cubs below the platform sometime in July, 2015. On July 20, 2015 KNP&P shared this photo and information about 132 and her 3 cubs.

2016: Three 2.5 Year Old Cubs ~ On the afternoon of June 7, 2016 132 and her three 2.5 year old cubs "walked down the Brooks River and around camp. Bears are extremely food oriented. That was illustrated when, despite obvious stresses, the bears continued to eat grass and horse tails. Even as the family group was hazed out of camp they continued to eat." On the evening of June 8, 2016 132 and her three 2.5 year old cubs were walking along the beach again, but stayed out of camp this time. Cam viewer Erie captured 132 and her cubs at Brooks Falls on 7/18/2016. Will 132 emancipate these 2.5 year old offspring or keep the family group together for another season? 132 has kept her litter of three 2.5 year old cubs through this season, 10/4/16 video by Erie. Bear 132 was also darted (10/4/16 video by Erie) for the DNA study that is being conducted by Ranger Michael Saxton. It was also revealed by a bearcam viewer who has also been a volunteer at Brooks Camp the past two years that 132's "lighter cub" is female.

Note: 132 was successfully darted for the DNA study.

2017: 132 arrived at Brooks camp as a single female having emancipated her three 3.5 year old cubs.

Note: 132 was successfully darted for the DNA study.

2018: On 6/30/18 KNP Facebook posted photos by M. Whalen of a sow with 2 spring cubs that were first seen on 6/28/18. Early speculation was that the sow could possibly be 132 who emancipated three 3.5 year old cubs in 2017. If this is in fact 132, she has not had a "gap year." On 7/2/2018, Charlie Sturm posted a photo of 132 and her 2 spring cubs by the point. He commented "Had the incredible opportunity to see this Sow cautiously take her two yearlings into Brooks Camp for the first time on Thursday." If correct, that would have been 6/28/2018 the first day that 132 and her cubs were seen. On 7/3/18, Erie captured video of a sow believed to be 132 with 2 spring cubs. They are seen walking along the lower river. During a 7/3/18 live chat with Mike Fitz and Ranger Russ LaValle, Mike Fitz states that he believes this sow to be 132. We get a quick glimpse (2:10-2:13) of 132 and her 2 spring cubs by the cutbank in this video by Valentina Khalimon. This is 132's 2nd known litter. On 7/4/18 Ranger Andrew came to the bear chat to share the sad news that one of 132's spring cubs had been killed the evening before by male bear 856. After chasing male 634 from the Brooks Falls platform area towards the riffles platform, 856 observed 132 and her cubs, badly injured one cub while 132 tried to unsuccessfully fight him off. 856 then returned to kill the cub. The 2nd cub climbed a tree above the body of it's dead sibling while an injured 132 fled. The cub could be heard crying out while up in the tree. The beginning of the chase can be seen in this 7/3/2018 Play by Play video with Mike Fitz and Ranger Andrew Lavalle. After killing 132's cub 856 is seen returning to Brooks Falls at 58:59, 634 had returned earlier. Ranger Andrew's account of the incident and photos can be seen here. On 7/4/18, KNP Facebook posted regarding the death of 132's cub the evening before. WARNING: A photo of the deceased cub and video (video is in the Facebook comments) of the cub bawling in the tree are included in the post. Bear cam chatter Amanda Thompson was a visitor to Brooks Falls from July 1-July 4. She shared her thoughts and photos of the "beautiful little family" that she observed on the lower river, 7/3/18. She did not witness the death of 132's cub. Note: Please ask permission from Amanda before using any of her photos. Ed Mackerrow, a professional nature photographer was also on a visit to Brooks Camp at the same time. Mr. Mackerrow wrote a blog article about the tragic event that he witnessed titled "Infanticide: An Ugly Side Of Nature." WARNING: Ed posts a caution in his blog at a point where you may not wish to read further. On 7/4/18, cam viewers thought they could see a sow with a spring cub in the cutback area of the riffles. Cam viewer Erie captured the sow and possible spring cub in a very zoomed in video. It did appear to be a spring cub with the sow but positive identification could not be made. A 7/6/18 Explore blog post by Mike Fitz gives an extensive look at his thoughts, observations and interpretations of the death of 132's cub and the behavior of male bear 856. On 7/5/17 Ranger Russ came into chat and posted "Ranger Russ here. I've received word from two different rangers who witnessed 132 with one cub. So it does appear that they have been reunited. Hopefully we can get a photograph or you'll see them on the cams soon. It does appear that they reconnected." A short while later two photos were posted of 132 reunited with her remaining spring cub. Erie also was able to film 132 and her cub on 7/5/18 on the lower river. This Instagram video by Costel Necula shows 132 and her remaining cub, probably within a day or two of the attack. 132 has a noticeable limp as she walks along the spit road. Donald Photography recently visited Brooks Camp and captured photos of 132 and her remaining spring cub on 7/8/18. In the first photo you can see the right upper chest wound that 132 suffered in the attack by 856. Cam viewer Xander Sage captured 132 and her spring cub swimming amongst the salmon in this beautiful GIF from the evening of 7/13/18. Instagrammer Craig Kutella filmed 132 and her cub approximately the 2nd week of July. 132 and her remaining spring cub are seen in this Mary Schrader photograph from 7/13/2018. They are seen by the beach with a Ranger moving visitors into a group and away from 132 and her spring cub. Denis Ryan Photography captured 132 and her spring cub on 7/15/2018. The photographer describes an event in which the subadult in the foreground chased the cub up a tree. Hover over the bottom of the photo to read the details. D Mcgowen photographed 132 and her growing cub on the beach in a 9/11/2018 photo. Bear Watcher, mckate filmed 132's rambunctious cub in a playful encounter with 132 as they traveled along the spit road, 9/13/2018. Cam viewer Lee photographed 132 and her large cub on 9/14/2018 while on a visit to Brooks Camp. Click the right arrow to view 21 photos. Cam viewer and park visitor Ratna Narayan shared 8 photos of 132 and her remaining spring cub that were taken on 9/15/2018, Photos #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7 and #8. Please ask Ratna For permission to use any photos. In a late September video, Big Person captured 132 and her spring cub feeding on the lower river, 14:31-15:56. The cub can be seen enthusiastically eating some salmon scraps. An Instagram photo by Katmai National Park shows 132 and her thriving spring cub in the fall. Evan Guengerich Photography took 2 photos of a cub that appears to be 132's spring cub on 10/1/2018. Bear cam viewer Deanna Dittloff created this 2018 season video of the 132 family. Bear cam viewer JG posted a series of snapshots of the 132 family over the 2018 Bear Cam season, 7/3-10/19/2018. Only the first photo shows 132 with her 2 cubs.

2019: On 5/20/2019 cam viewer IzzyDog posted a photo of a sow and yearling in chat. The photo and a subsequent video were taken by her daughter who is an employee of Brooks Lodge. Please ask IzzyDog for permission before reposting her daughter's photo. The sow appears to be bear 132 and her cub. This Melissa Freels video (which she posted on YouTube for the employee) shows a playful 132 and her cub. KNP posted a photo of 132 and her yearling on their Facebook page on 5/25/2019. While park staff is in training, 132 and her cub can be seen in the background. On June 13, 2019 Ranger Naomi Boak stopped in the chat to share a photo of 132 and her yearling cub on the beach by Ranger M Whalen. The exact dates are unknown at this time. On 6/24/2019, 856 could be seen following way behind 132 and her single yearling as they were in the riffles. As soon as 132 saw 856 she took her cub and exited towards the bank of the river, video by Lani H. 132 and her yearling were filmed in the riffles on 6/26/2019. They were observed searching for salmon in the riffles, video by Lani H. On the evening of 6/28/2019, 132 and her yearling are seen in the riffles background as 813 and her 2 yearlings fish in front of them (0:00-2:21). The 132 family is seen in a closer view from 4:06-8:31, video by Ratna. Also on 6/28/2019, Melissa Freels captured 132 and her yearling in the riffles. Katmai National Park had their new bridge dedication on 6/30/2019. Melissa Freels was attending and filmed 132 and her yearling who also decided to attend the ceremony. 132 and her yearling made a very brief visit to Brooks Falls on 7/1/2019, video by Lani H. 132 seemed nervous although no large boars were seen. On 7/1/2019, Ratna filmed 132 and her yearling below the old lower river platform. The family was in the lower river area on 7/2/2019 when 132 sensed a threat. As 132 stands up you can see her jaw popping which is a sign of stress, video by mckate. Also on 7/2/2019, 132 and cub are seen in a long play session on the point, video by Lani H. 132 and yearling were seen on the underwater cam on 7/4/2019, video by Lani H. On 7/7/2019 mckate captured 132 and her cub on the lower river when a possible subadult appears to approach 132 and she chases it off. 132 and her yearling are seen swimming near the lower river bridge on 7/8/2019. They then are seen on the underwater camera which is attached to the bridge, video by mckate. On 7/9/2019, mckate captured an interesting interaction between 132, her cub and a subadult who approaches her on the closed path. The subadult comes very close to 132 and they then sniff each other. Could this subadult be a 132 offspring? On 7/13/2019, 132 was seen in the oxbow area with her yearling when 854 Divot gets too close. 132 can be seen charging 854 in this Lani H video. 132 was on the spit with her yearling on 7/15/2019 when a subadult approaches the cub. 132 charges the subadult but her yearling wants to play. In this Lani H video, the yearling is seen playing with the unknown subadult as 132 stays close and tolerates the interactions. Flyer 7474 filmed 132 and her large yearling on the closed path, also on 7/15/2019. Erum Chad captured 2 videos of 132's cub urinating which shows him to be male as the stream is straight down. The videos were on 7/16/2019 and 7/18/2019. The 132 family is seen resting, playing and fishing on the closed path in this 7/16/2019 video by Victoria White. Lani H filmed 132 and her cub on the spit, 7/17/2019 and napping on the spit on 7/18/2019. 132's yearling continued to be interested in playing with subadults. Mckate's 7/19/2019 video captured subadults near the yearling on the spit when 132 charges one of them. The cub follows, and ends up playing with the subadult as 132 watches nearby. The 132 yearling is seen again on 7/19/2019 following and playing with a subadult on the spit road as 132 follows from behind, video by Birgitt. Mckate captured 132 and her yearling in 3 videos on 7/21/2019. Video #1 shows the yearling playing with a subadult, video #2 shows 132 chasing a group of subadults that her yearling wants to play with and in video #3 the yearling is seen playing with a boat on the spit. 132 and her yearling can be seen passing visitors on a trail in this video by AnchorTown that was published on 7/23/2019. The yearling is curious about the humans who successfully and gently haze him away. On both 7/22/2019 and 7/23/2019 132's yearling again is seen inspecting and playing with a boat on the spit. The cub and 132 were hazed away by Park Staff both times, videos by Lani H. The 132 family was filmed by Lani H in a long play session on 7/23/2019. 132 and her cub were observed twice on 7/24/2019 on the closed trail and along the spit road with the yearling again wanting to play with subadults, videos by Lani H. On 7/29/2019 they are viewed playing by the point and on 7/31/2019 Lani H captured them on the lower river and then on the underwater camera. 7/31/2019 was the last day that 132 and her large yearling were seen on the Bear cams.

Note: The Lower River East Cam was turned off on 10/1/2019 so there was no view of the spit. LR, RW and the UW cam were turned off on 10/10/2019. Sows and cubs may have still been at Brooks Camp after those dates.  

2020: 132 was first observed in 2020 on the lower river. Over the almost 9 minutes she was seen, her 2.5 year old male cub was not observed. 132 kept her first litter of 3 spring cubs until they were 3.5 years old. It appears that 132 has emancipated her cub.  

171:

2014:  2 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ On July 17, 2014, 171 and her two spring cubs treed themselves in the lower river area  ~ 171 lost one of her spring cubs from this litter during the 2014 season.  Ranger Jeanne's photos of 171 with her spring cubs.    Jim Sawyer video of 171 and her small spring cubs, 0:41-1:04. Bryanna Plog posted a 2014 Instagram photo of 171 and her 2 small cubs on the lower river. 171 and her small spring cubs are seen in this 2014 video by Davy Jones. Video of 171 and her remaining spring cub in September 2014 by Joe Bear    Video of 171 and her remaining spring cub by Donna T. Bennett Park visitor Sue Pettersen captured 171 and her remaining spring cub enjoying salmon on 9/22/14.

2015:  171 returned to the Brooks River area on July 11, 2015 as a single adult female. Ranger Mike Fitz discusses 171 returning without her remaining 2014 spring cub at 35:25 into this 9/23/2015 play-by-play.. Since 2015 there has been speculation by some of the cam viewers that the lone 2015 yearling ( now known as 610 ) could be 171's 2014 remaining larger, lighter spring cub. In October 2017 Ranger Jeanne checked the NPS database and found that the bear monitoring database noted the same speculation.

2016: 171 returned to Brooks River with a litter of 3 spring cubs on 7/9/2016, video by Martina. She was very thin and her 3 cubs were quite small. She appeared to be nervous and very hungry. 171's cubs can also be seen in this album, (photo credit: cam viewer Grandmaj). Park visitor procheer2010 filmed the 171 family mid July as they suddenly came upon a group of visitors. You can hear the Ranger or Guide instructing the group to give the family space. 171 seems unsure of which way to go with her cubs. EHS National Parks filmed 171 and her 3 spring cubs walking by the lower river platform, video posted on 7/28/2016 (1:14-1:36). Note: 171 was believed to have been seen in the fall of 2016 with many videos identifying her as such. In 2017 Rangers stated that the sow thought to be 171 in fall/2016 was actually 153 with 3 spring cubs. When the 2018 Bear book was released, sow 153 was re-identified as sow 39.

2017: 171 was seen returning to Brooks camp on 7/10/2017. She arrived with 2 small yearlings apparently having lost one cub. As noted in the 2018 Bear Book "She initially had all three yearling cubs, but was soon after seen with only two. Both these yearlings were very small and often treed themselves in the presence of other bears." This 7/10/2017 Melissa Freels video shows 171 and her yearlings on the day she was first seen. The family can also be observed in this video by Amalia Garduno and another video by Karen Hanson (4:20-4:40). A photo of 171 and her yearlings is used with permission of jstducky. It was taken mid-July. Joe Morris Photography captured 171 and her very small yearlings in this 7/21/2017 photo. This summer/2017 video (6:24-7:58) by Vrishab Kakade shows 171 and her 2 yearlings by the lower river platform. The family is on alert as 409 and her 2 yearlings approach from the water. 171 and her cubs were filmed by the floating bridge grassy area on 8/4/17 by Melissa Freels. An 8/5/17 video by flyer 7474 shows 171 and her cubs traveling along the lower river trail and out to the gravel bar where the cubs have a play session. flyer 7474 captured 171 and her 2 look-a-like yearlings by the lower river viewing platform on 9/11/17. The 171 family is seen on 9/14/17 in this photo by Cam viewer RiverPA/Lee. On 9/18/2017 this snapshot of the 171 family group was captured by cam viewer LeafLady; it appears that one of the 2 remaining yearlings is a male. Cam viewer Green River made a wonderful snapshot video of 171 and her 2 yearlings from July-Sept, 2017.

2018: Bear 171 was observed fishing at Brooks Falls during a 7/9/18 Play by Play. Comments by Mike Fitz indicate this is likely 171. She was seen alone so it is probable that 171 has emancipated her two 2.5 year old cubs.

2019: On 6/27/2019, Ranger Naomi Boak stopped in the chat to announce that sow 171 had returned to Brooks Falls with 2 spring cubs. Ranger Boak shared 3 photos of the 171 family, date unknown. Photo #1, #2 and #3. Park visitor David Hunter captured 2 photos of 171 and her 2 cubs on 6/26/19 and 6/27/19. Cam viewers had their first look at the 171 family on 6/29/2019 as they are seen in the oxbow area, video by Birgitt. They were observed again on 6/29/2019 moving through the tall grass on the lower river, video by Lani H. Melissa Freels captured 2 photos of 171 and her spring cubs on 6/30/2019, photo #1 and photo #2. The family was seen walking along the closed trail with the lower river platform in the background on 6/30/2019, video by flyer 7474. They were also seen the same day walking about in the oxbow area, video by Ratna. In a late June video by Marvin Neitzert, 171 is observed walking along the lower river with her 2 spring cubs, 13:37-14:27. Kara Stenberg (howlsthunder) filmed 171 treeing her 2 spring cubs in the employee housing area on 7/1/2019. 171 feels threatened by another bear nearby. You can hear 171 jaw popping and huffing. Read Kara's comments below the video. Ratna captured an interesting video of 171 and her 2 cubs on 7/1/2019. The family is seen at the closed trail then travel over to the oxbow. The cubs sit on the bank as 171 travels through the water. One cub follows a short way and retreats to the bank. 171 continues fishing successfully as the cubs are hidden in the tall grass. 171 is known to hide or stash her cubs when fishing. On 7/2/2019 171 and her 2 spring cubs were observed traveling from the point to the closed trail. As the cubs sit on the high bank, 171 can be seen fishing in the background. The cubs seem to be alert to danger and 171 rushes over to them, video by Martina. Kara Stenberg filmed 171 again treeing her cubs by the lodge on 7/2/2019. 719 and her cubs were observed on the closed trail on 7/5/2019, video by Lani H. 171 was seen fishing at Brooks Falls on 7/5/2019, video by mckate. She must have been very hungry to fish at the falls with so many other bears close by. The cubs must have been treed which is often the case with 171. On 7/8/2019, 171 was observed on the lower river without her cubs, screenshot by Mazey. Mike Fitz commented later in the day that "171 has reunited with her cubs. She left them in a tree next to Brooks Lodge." In a 2nd comment Mike said "Yes, I've seen this happen twice right outside Brooks Lodge in the past week." The 171 family was observed on the closed trail on 7/11/2019, video by Lani H. 171's spring cubs could be seen climbing a tree at the corner and the family was seen on the closed trail, both videos by Lani H on 7/16/2019. 171 is seen nursing her cubs on the closed trail on 7/18/2019. 171 becomes alarmed and sits up to continue nursing while being cautious, video by Birgitt. Erum Chad captured 171 treeing her cubs by the corner on 7/18/2019. 171 sensed a threat to her cubs and can be seen both chasing an unseen bear towards camp and moving subadults away from the area. Mckate filmed 171's 2 spring cubs in a wrestling session on 7/19/2019. In a July video by Tomasz Kierkowicz, 171 and her 2 cubs are seen on the closed path at 0:08-0:23 and 1:02-1:08. 171 was last observed with both of her spring cubs on 7/20/2019 in this video by Cruiser. Birgitt recorded 171 alone twice on 7/20/2019. In the 1st video, 171 rests by the corner. In the 2nd video 171 is seen fishing on the lower river by herself. She does not appear to be alarmed. 171 and her 2 cubs were not observed on the cams on either 7/21 or 7/22/2019. A Brooks Camp visitor did film 171 with only 1 spring cub on 7/21/2019, video by Dennis Harmon. Mr Harmon confirmed that the video was captured on that date. The next time 171 was observed on the cams was on 7/23/2019 and she only had 1 cub. She was seen on the closed trail twice (#1 and #2) and napping on the point, all 3 videos by Lani H. Lani H filmed 171 and her remaining single spring cub on 7/24 on the closed trail, 7/25 at the oxbow and 7/26 on the lower river. Arleen Beech captured 171 and her cub on the closed trail and swimming in the lower river on 7/27/2019. 273 and her 3 spring cubs are seen with 171 and her single spring cub in the oxbow area on 7/28/2019, video by Lani H. 171 and her cub are in the foreground. During a 7/29/2019 Live Chat, Ranger Barbara Lutes discusses the status of 171, 28:40-29:29. "171 has recently appeared with only 1 cub and has had a change in personality. She has been charging bear management. that single cub has been huddled right up underneath her, very scared. We don't know what happened to the 2nd cub, it could be infanticide." 171 and her spring cub were last seen on 7/31/2019, video by Lani H. They were observed sharing a fish and playing in the lower river. 171 and her spring cub were not observed at Brooks Falls from 7/31-9/14/2019. Visitor Anna Bader captured video of a sow and spring cub who appear to be the 171's (2:43-3:01) on the bus ride to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes Tour Labor Day weekend (? 8/31-9/2/2019 dates). The cub when standing has an X-shaped natal collar on its chest. On 1/31/2020 Mike confirmed the 171 ID. He commented: "That looks like 171 to me. I can't be sure where on the road the family was seen, but it looks like somewhere around the halfway point on the road, which would be 10-11 miles from Brooks Camp. The first river crossing is about 12 miles from Brooks. They got to see Ukak River in flood too. While it's always muddy in summer with ash and glacial silt, it usually isn't that high." 171 returned to Brooks Camp on 9/14/2019 after an absence of about 6 weeks, video by mckate. They were observed on the point and gravel bar on 9/15/2019, video by Lani H. On 9/16/2019 171 with her spring cub and 708 with her 2 spring cubs were both resting on the closed path. In mcates video titled "171 Watches Cubs While 708 Naps" the 3 cubs appear curious about each other. Both mothers are at ease with the situation. Mckate also recorded a longer version. 171 and her cub could be viewed by the point and gravel bar on 9/18/2019, video by Lani H. 171 is often observed there as well as the beach and in camp. Birgitt captured 610 walking past her Mom 171 (speculated) as the spring cub chases gulls on the spit, 9/22/2019. Birgitt filmed 171 and her cub standing and eating scraps on the gravel bar, 09/24/2019. Again, the 171's were seen by the point on 9/25/2019, video by mckate. 171 and her thriving spring cub were last observed on the web cams on 9/30/2019, video by Lani H. The video is well worth the watch. 273 and her 3 spring cubs are resting by the lower river bridge when 171 and her single spring cub approach. The cubs show a lot of curiosity by repeatedly advancing back and forth towards each other. At 11:00, 273's cub bluff charges 273's cubs, immediately makes a sharp right turn and runs back to mom. This cub interaction was a highlight of the season.

Note: The Lower River East Cam was turned off on 10/1/2019 so there was no view of the spit. LR, RW and the UW cam were turned off on 10/10/2019. Sows and cubs may have still been at Brooks Camp after those dates.

2020: 171 was thought to have returned with her yearling cub to Brooks Camp on 7/4/2020, video by Lani H. The "cub" seen with her in the video was later thought to possibly be 132's 2.5 year old male offspring. This could not be confirmed. Rangers did confirm that when 171 was first seen in camp she did not have her yearling cub.

209 Beauty:

Note:  Believed to be the mother of 402 and 403 Egberta.

1988: 3 Spring Cubs/Cubs-of-the-Year

1989: 3 Yearlings

1991: 3 Spring Cubs/Cubs-of-the-Year  

1998 *: 2 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year, believed to be 402 and 403 Egberta

1999 *: 2 Yearlings

2000 *:  209 was observed with her two 2.5 year old cubs, 402 and 403 Egberta

2004: 2 Spring Cubs/Cubs-of-the-Year

2005: 2 Yearlings

2006: 2 2.5-year-olds

* Note:  Page 306 (as printed on the actual page) of At The Heart Of Katmai  says that on 09/18/2000 "Brown bear family 209 (sow with two yearling cubs) was observed in a boat parked along the shore line of Brooks River in the vicinity of the spit.  Two life jackets were reported damaged.".  

402's page (35) of the 2014 Bears of Brooks River book says that DNA analysis confirmed that 402 and 403 Egberta are siblings and that these bears share a mother.  403 Egberta's page (60) in the 2014 Bears of Brooks River book  says that 403 Egberta was first identified as a 2.5 year old subadult in 2000, which is not in agreement with the above noted resource management property damage report [20]000132 for 09/18/2000.  402's page (44) in the 2016 Bears of Brooks River book  says that 402 was first identified as 3.5 year old subadult in 2001, which is in agreement with 403 Egberta being first identified as a 2.5 year old subadult in 2000.  

Was the sow with two yearlings observed in the boat in the vicinity of the spit where two life jakets were damaged on 09/18/2000 misidentified as brown bear family 209?  If the identification years for 402 and 403 in the Bears of Brooks River books is accurate, 402 and 403 would have been spring cubs / cubs-of-the-year in 1998, and yearlings in 1999.  It isn't likely that 209 could have had both biological spring cubs / cubs-of-the-year and also biological yearling cubs in 1999.  

On April 19, 2016, Ranger Mike let us know that 209 is believed to be the mother of 402 and 403 Egberta.

216 Marilyn:

1998: 1 Spring Cub / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ 1st known litter

1999: 1 Yearling

2002:  2 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ 2nd known litter ~ DNA analysis has confirmed that female 790 Weevil Bear & female 854 Divot are offspring from this litter,  24 BB (Bald Butt)  is the father of these offspring.  

2003:  2 Yearlings ~ female 790 Weevil Bear & female 854 Divot are offspring from this litter, 24 BB (Bald Butt)  is the father of these offspring. 216 and her 2 yearlings are seen in this 2003 photo by Harry Eggens.  

2005:  4 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ 3rd known litter ~ 216 Marilyn and her 4 spring cubs are the stars in the first four minutes of this video. Could this be 216 Marilyn and her 4 spring cubs? This Instagram photo was posted by magdavinas on 5/6/2019. As seen in the previous video, there are 2 large and 2 small cubs. On 5/7 2019, Mike Fitz confirmed that this was 216 and her 2005 spring cubs. Park visitor Peter photographed 216 Marilyn and her 4 spring cubs outside the visitor center in June, 2005.

2006:  3 Yearlings at 4 PM at Falls on 06/29/06, seen in the evening at Cutbank with only 2 Yearlings. 2 Remaining Yearlings by the end of summer season 2006 ~ A September 2006 photo of 216 Marilyn and one of her yearlings can be seen on page 55 of the 2014 Bears of Brooks River book.  

Note:  216 Marilyn has not been observed using the Brooks River area since 2008

236 Milkshake:

1997:  2 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ 1st known litter

1998:  1 remaining yearling from 1997 litter of 2 spring cubs / cubs-of-the-year)

2000:  3 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ 2nd known litter ~ male 604 Little & female 608 are two of the three offspring from this litter.  The identity of the 3rd cub is not known to the NPS staff.  DNA confirmed that 219 One-Toe is the father of 604 Little and 608.

2001:  3 Yearlings ~ male 604 Little  and female 608 are two of the three offspring from this litter.  The identity of the 3rd cub is not known to the NPS staff.  

2003:  4 Spring Cubs   / Cubs-of-the-Year  ~ 3rd known litter. In 2018, Mike Fitz commented that it was possible 94 was an offspring from this litter. Oellafella filmed 236 Milkshake and her litter of 4 spring cubs extensively from 7/12-7/15/2003. The family can be seen traveling all over the lower river and by the viewing platform. The video footage can be viewed from 36:28-36:41, 37:01-57:29 and 58:33-59:54.

2004:  4 Remaining Yearlings on 06/29/04. The smallest yearling was separated from the family at Brooks Falls on 06/29 or 06/30 and not seen again afterwards. A second yearling, a male, was lost in July. ~ 2 remaining yearlings are believed to have been successfully weaned in the spring of 2005, however their identity is not known.  .

2007:  2 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ 4th known litter

2008:  2 Yearlings

2010:  4 Spring Cubs   / Cubs-of-the-Year  ~ 5th known litter   ~ Other photos of 236 Milkshake and her cubs taken by Ranger Roy on July 14, 2010 can be viewed here   and  here.   Katmai National Park & Preserve shared this photo  of 236 Milkshake's litter. . 236 and her 4 cubs are seen in this video by Stu Davidson and in this film by John Grabowska. Marciabhoopoe captured 236 and her 4 spring cubs at the lower river platform, July 2010. Another video by GrizzBear44 shows the 236 family along the lower river, 1:03-1:37. Bob's Wildlife Photos extensively photographed 236 and her 2010 litter in this album of 69 photos, 7/26/2010. In his comments, Bob describes 236 as "reasonably large, capable of sending smaller bears packing and a very efficient fisher bear." Gordon Laing also captured video of 236 and her cubs on 7/26/2010. The family can be seen on the beach at 0:46-1:05 and on the spit from 3:38-3:47. DP Deming photographed 236 and her 4 cubs on the lower river, 9/25/2010. He identifies the sow as Milkshake. 236 and her cubs can be seen in this series of photos, #1, #2, #3, #4.  

2011:  2 Yearlings ~ 236 Milkshake returned to the Brooks River area in 2011 with two remaining yearlings from her 2010 litter of 4 Spring Cubs, but lost both of these remaining yearlings before the end of September 2011

Note:  236 Milkshake was not looking very healthy by September 2011.  There was also a lean salmon run in 2011.  Her age (early to mid 20's) when she had the litter of 4 spring cubs in 2010, the size of the litter, combined with the lean salmon run in 2011 all could have been too taxing for 236 Milkshake, making her unable to care for and defend the 4 cubs.  She has not been observed since departing the Brooks River area in 2011.  236 produced 15 known offspring from 1997 to 2010, earning her the status of the most fecund bear to frequent the Brooks River area when she was last observed.  

273:

2015:  1 Spring Cub  / Cub-of-the-Year  ~ 1st known litter. 273 and her spring cub made their debut on 7/12/2015, video by Gizmo. This was 273's first known litter. Early in the season 273 was thought to be sow 39 but her ID as 273 was corrected later in the year. 273 and her spring cub demonstrate what "jaw popping" sounds like in this KNP&P video (listen closely) In a short video by Christopher Baker in July 2015, 273 and her spring cub walk along the beach near a float plane.This 7/16/15 video by Rockatte Bears shows a very nervous 273 and her clinging cub at Brooks Falls. Also on 7/16/2015, park visitor and photographer Kenneth Kearney captured 273 and her spring cub at Brooks Falls. 273 is seen defending her cub against a perceived threat from sow 289. Click the right arrow to see 23 photos. An endearing video narrated and filmed by Donna Archer shows 273 and her playful cub getting in trouble at Brooks Camp, climbing trees and playing. James M McEntyre filmed 273 and her spring cub on the lower river on 8/6/15. Mike Fitz captured 273 and her spring cub in an extended play session in this 9/24/2015 video. This September 2015 video titled 'Just The Two Of Us' by Explore is a wonderful view of 273 and her cub in their first year together.

2016: 273 returned with 1 yearling cub who had grown considerably in size, by the end of the season, Ranger Dave estimated in September that this male yearling cub was the largest of the yearlings around Brooks River and may possibly weigh 200 pounds. Additional photos of 273 and her yearling may be seen in this album, (photo credit: cam viewer Truman Everts), and here (Kara Stenberg photo). Amalia Garduno recorded 2 videos of 273 and her yearling in July. In the 1st video 273 and cub are seen looking for fish by the old fish ladder. In the 2nd video, the family appears to be in the riffles. The cub is timid and clinging to his Mom. Glenn LeMay recorded 273 and her yearling in a video titled "Bear Jam", posted on 7/9/2016. EricsXtremeVideo captured 273 and her yearling (809) on the beach, 7/19/2016. They can be seen at 5:42 as Ranger Kristen moves visitors away from them. Video of 273 and her cub were recorded by Melissa Freels on 7/28 2016. The family can be seen at the lower river platform gate resting, fishing and examining the underwater cam cable. This video by Vaguely Cruchy shows 273 and her yearling sometime during the 2016 season. The family is seen outside Brooks Lodge roaming through camp which they often did. Rangers frequently had to haze them out of camp. Erum Chad filmed 273 and yearling on 10/6/2016, after Brooks Camp had closed for the season. Mother and son take the opportunity to chew on the lower river platform. The family can be seen playing in this Katmai National Park and Preserve video. 273 and her yearling were the last sow and cub seen on the bear cams, 11/3/2016. Cam viewer GreenRiver captured the family in a wonderful video of the 2016 season.

Note: 273 was successfully darted for the DNA study.

2017: 273 was observed at Brooks camp as a single female, having emancipated her 2.5 year old cub. She is seen in this 6/25/17 Melissa Freels video being courted by a bear believed to be 801.

2019: A sow appearing to be 273 arrived at Brooks Camp on 7/8/2019 with 3 spring cubs. This is 273's 2nd known litter. She could be seen along the closed trail and on the point, both videos by Lani H. Blair-55 captured a GIF. Another GIF by Blair-55 shows 273 and her cubs moving from the closed trail to the bridge. Confirmation of the ID is needed from the Rangers. Ratna Narayan filmed the newly arrived family on the closed trail with the cubs following 273 by size, largest to smallest, on 7/8/2019. 273 and her cubs were seen on the lower river/closed trail area on 7/10/2019. As 273 swims across the water to the oxbow area, the smallest cub hesitates but then follows, video by Cruiser. 273 and her cubs walked under the lower river bridge to the closed trail on 7/11/2019, video by Lani H. The smallest cub is last in line but then takes a shortcut to be the first to 273. 273 and her 3 cubs are heading to the oxbow area on 7/12/2019 when a "salmon boil" occurs ahead of them. The family races to the water where 273 is successful in catching a salmon, video by Joni Tilley. LuvBears captured 273 and her 3 spring cubs on the lower river and closed path on 7/14/2019. 273 can be seen nursing her cubs on the spit on 7/22/2019, video by Cruiser. 273 appears alarmed and starts jaw popping at 9:43. The camera pans to the right and at 12:22 a large boar can be viewed on the spit road appearing to head in the direction of 273 and her cubs. 273's 3 spring cubs were observed climbing a fallen tree while 273 fished in a 7/24/2019 video by Victoria White. In a late July 2019 video by Wilde Weite Welt, 273 and her 3 spring cubs are observed on the lower river, 0:00-3:08. They are seen resting, the cubs nurse and the family fishes. In a 2nd video by Wilde Weite Welt, the 3 spring cubs are viewed in a play session on the closed path, 3:11-4:10. 273's cubs play and chew on the Park Service boat ropes in this 8/2/2019 video by Birgitt. On 9/21/2019 Victoria White filmed the 273 family. 273 is seen taking a long nap, then nurses the cubs. The cubs then engage in a play session under the bridge. 273's cubs are seen with their fluffy winter coats playing under the lower river bridge, 10/1/2019 video by Birgitt.

Note: The Lower River East Cam was turned off on 10/1/2019 so there was no view of the spit. LR, RW and the UW cam were turned off on 10/10/2019. Sows and cubs may have still been at Brooks Camp after those dates.

2020: Bear 273 returned to Brooks Camp with 3 yearlings on 6/17/2020. See 273's Bear Book Wikipedia page for 2020 information.

284 "Electra":

2016: 284 "Electra", is the daughter of 708 Amelia. She looks very similar to her Mom including her large shoulder hump, as seen in this Kara Stenberg photo. 284 returned to Brooks Camp with 2 spring cubs(photo by former Ranger Jeanne KNP), her first known litter. A thin 284 and her 2 cubs were filmed by 13blove13 on a park visit, 6/29-7/3/16, 0:17-0:27. She can also be seen with her cubs in a video by ncheel044, from 0:13-0:17 that appears to be from early July. She was usually seen in the riffles or lower river area and occasionally walked past the Brooks Falls platform, video by Amalia Garduno. 284 and her cubs may be viewed in this album, snapshots by Goldilocks, 10/21/2016. 284 and her good sized cubs can be viewed in this video by Melissa Freels while at the riffles in October. Photos of 284 can be seen on page 47 of the 2017 Bears of Brooks River eBook, available at this link. https://www.nps.gov/katm/learn/photosmultimedia/ebooks.htm Note on 05/17/2015 284 was observed courting with 151 Walker.

Note: 284 was darted for the DNA study

2017: 284 returned to Brooks Camp with 2 yearlings on 5/19/17, photos by Ranger David Kopshever on Katmai National Parks Facebook page. An early season video by flyer 7474 (a typo on the video says 3 yearlings but there were only 2 spring cubs in 2016) shows 284 and her yearlings by the gravel bar, 7/5/17. 284 appears to be fairly thin. They are also seen in this 7/16/17 Brooks Lodge Facebook post, photo by Kara Stenberg. This video by Graham Bloye shows 284 and her 2 yearlings fishing near Brooks Falls, 1:44-2:19. A 7/21/2017 Instagram video by aprmofoto shows 284 and her 2 cubs who are playing outside of Brooks Lodge. These 7/24/17 videos by Scammin Scammin show 284 and her yearlings in camp and on the lower river. On 7/25/17 284 was observed chasing a subadult with her two yearlings following behind, video by Martina. The playful cubs and 284 are seen in 3 Kara Stenberg photos posted 7/28/17, on Brooks Lodge Facebook. As the season progressed, one of 284's yearlings developed a two toned coat as seen here in a Kara Stenberg/Brooks Lodge Facebook photo. A 2017 undated video by Mel Malinowski shows 284 with her playful cubs on the beach. Mary Hallowell filmed the 2 yearlings outside of Brooks Lodge, grazing and rolling in the grass. The 284 family is seen on 8/13/17 fishing in the far pool and sitting on the table rock at Brooks falls, video by Brenda D. At the end of the video you will observe a bit of a sibling spat. Victoria White captured 284 and her yearlings at Brooks Falls for a fishing session on 8/12/17. A 9/4/17 video by Victoria White shows 284 and her yearlings resting under the Brooks falls platform and fishing. On 10/6/17 284 is seen with her 2 yearlings fishing and resting on the island at Brooks Falls, video by flyer 7474. Of interest, in the beginning of the video, 284's Mother 708 is observed sitting under the Brooks Falls platform with her two large 2.5 year old cubs.The family can be viewed in this 10/18/17 Melissa Freels video by the Brooks Falls platform and in this 10/22/17 video by flyer 7474 on a snowy morning.

2018: 284 was observed at Brooks Falls as a single female on 7/9/18, during a Play by Play with Mike Fitz.

2020: Ranger Naomi Boak announced during a 6/30/2020 text chat that 284 had returned to Brooks Camp with 2 spring cubs. This is 284's 2nd known litter. See 284's Bear Book Wikipedia page for 2020 information.

313:

1998:  At least 2 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year

1999:  At least 2 Yearlings

2000:  Two 2.5 Year Old Cubs

402:

2004: 2 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ 1st known litter. 402 was only 6.5 years old. This litter consisted of 1 male spring cub and 1 female spring cub. Cam viewer Cog visited Brooks Camp in July, 2004 and photographed 402 with her 2 cubs and the cubs alone.

2005: 2 Yearlings ~ 1 male and 1 female. Could this be 402 and her 2 yearlings on 7/16/2005? Photo by DaceF. On 8/28/2019 Mike Fitz confirmed that this was probably 402 and her 2 yearlings. The sow with 2 yearlings fishing on the lip are 402 and her 2 yearlings in this 2005 video by Safari-Nordique R et M-C BUGAULT. Mike Fitz commented on the ID.

2006: 402 was observed on May 27, 2006 with her two 2.5 year old cubs from her 2004 litter, but was then observed without them later in the season. These cubs were given the numbers 858 Artie and 859 Stella. 858 was recorded using the Brooks River from 2006-2010 and 859 was recorded in 2006 only. Former Ranger Jeanne supplied this information in a chat comment in 2018. This 7/19/2008 photo by Ranger Jeanne is identified as "Artie (standing) and 218 Ugly."

2007:  1 Spring Cub / Cub-of-the-Year ~ 2nd known litter ~ 402 was observed on July 4, 2007 with this spring cub. This video by Hwaing Hsu from early July 2007 appears to be 402 with her spring cub. A 2nd video shows 402 catching a fish by the lower river bridge during a salmon boil. Mike Fitz commented on the video on 6/25/2019 and said "Yeah, that could be 402." 402 soon lost this cub as she was observed on July 8, 2007 without the spring cub. Steve Agrella captured 2 photos, #1  and #2, of a bear that appears to be 402 on 7/10/2007. If this is 402, it was after she had lost her spring cub.402 went back into estrus soon after the loss of this cub, and was observed being pursued by several male bears, most prominently 218 Ugly.  

2008:  3 Spring Cubs  / Cubs-of-the-Year   ~ 3rd known litter ~ 402 having a spring cub / cub-of-the-year in 2007 and then again having spring cubs / cubs-of-the-year in 2008 is something not typically observed in the bears that utilize the Brooks River area.  Photos of this litter as both spring cubs and yearlings can also be found on the cubs page (page 49) in the 2014 Bears of Brooks River book. 402 and her 3 cubs can be seen by the platform at Brooks Falls in this July, 2008 video by ebrewer333. Another 2008 video filmed by Mark Emery shows the family by the Brooks Falls platform (2:36-2:59). 402 and her cubs were captured by photographer Scott Michaels on 7/18/2008.  The first photo shows 402 with 2 of her 3 cubs and the second photo shows 402 protecting her cubs. Park visitor Jim Chagares photographed 402 and her 3 spring cubs between 7/26-7/29/2008. Mike Fitz confirmed the identification from photos on a now inactive Flickr site . They can now be seen on Jim Chagare's website, photo #'s 102-117, 169-180 and 191-199.

2009:  3 Yearlings    ~  Casey Anderson was at Brooks Camp in July of 2009 to film for National Geographic when he captured this video  where 402 with her 3 yearlings and 438 Flo with her two 2.5 year old cubs appear in the beginning of it.  (Note:  the names used in the National Geographic video are not the official nicknames used by the park).  Park visitor Kathy Watkins (kathy90265) shared 2 Instagram photos of 402 and her 3 yearlings as they fished the lip. Bocaflip captured many photos of 402 and her 3 yearlings in 2009. On 6/28/2009 there are 11 photos: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10 and #11. On 6/29/2009 there are 3 photos: #1, #2 and #3. 402 and her 3 yearlings are seen in this 6/26/2009 video by Forseit (0:00-5:00). Peter Thiemann recorded this video of 402 nursing her 3 yearlings in July, 2009. Ranger Jeanne observed 402's three yearlings at Brooks Falls on July 19. 2009. On 9/18/09 Wholeworldgonecrazy captured 402 and her 3 yearlings in this video.

2011:  3 Spring Cubs  / Cubs-of-the-Year  ~ 4th known litter  402 and her 3 spring cubs can be seen from 08:24-9:07 in this June/July video by Dan Leffel. The 402 family is seen in an early season video by Rueben Bokhari. ~ In July of 2011, after a prolonged stand-off, 856 separated 402 from one of her spring cubs.   Although not captured on the video, 856 eventually returned and killed that spring cub from this litter.   The July 31, 2011 post of the blog: My Adventures in Alaska also documents this story.  Curiously, 856 was seen mating with 402 in 2010.  Therefore, he could have potentially killed his own offspring.  Park visitor oliviayhu filmed 402 and her remaining 2 spring cubs. Ranger Jeanne observed 402 with her 2 remaining spring cubs on September 8, 2011.   By September 25, 2011, 402 had lost another spring cub from this litter.   402 and her 3 spring cubs from this litter appear in the beginning of this video by Mark Nicholas from July 12, 2011. They are seen from 0:07-0:24 and 0:47-2:48.

2012:  402 lost her only remaining cub from her 2011 by spring of 2012, and returned to the Brooks River area as a single female in 2012.

2013:  3 Spring Cubs  / Cubs-of-the-Year   ~ 5th known litter, video by MsDebbiB, 7/20/13.  Note: One of these spring cubs is now known as 503 Cubadult. In July 2013, 402 quickly reacts when two of her cubs wash over the Brooks Falls fish ladder as 402 is attempting to fish the lip of the falls. A 2nd video from Gusty Stambaugh was filmed right after the event and shows the 2 small cubs struggling in the water. GC Photo Productions captured the 402 family on the lower river, 7/10/2013 (1:16-1:33). SandyK29 photographed 402 and her 3 spring cubs on 7/13/2013, photos #1 and #2. Sandy noted that "This sow and her three cubs liked to hang out near our cabin at Brook's Lodge. They would go down to the beach and then head up through the grassy area right in front of our cabin." Live Video and Webcams of the World captured 402 and her 3 spring cubs below the Falls platform on 7/24/2013.  A park visitor filmed 402 and her 3 cubs at the falls, on a 7/26-7/27 trip. 402 and her 3 spring cubs are seen walking under the viewing platform in this 7/27/2013 video by Eiji Takeshima. In a Justin Gibson video published on 8/4/2013, 402 is seen walking under the platform with all 3 spring cubs, 0:57-1:04. A 2nd video by Justin Gibson, published on 1/4/2016, shows 402 playing in a grassy area with 2 of her spring cubs. It is assumed that this video is also from the same 2013 trip to Brooks Falls. On 9/18/2017, Matt Hirt published a video that appears to be 402 with her three spring cubs in 2013. The video also shows 608 with her two spring cubs in 2010. Mr Hirt commented in June of 2019 under the video that the first half of the footage was from 2010 and the 2nd half was from 2013, "I'm fortunate to have visited twice and the footage here is a combination of both years. The first half was shot in 2010 and shows (I believe) bear 608 (with 2 small spring cubs) and 438 Flo (on sand spit with two very large cubs). The second half (change of music) was shot in 2013 and you are absolutely correct, that is 402 with her 3 spring cubs." 402   lost one of these spring cubs   in September 2013 when the cub was fatally injured up near Lake Brooks and lost a second cub prior to returning to the Brooks River area in 2014. In this 10/11/2013 video by Linda R. Jett, 402 and her remaining 2 cubs are seen in the riffles area, scavenging salmon before going to den.  

2014:  1 Remaining Yearling ~ 402 returned to the Brooks River area in 2014 with only 1 remaining yearling (06:32 & 10:31 into video) from her 2013 litter.  In a July photo by Laura Lyn Photography 402 is seen with her yearling on top of the fish ladder by Brooks Falls. This July, 2014 video by 117jmg shows 402 and her yearling at 3:27-3:45 and 4:31-4:50. 402  was separated from this remaining male yearling on multiple occasions in early to mid July of 2014; July 1, 2014  and July 9, 2014  were two of the days those separations took place.   402 and her yearling are seen in this 7/8/2014 photo by Bud Marschner. 402 and her yearling were photographed on the beach by photographer Vanshion. The exact dates are not known, photo #1, photo #2 and photo #3. This Explore Highlight video documents the reunion of 402 and her yearling on 7/1/2014. The yearling had been separated from 402 for approximately 10 hours. When he was spotted at the corner on the webcams, Ranger Roy and cam viewers joined in on the search. 402 was being courted by 856  even though she was caring for her remaining offspring.  On July 21, 2014, 856 and 402 were observed mating.  The male yearling was an independent subadult  for a short period of time after being separated from 402 for the final time on July 9, 2014,  and was officially assigned the number of 503 by Ranger Leslie Skora, the bear monitor. In Mike Fitz's 7/11/2014 Katmai Terrane blog post, "Surprises of the Bear World", he discusses the separation of 402 and her yearling. 503 was adopted a short time after by 435 Holly and included in the family group with 435 Holly's 2014 female spring cub.  On July 25, 2014  Calliope Jane / Tina Crowe observed and photographed 503 with 435 Holly and 435 Holly's female spring cub at Margot Creek.  Rangers were able to later confirm 435 Holly's adoption of 503 when 435 Holly was observed at Brooks Camp nursing 503 along with her biological female spring cub. In a 7/20/18 Explore blog, Mike Fitz reflects back on the events surrounding 503's separation from 402. He writes "At the time, and until somewhat recently, I stated that 402 had “abandoned” her yearling (now known as 503). While this might be true in a sense, I no longer think that this is an accurate way of describing the event. After reading more about the emancipation process, I’ve come to believe 402 didn’t abandon her yearling in 2014. She emancipated him."  

2015:  4 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year  ~ 6th known litter  ~ On July 8, 2015 402 returned to the Brooks River area with 4 spring cubs / cubs-of-the-year.  This is the second time 402 has returned to the Brooks River area with cubs in the year immediately following a previous year when she was also caring for offspring.  A 7/8/2015 photo by Roy Wood shows 402 and her tiny cubs on the river. 402 can be viewed guiding her 4 cubs across the lower river in this 7/9/2015 Explore highlight. Cubs have a natural instinct to ride on their Mom's back as seen in this film. Anonyo67 captured 402 and her 4 spring cubs in this July 2015 video (2:56-3:57). 402 is seen fishing by the Brooks Falls platform while the cubs rest and play on the shore. In a second video by anonyo67, 402 is seen attacking 480 Otis as she deems him to be a threat to her cubs. In an Explore highlight video published on 7/27/2015 402's quads nurse under the Brooks Falls platform. The 402 family can be seen in this 2015 Donna Archer video (1:48-2:32). In a video posted on 9/22/2015 by ytb53151, the 402 family is viewed in the oxbow area of the lower river. On 10/5/2015 402 and her plump quads were filmed by the grassy area and lower river viewing platform, video by Victoria White. Explore posted a video on 10/5/2015 in which 3 of the 4 spring cubs would not follow 402 under the lower river bridge. One of the larger spring cubs from this litter is a male.  402 is one of four bears known to have a litter of four spring cubs  in the Brooks River area in the past ten years. 402 and her quads were also viewed at Margot Creek in 2015, Instagram photos by frb71photo.

2016: 402 returned to Brooks River (6/16/2016 video by Mickey Williams) on 6/14/2016 with 3 yearling cubs (photo by Ranger Anela Ramos) but then was soon seen with only 2. Park visitor Ned Awty captured photos of 402 and 3 yearlings on 6/17/2019, photos #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7. Jusywho filmed 402 and her 3 cubs crossing the Brooks River on 6/17/2016. One of the yearlings was lost between 6/17/2016 and 6/19/2016. During a chat, Ranger Dave mentioned that prior to seeing 402 with only 2 yearlings, there was some sort of commotion or ruckus at which point a sow and 2 yearlings went running through camp. Ranger Dave expressed that the sow may have been 402, but whether or not this was the event that caused the disappearance of the 3rd cub is unknown. Park volunteer Amalia Garduno filmed 402 and her 2 remaining yearlings below the Brooks Falls viewing platform during the summer season, video #1 and video #2. The cubs can be heard vocalizing in the 2nd video. 402 and her yearlings started to be shadowed by 435's biological 2.5 year old female cub after she was emancipated. It was revealed that the emancipated cub was given bear id# 719 in a live chat with Ranger Leslie Skora on 9/26/16. For the most part, 402 tolerated the presence of 719 and at different times was seen both protecting her from a charge and charging her when she thought her own cub's fish was being stolen. 719 could often be seen playing with one of 402's yearlings. She continued to follow 402 and her cubs all summer and into the fall when they were last seen together. 402 frequently fished the lip at Brooks Falls, often with her larger cub joining her. She can be seen with her yearlings in this early season video by Martina. 402 was also seen at the lower river and had 2 healthy yearlings when seen in early fall, both photos by Kara Stenberg. This Kara Stenberg photo shows 402 with her yearlings resting at the lower river with 719 in the background. Mickey William's 9/20/16 video shows 402 and her cubs at Brooks Falls. 719 can be seen following the family at 4:31. 402's smaller cub is believed to be female and the larger cub is male. Note: from the 2017 Bears of Brooks River profile of 719, "Ironically, 402 is the biological mother of 503, 719's adopted sibling. We cannot know how cognizant 719 was of the events surrounding her development, but brown bears are intelligent. 719 appears to have learned from 503's adoption and applied that knowledge to her own situation. She seems to have identified the risks and rewards of approaching an unknown bear and used that knowledge to give herself the best chance at survival." Will 402 emancipate her 2.5 year old cubs in 2017 and will 719 continue to stay with them?

Note: 402 was successfully darted for the DNA study.

Note:  Prior to 2013, 236 Milkshake was the only bear that frequented the Brooks River area previously known to produce five litters of cubs.  402 producing her 5th known litter totaling 12 known offspring between 2004 and 2013, tied her with 236 Milkshake as one of the most fecund bears known to utilize the Brooks River area. In 2015 when 402 produced her 6th known litter of cubs totaling 16 known offspring has now captured the status of the most fecund bear known to frequent the Brooks River area.  

2017: 402 was observed by someone at Brooks Camp on 6/11/2017 with her now two, 2.5 year old cubs. The family can be seen in this Katmai National Park Facebook post, photo by Tammy Carmack. 402 emancipated both her cubs approximately on 6/17/17. She was observed driving her cubs away by KNP staff.

2018: Bear 402 returned to the Brooks River on Friday, the 13th of July, 2018 with 4 spring cubs. This is her 7th litter and she has produced 20 spring cubs. It is also her 2nd set of quads, the last being in 2015. 402 has also had litters of triplets 3 times. In a 7/13/18 Explore Blog post titled "Four Cubs for 402 Again", Mike Fitz discusses the challenges and difficulties in raising 4 cubs to emancipation. Ranger Russ shared a photo of 402 with 2 of her 4 cubs and another with all 4 spring cubs ,photos by KNP volunteer M. Whalen. Ranger Russ stopped in chat on 7/15/18 to report that 402 and her 4 spring cubs have been seen in camp. He shared 2 of his photos from 7/14/18. 402 and her 4 cubs are seen wandering through camp in an instagram video posted by Craig Kutella on 7/16/18. Ranger Andrew LaValle stopped in the chat on Wednesday, 7/18/18. He informed chatters that 402 was only seen with 3 cubs that morning and that 1 cub might be missing. At approximately 6:20 pm AK on Thursday, 7/19/18, cam viewers spotted 402 and her 4 spring cubs on the spit (video by erum chad) and also walking by the lower river platform (video by flyer 7474). The family had been reunited to the delight of cam viewers. On Friday, 7/20/18 Mike Fitz was hosting a Disqus chat and posted the following: "Last evening (July 19), 402 was seen near the mouth of Brooks River with four spring cubs. If 402 had indeed separated from one or more of her cubs, then I wouldn’t have expected her to reunited with one or more of them after many hours or days apart. However, it seems even more unlikely that ““402…lost a cub, was reunited with it, then seen with two cubs, and most recently, back with three [now four].” This makes me consider the possibility that her cubs were never missing at all and that staff confused 402 with another mother bear with fewer than four spring cubs. Right now, the only confirmed sightings of 402 that I know of are of her and all four cubs. The information I wrote in my recent blog post about 402 ) was based on one email and I didn’t confirm the email from a second source. If I’ve created any confusion, I apologize. Unless I confirm otherwise, I can only assume 402 was never missing any cubs and the previous reports confused her with another female bear with spring cubs." Bear cam chatter and photographer Kenneth Kearney shared a video on his Facebook page of 402 nursing her 4 spring cubs on the beach, posted on 7/20/18. Kenneth recounted that 402 in fact was separated from one of her cubs for a day. The video and his account of the separation can be seen here. Late at night on 7/20/18 the 402 family can be viewed walking by the lower river platform and entering the water. While 402 finds some salmon to eat the 4 cubs can be seen clinging to and riding on her back, video by Brenda D. Photographer Valerie Van Griethuysen captured a photo of 402 with one cub on her back titled "Phew, safe on Mom" and a 2nd photo of the entire family. On 7/27/18 Ranger Russ Taylor shared a photo of 402's spring cubs that was taken on 7/24/18. In September, photographer Tommy Hays captured 402 and her 4 spring cubs. The cubs can be seen floating downstream while 402 is fishing. Photographer Taylor Thomas Albright visited Brooks Camp in both July and September. He captured photos of 402 and her 4 cubs on both 7/11/2018 and 9/21/2018. You can observe how much the spring cubs have grown over 10 weeks. Mr Albright captured many additional images of 402 and her 4 cubs on his Instagram page, photos #1, #2, #3 (94 and her 3 spring cubs to the right of the frame), #4, #5, #6, #7 and #8. A videographer by the name of Big Person filmed the 402 family from the riffles platform on a 9/22-9/24/2018 visit, 9:09-11:29. 402 can be heard jaw popping which is a sign of stress. In a 2nd video, 402 and her cubs are observed catching and eating salmon scraps by the grassy point area on the lower river (16:33-19:30). In a 9/24/2018 video by Cruiser, 402's blondest cub is eating a salmon in the riffles area when a sibling approaches. Cubs do not want to share salmon and the reaction is loud and physical (0:55). This same blonde cub was seen urinating backward and to the rear which would indicate it is female (9/24/18 video at 13:07). The 4 spring cubs posed for photographer Cindy Rocha on 9/26/18. Cam viewer Deanna Dittloff created this 2018 season video of the 402 family. Cam Viewer Erie captured one of 402's cubs appearing to urinate straight down which would indicate it is male. The cub is nearest to 402 in this 10/1/2018 video (0:13). A clearer view will be needed to confirm the gender in 2019. The 402 family can be viewed in this 10/8/2018 video by Arlene Beech. While 402 is fishing, the cubs rest and play below the Brooks Falls platform. Could 402 return in 2019 with all four cubs? She returned in 2016 with three of her four spring cubs from 2015 but then lost one. The only known sow to return with four yearlings was 236 Milkshake in 2004 but then she lost one in June and one in July. The odds are stacked against 402 based on cub mortality rates.

2019: On June 21 2019, Courtney from Explore stopped in chat and posted a photo of a sow with 3 yearlings, exact date unknown. The sow appears to be 402 and has apparently lost one of her cubs between October of 2018 and spring of 2019. Courtney commented "We know you're all waiting patiently. And the good news is that we're very close. Check out that new underwater installation and a bear sighting for good measure." Ranger Naomi later commented in response to a photo by Xander-Sage-2 that "Sources I trust say the top one is 402 and her three and that the bottom photo I took is 94." 402 was seen fishing in the riffles while her 3 yearlings sat on the river bank in the early morning hours of 6/28/2019, video by Ratna. Melissa Freels captured 402 and her 3 yearlings on 6/29/2019 and 402 fishing on the lip on 6/30/2019. 402 and cubs are seen on the closed trail on 6/29/2019 but leave quickly when a large bear approaches nearby, video by Lani H. 402's 3 yearlings get their first lip fishing lesson on 6/30/2019. The family is seen on top of the falls with 856 in the jacuzzi below, video by mckate. Later that same day, 402 is observed with only 2 yearlings at the falls (video by Lani H) and in the riffles (video by Arlene Beech). It could be speculated that 402 stayed in the riffles area because that is the last place she saw her missing cub. Later on 6/30/2019, 402 is seen with all 3 yearlings at the falls, video by Lani H. 6/30/2019 was a stressful day for 402. She can be seen in an altercation with a subadult probably due to her being defensive about her nearby cubs, video by Lani H. The subadult was seen later and did not appear to be injured. Flyer 7474 captured the entire 402 family fishing the lip on 7/2/2019. Lani H filmed 402 and her 3 yearlings the next three days, on the lip 7/3/2019, in the riffles 7/4/2019 and on the lip again 7/5 2019. Kara Stenberg also filmed the 402 family fishing on the lip on 7/5/019. On 7/6/2019, 402 and her 3 cubs are fishing the lip when 747 proceeds to chase 89 Backpack across the top of the falls. 402 and her cubs scatter but are then reunited under the platform, video by Ratna. Park visitor Jaysea C filmed the same event on 7/6/2019, seen at 3:48-4:16. That same day, 402 is fishing the lip beside 775 Lefty when 747 approaches in an intimidating manner. 402 can be seen swatting at 747 numerous times before leaving to check on her cubs, video by Ratna. 402's yearlings spent a lot of time by the old fish ladder while 402 fished on 7/7/2019, video by Lani H. 402 can be seen attacking a subadult in the riffles on 7/11/2019. The subadult was headed in the direction of 402's cubs who were sitting on the river bank, video by Lani H. Xander-Sage-2 captured this beautiful cam snapshot of the 402 family resting at the riffles on 7/11/2019. Ratna also filmed this same event with the closeup view starting at 5:50. The 402 family was seen huddled on a rock in the riffles on 7/12/2019, video by Arlene Beech. Lani H captured the 402's twice on 7/12/2019. The 3 yearlings are seen sitting on a log waiting for Mom and also at the Falls. Cam viewer Truman Everts shared 2 photos of the 402 family from his early July trip to Brooks Camp, photo#1 and photo #2. Please ask Truman for permission before using any of his photos. 402 and her 3 yearlings were last seen on 7/15/2019 in the riffles, video by Lani H. 402 and her 3 yearlings were next observed at Brooks Camp on 7/21/2019. They were seen twice in the riffles, (video #1, video #2) and 402 was observed diving for fish in the jacuzzi, all 3 videos by Lani H. Mckate captured the 402 family on the underwater cam on 7/23/2019. 402 spots a fish and dives to retrieve it. 402 and her 3 yearlings were observed almost every day from 7/25-7/31/2019, all videos by Lani H: 7/25 in the riffles, 7/26 scavenging at the lower river, 7/27 in the riffles, 7/29 at the falls, 7/30 at the cutbank and 7/31 in the early morning at the falls. The 402 family was not observed from 7/31-9/18/2019, an absence of about 7 weeks. Many bears leave Brooks Camp in August when the salmon run has slowed down. 402 has been known to travel to Margot Creek during those times. 402 returned to Brooks Camp with all 3 yearlings on 9/18/2019. 402's 3 yearlings patiently wait near the Brooks Falls platform while 402 fishes, 9/18/2019 video by Birgitt.

Note: The Lower River East Cam was turned off on 10/1/2019 so there was no view of the spit. LR, RW and the UW cam were turned off on 10/10/2019. Sows and cubs may have still been at Brooks Camp after those dates.

2020: 402 was seen by Ranger Tammy on 6/16/2020 with all three of her 2.5 year old cubs. 402 nor her cubs were viewed again until 6/22/2020 when 402 was observed being courted by 856 at Brooks Falls. 402's 3 cubs have been emancipated.

403 Egberta:

2005:  1 Spring Cub / Cub-of-the-Year ~ this cub was a male, Ugbert

2006:  1 Yearling ~ this cub was a male, Ugbert. In this July, 2006 video by Peter Thiemann, 403 Egberta can be seen fishing the lip with her yearling cub Ugbert. Katmai National Park volunteer John Castor captured a possible photo of 403 Egberta with her 2.5 year old cub Ugbert on 8/10/2007.

2007:  One 2.5 Year Old male cub, Ugbert  ~ Approximately 51 seconds into this video   403 steals a fish from another bear down river of Brooks Falls, her cub, Ugbert can be observed and heard bawling.  

Note:  403   Egberta has not been observed in the Brooks River area since 2008.  403's male offspring, Ugbert, was never observed and recognized as an independent subadult.  

408 CC (Crooked Claw):

2005:  3 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ female 128 Grazer is believed to be one of the offspring from this litter

2006:  3 Yearlings ~ female 128 Grazer is believed to be one of the offspring from this litter. Park visitor Bonney captured this photo of 408CC and her yearlings on 7/15/2006. 408 CC is seen with her 3 yearlings in this 7/18/2006 photo by NetteBini.

2007:  Three 2.5 Year Old Cubs (beginning of video)  ~ female 128 Grazer is believed to be one of the offspring from this litter.  Tim (his video is linked just above) has photos of his day at Brooks Camp that include 408 with her cubs at this link. In another 2007 video by abenteueralaska, 408 CC is seen with her three 2.5 year old cubs on the lower river, 3:42-4:14 and 5:09-5:19. Identification was confirmed by former KNP Ranger Mike Fitz. Steve Agrella captured photos of 408 CC with her three 2.5 year old cubs on 7/9/2007, #1, #2, #3 and #4.

2008:  In early May 2008, 408 CC was observed once with her 3.5 year old cubs near the auditorium, but when 408 was observed again she had emancipated her offspring and was a single adult female for the remainder of the season. This is a good example of a sow liberating older cubs without incident (438 Flo is another example of older cubs being liberated without incident).

Note:  408 CC has not been observed in the Brooks River area since 2010

409 Beadnose:

2004:  1 Spring Cub / Cub-of-the-Year ~ 1st known litter ~ 409 was observed with this spring cub latched to her back as she swam across the river.  This spring cub is the ORIGINAL VELCRO

2005:  1 yearling ~ Yearling is described in NPS bear ID database as "very large" and engaged in long play bouts with 409. 409 and her yearling are seen in this June 25, 2005 photo by Don Abernathy and this July 14, 2005 photo by Mullen Photography. 3 photos by George Georgiou taken on 7/15/2005 also appear to be 409 Beadnose and her yearling cub #1, #2 and #3.

2007:  3 Spring Cubs   / Cubs-of-the-Year  ~ 2nd known litter  ~ 409 Beadnose returned to the Brooks River area in 2007 with 3 spring cubs / cubs-of-the-year, but was soon observed with only two remaining spring cubs  / cubs-of-the-year .  John Castor photographed 409 with her 3 spring cubs on 6/24/2007. John later captured photos of 409 with only 2 cubs, photo #1 and photo #2, 7/12/2007. Female 130 Tundra & Arctic are two remaining spring cubs / cubs-of-the-year offspring from this litter as seen in this 2007 video. Dan Lind Photography captured 2 photos of 409 and her 2 remaining spring cubs on 7/11/2007. 

2008:  2 Yearlings ~ female 130 Tundra  & Arctic are the two remaining offspring from this litter.  409 Beadnose raised these two remaining offspring from her 2007 litter through 2008.  Arctic was never identified as an independent subadult, however both 130 Tunda & Arctic were successfully weaned.  Female offspring 130 Tundra  sustained an injury above her eye as a yearling.  The injury left a scar which made 130 easily identifiable as an independent subadult in 2009 and in her remaining years going forward. This 6/8/2008 Roy Wood photo shows 130 Tundra as a yearling. In a 7/2/2008 photo by Randy Harris, 130's scar is clearly visible. This July, 2008 video by Tomasz Bobrowski shows 409 with her yearlings by the lower river platform (1:05-1:16). 130 Tundra is the yearling looking up at the platform with a scar over her left eye. Jim Chagares photographed 130 Tundra on 7/28/2008.  Mike Fitz confirmed the identification from photos on a now inactive Flickr site . They can now be seen on Jim Chagare's website, photo #'s 29 and 30. Sadly on July 1, 2014 130 Tundra  was found dead near the cut bank along the Brooks River     

2012:  3 Spring Cubs   / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ 3rd known litter ~ female 500 Indy is believed to be from this litter. 409 and her 3 spring cubs are seen in a series of photos by Bud Marschner on 7/2/2012. Click the right arrow to view 4 more photos. A 7/13/2012 video by 5831a show 409 and her 3 cubs walking along the spit. 2D photography captured 409 and her 3 cubs resting on the lower river on July 16, 2012. Victor Nemeth MD photographed 409 and her 3 spring cubs on the lower river on September 13, 2012.  

2013:  3 Yearlings  ~ female 500 Indy is believed to be one of the offspring from this litter,  409  Beadnose's  2013 yearlings were different sizes,  the largest of the yearlings was a female, the middle sized yearling was a male, and the smallest (runt) yearling  was a female. Cam viewer Martina recorded 409 and her yearlings on 6/29/13. Randy Harris captures 409 and her yearlings at 3:04, 3:59, & 4:09 into this video. A July, 2013 video by Eva Thiemann captures 409's three yearlings fighting over a fish. The 409 family is seen by the grassy point and lower river platform in this 7/4/2013 video by eaglewhisperer18, 0:00-1:13. Explore published a video on 7/18/2013 titled "Meet Beadnose and Cubs." Park visitor Dave Clark photographed 409's beautiful yearlings on 8/28/2013. Click the right arrow to view 8 photographs. This 9/13/2013 photo by Peter Zwiers shows 409's three very healthy, blonde yearlings sitting by the spit road. One of the yearlings is much larger and is believed to be bear 500 Indy. Park visitor Gregg Burch filmed the 409 family feeding on salmon at the lower river. 409 and her cubs can be seen at 2:07-2:55, 4:39-5:05, 5:42-6:05 and 7:06-8:01. The cubs can be heard bawling and begging for fish at 7:17. In a September 2013 video by Emale1502, 409's 3 yearlings are seen scavenging salmon on the lower river, 0:57-2:18.

2016: 409 Beadnose returned to Brooks Falls in 2016 with 2 spring cubs. Victoria White captured this 6/18/2016 video. In this 6/20/2016 video by Erie, 409 can be seen shortly after returning to Brooks camp with 2 spring cubs, photos by Truman Everts. The 2 spring cubs (only one pictured with 409), (photo by Kara Stenberg posted on Brooks Lodge Facebook on 6/21/2016), were shown to both be female and described by Ranger Dave in the fall to be the largest set of spring cubs he has seen. Victoria White filmed the 409 family near the lower river platform on 6/22/2016. Cam viewer Erie captured an adventurous day for 409 and her cubs on 7/5/2016, 0:00-6:55. The cubs do not want to follow her as she is fishing on the lower river. They instead keep track of her location by traveling on the spit road and are eventually reunited on the spit. On 7/6/2016 Mike Fitz filmed 128 with her 3 spring cubs and 409 with her 2 spring cubs. 409 and 128 have a tense encounter but no fight occurs. Mike discusses this interaction in a Blog post "When Mother Bears Collide. 409's 2 spring cubs can be heard bawling and fighting over a fish in this 7/19/16 video by Cam viewer Martina. This occurred during a play by play by Ranger David Kopshever. This is 409's 4th known litter of cubs, video by Amalia Garduno. As a single sow, 409 prefers to fish the lip at Brooks Falls. In this Melissa Freels 7/31/2016 video, you can see 409 fishing the lip when one of her cubs tumbles off the falls. As 409 goes to check on her cubs, 402 moves into 409's fishing spot with her 2 yearlings in tow. In another video on 7/31/2016 by Brenda D, both cubs slide off the falls, one at 5:57 and the other at 6:16. 409 does not seem too alarmed and the cubs climb back up without much difficulty. 409 was not seen often at the falls. She was observed more often in the riffles and lower river area. Park visitor Ronald Woan captured over 60 photos of 409 and her 2 spring cubs on the grassy point, 9/6/2016. Click the right arrow to view the photos. Melissa Freels filmed the family on the grassy point the same day, 9/6/2016. 409's spring cubs looked very healthy and had grown to a good size by the fall. They can be seen in this 9/8 2016 video ( 1:41-3:10 ) by Erie playing at the gate to the floating bridge. In this 10/5/2016 video by Erie, one of 409's cubs cam be seen briefly 'cowboy walking" and bluff charging a sow with her cub.

Note: 409 was successfully darted for the DNA study, video by Explore, October 2016.

2017: 409 returned to Brooks Falls around 6/20/17 with her 2 yearlings. She is seen in this photo by Ranger David Kopshever nursing her cubs. A 6/21/17 video by Brenda D shows the family in a lengthy fishing session at Brooks Falls. These Melissa Freels photos of 409 and her 2 yearlings were taken on 6/23/17 and and 6/25/17. Flyer 7474 filmed the 409 and 128 families on 6/21/2019. 409's 2 cubs treed themselves in the "Nanny Tree" at Brooks Falls. 128 Grazer then came along with her 3 cubs who also went up the tree. A standoff and scuffle ensued between the 2 sows but eventually all cubs and Moms went their separate ways. Mike Fitz discusses this Mother Bear behavior in a 6/27/2017 Blog post. This summer of 2017 video by John Rayeski shows 409 and her playful yearlings on the lower river, 2:13-2:33. Sometime during the summer of 2017, Mikey Wright captured this Instagram video of 747 displacing and then chasing 409 Beadnose and her two yearlings (now 909 & 910). On 7/12/17 Brooks Lodge Facebook posted a photo of the 409 family by Kara Stenberg. In another Kara Stenberg photo, the 409 family can be seen passing by 284 and her 2 yearlings. A wonderful video by Karen Hanson captured 409 and her yearlings fishing on the lip of Brooks Falls. They are seen at 2:35-3:00 and 7:32-8:56. This video by Amalia Garduno show 409 and her 2 yearlings sitting in front of the platform by Brooks Falls. flyer 7474 captured 409 and her 2 playful cubs on the lower river, 8/2/17. On 8/3/17, 409 and her yearlings were resting on the lower river when they had a peaceful interaction with 128 and her 3 yearlings, video by flyer 7474. One of her yearlings tends to be very clingy. On 9/11/17 409 is seen resting with one cub by the lower river platform while the 2nd cub scratches and rolls in the grass, video by flyer 7474. Both yearlings are female.

Note: 409 was successfully darted for the DNA study.

2018: In a 5/22/18 post by KNP Facebook, it was announced that 409 was observed at Brooks Camp with her two 2.5 year old cubs, photo by R. Taylor. 409 has been known to emancipate her cubs at 2.5 years old. Will she follow her past behavior or keep her cubs one more year? A 5/25/18 post by Brooks Lodge Facebook shows 409 and her 2 cubs observing a moose on the lower river. The 5/23/18 photo and another was credited to Kulik Lodge's Amy MacEachern. On 6/1/18, KNP Facebook posted a photo of 128 and her two remaining 2.5 year old cubs along with 409 and her two 2.5 year old cubs. The photo by R. Taylor was taken "last week" so it is unknown whether any of these cubs have been emancipated. Per a 6/6/18 Explore blog by Mike Fitz, 409 has emancipated her two 2.5 year old cubs and was seen being courted by 856.

410 Chowmane (1992 ID #175), Cubless (1996 ID #014) Four-Ton (2006 ID #410):

Note:  410 has had at least 4 known litters of cubs:

1996: 1 Spring Cub / Cub-of-the-Year - this spring cub died and 410 was observed burying the cub on the beach. While this is 410's first documented litter of cubs, it is possible that 410 had an earlier litter or earlier litters prior to 1996 as the monitoring program in its current iteration did not exist when 410 was first identified as an independent bear.

1998:  3 Spring Cub / Cub-of-the-Year

2004:  3 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year This 7/22/2004 photo by silverfish13 is possibly 410 and her 3 spring cubs resting on the spit.

2005:  3 Yearlings

2007:  2 Spring Cubs  / Cubs-of-the-Year  ~ 4th and last known litter 410 and her 2 spring cubs are seen from 5:32-5:48 in this video by abenteueralaska. Identification was confirmed by former Ranger Mike Fitz.A . Steve Agrella photographed 410 and her 2 spring cubs on 7/9/2007 and again on 7/10/2007. Hwaing Hsu filmed 410 and her 2 spring cubs in early July 2007. Park visitor Dan Lind captured a 23 photo series of 410 and her 2 spring cubs on 7/11/2007, (click right arrow to view all). Bruce Yates, (Underwater Reflections) photographed 410 and her 2 spring cubs on 7/11/2007, photo #1, photo #2 and 7/12/2007, photo #1, photo #2 and photo #3. A 7/24/2007 photo by safa2007a shows 410 with her 2 spring cubs. Florence Nobuko Smith photographed 410 with her 2 spring cubs in the riffles on 7/28/2007, photo #1 and photo #2. GrizzBear44 filmed 410 and her 2 playful spring cubs on the spit and beach in 2007 (0:51-1:01).

2008:  2 Yearlings ~ 410 lost one of these yearlings   in early July 2008. In this July 2008 video by sailorjohn2, 410 and one yearling are briefly seen from 8:10-8:12.

2016: Note: 410 was successfully darted for the DNA study.

2017: Note: 410 was successfully darted for the DNA study.

Note:  410 has been observed treeing her cubs so she could go out fishing for about seven hours and forget where she parked her cubs.  She would go around camp vocalizing and jaw popping at everything that made noise until she found her cubs again.  Even at her age 410 still manages to mate every year..  What is not known is if she has cubs and does not return to the Brooks River area with them, or if mating does not result in the cubs.  

415:

2003: 1 Spring Cub / Cub-of-the-Year ~ Cub killed by bear 24 BB on 06/27/03 on point of beach in front of Brooks Camp.

2004:  2 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year

2005: 2 Yearlings ~ Large yearling was female, other yearling was male.

2012:  3 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ 415 and her 3 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year can be observed in this video at 0:29 and 1:29

424 Minnie (aka Mini 410):

2004:  1 Spring Cub

2005:  1 Yearling

2006: 1 2.5-Year-Old

Note: 424 Minnie is not included in any of the Bears of Brooks River books. Here are some life history / ID marks & hints on 424... 424 was 1st identified as a subadult in 2001. She was identified at Brooks Camp every year through 2012, though sometimes she was only seen in the fall. In 2005 she was first described as resembling 410. In 2012 she was described as blonde, with blonde round ears. Her muzzle is described as short and blocky, and her eyes were described as close set and sleepy. It seems to be her muzzle and profile that looked similar to 410.

425 Jan:

2002: 1 Spring Cub / Cub-of-the-Year

2003: 1 Yearling

2009:  3 Spring Cubs  / Cubs-of-the-Year This 7/12/2009 photo by NetteBini shows 425 Jan with her 3 spring cubs. A 7/24/2009 photo by ConstantineD also appears to be 425 and her 3 cubs.

2010:  1 Yearling

2012: 1 Spring Cub / Cub of the year, photo by Ranger Jeanne.

2013: 1 Yearling

2017: Note: 425 was successfully darted for the DNA study.

435 Holly:

2006:  1 Spring Cub / Cub-of-the-Year ~ male 89 Backpack is the offspring from this litter. In June of 2006, Jose Vigano filmed 435 and her spring cub in this video slideshow, 5:39-6:07. On 7/12/2006 and 7/13/2006 Brooks Camp Visitor Bonney captured photos of 435 Holly and her spring cub (89 Backpack). b52starr captured 435 Holly with her spring cub on the lower river, 7/12/2006. 89 Backpack can be seen riding on 435's back in this album titled "Piggy Back Bears" with 9 photos. John Pennoyer (Impressions of Nature) also posted photos of 435 and her cub on 9/9/2006 and 2 additional photos on 9/16/2006, #1 and #2.

2007:  1 Yearling   ~ male 89 Backpack is the offspring from this litter. 435 arrived to Brooks Camp in 2007 with her yearling cub who had a severe limp in his right front leg and was unable to bear any weight on that limb. Mike Fitz discussed the resiliency of the yearling in this 2013 Katmai Terrane blog. 435 and her injured cub can be seen in this 2007 video by GrizzBear44, 1:23-1:30. Steve and Lori Agrella captured multiple images of 435 Holly and her yearling 89 Backpack on 7/9/2007 and 7/10/2007. Steve photographed 435 Holly alone on 7/9/2007 and on 7/9/2007 with 89 Backpack. Steve Agrella captured a photo of 435 Holly with 89 Backpack on 7/10/2007. Note how 89 Backpack holds up his injured right front paw. Lori Agrella captured 2 photos of 89 Backpack alone on 7/10/2007 and 435 with 89 Backpack on 7/10/2007.

2009:  1 Spring Cub   / Cub-of-the-Year  ~ On June 30, 2009 814 Lurch chased 435 Holly and her spring cub.  814 Lurch quickly overpowered 435 Holly and killed this spring cub. WARNING: This KNP video may be disturbing to watch. Park visitor bocaflip captured photos of 435 and her spring cub prior to the incident, on 6/28/2009 and 6/29/2009.

2014:  1 Spring Cub  / Cub-of-the-Year ~ this spring cub was a female   In an early 2014 season video by Emma Jeffries, 435 Holly is seen with her new spring cub, 0:10-1:47. On 7/4/2014, 435 Holly is seen with her single spring cub in this video by Various Videos. 435 Holly and her spring cub were captured in these three 7/7/2014 photos by Bud Marschner, photo #1, photo #2, photo #3. Various Videos filmed 435 and her cub again on 7/15/2014, 9:03-17:50. A 3rd video by Various Videos was posted on 8/12/2014. Rangers Mike Fitz and Roy Wood can be heard discussing the bears. This video was probably filmed in early July as 435 is seen with only her spring cub, 0:25-1:36. 435 was photographed at Margot Creek on 7/25/2014 with her cub and a yearling (503) who it was later determined that she had adopted. Did 435 Holly adopt 503, 402's abandoned yearling, on or before July 25, 2014?  Calliope Jane / Tina Crowe observed and photographed  435 Holly with her spring cub and 503, 402's former yearling together at Margot Creek, but was this firm evidence that a rare adoption had taken place?  On September 5, 2014  435 Holly returned to the mouth of Brooks River  with her biological spring cub and 503, the once abandoned yearling.  The family group returning together provided firm evidence that an adoption had taken place.  On September 27, 2014 the two cubs of this family group were observed play fighting out in the river and on the shore  .  On September 28, 2014 when 435 Holly was observed nursing the yearling (503)  there was certainly no doubt that the first documented adoption at Katmai's Brooks River had taken place.  For whatever reason... these bears ARE family (the bear that can be seen diving for fish in Naknek River in this video is 402, 503's biological mother).    Life has certainly changed for   503, 402's biological yearling that found himself abandoned on July 9, 2014, and then managed to find a way to be protected by his adoptive mom, 435 Holly. On 9/27/2014 KNP filmed 435's now 2 cubs play fighting on the lower river. In another KNP video on 9/28/2014, 435 Holly is observed nursing her spring cub and adopted yearling. In the beginning of the video you can hear the spring cub bawling as she wants to nurse.

2015:  1 Biological Yearling (female) & 503 (male), her adopted 2.5 year old cub from 402's 2013 litter of spring cubs.  435 Holly returning to the Brooks River area on June 2, 2015 with both her biological female yearling and her adopted 2.5 year old male cub (503) was exciting for all of those that had followed this amazing and rare adoption story. The family is seen on 6/27/2015 in a photo by Max Goldberg. The 435 family including her biological yearling and adopted 2.5 year old (503 Cubadult), are seen by the Brooks Falls platform in a video by Amalia Garduno. Brooks Camp visitor madmadmad photographed 435 Holly with her yearling and adopted 2.5 year old on 9/9/2015. The family can be seen in this album of 16 photos titled "Holly and Cubs."

2016:  On May 21, 2016 KNP&P District Interpreter, Ranger Anela Ramos, and SCA Intern, Ranger David Kopshever observed 435 Holly with her 2.5 year old biological cub and 503, her 3.5 year old adopted cub . This 5/21/2016 Katmai National Park video by Ranger Daniel Lombardi shows 435 Holly's arrival with her soon to be emancipated family. 435 emancipated both her 2.5 year old biological cub and her 3.5 year old adopted cub 503 in the first week of June. 435 Holly was observed being courted by 747 on 6/12/16, video by Ranger Anela Ramos. Note: The video was originally misidentified as 32 courting 435. You can read about 435, the emancipation of her cubs, subsequent courtship by 747 and her progression through summer and fall in this Katmai Terrane post by Ranger David Kopshever.

https://www.nps.gov/katm/blogs/bear-profile-435-holly.htm

Note: 435 was successfully darted for the DNA study, video by Martina 9/25/2016.

2017: 435 was observed on 6/30/17 with 2 spring cubs. This is her 4th litter but her first with more than one cub. The 435 family was seen on the spit in a photo by Ranger Anela Ramos and also in a Brooks Lodge Facebook/Kara Stenberg photo. They were observed on the lower river in two videos by Erum Chad on 7/1/17. In the first video, 435 Holly appears to be very hungry in searching for fish. As her cubs run to keep up with her, Rangers are rapidly clearing the corner and gravel bar of visitors to give her plenty of space. In the second video the same day, she is seen digging in search of fish or other food and passes by the lower river bridge platform. On 7/4/17 Brenda D captured the 435 family on the lower river. At 10:27 the 2 spring cubs appear to be by themselves. They are alerted to danger at 12:35 when a sow with 3 yearlings approaches them from the gravel bar. As is their instinct, they flee the danger. The cubs are seen by themselves for the rest of the video but were reunited with 435. The 435 family was filmed by Karen Hanson resting and playing on the beach (1:07-1:30). A subadult, probably newly emancipated, is seen behind and following 435 and her cubs. 435's very playful cubs are seen on the spit with 435 on 8/3/17, video by Brenda D. On 9/6/17, Melissa Freels photographed 435 and her 2 cubs by the beach. One of the cubs is now very blonde while the other is a dark brown. 435 Holly is seen with her dark cub here and her blonde cub here, both photos taken by Melissa Freels on 9/6/17. Melissa also filmed the 435 family on her Brooks Camp visit, seen from 0:57-2:37. In an early September video by Explore, 435's 2 cubs are observed on the lower river by the bridge gate. Cam viewer and park visitor Lee captured photos of the 435 family and the spring cubs on 9/16/17. On 9/17/17 435 and her cubs are seen on the grassy area by the lower river platform. The blonde cub is seen dragging a very long tapeworm behind it. The tapeworm eventually breaks off. It is not uncommon for Brooks bears to acquire tapeworms due to their raw salmon diet, video by Brenda D. In a September video by Explore, 435's dark cub catches a salmon and will not share with her sibling. 435 Holly and her very plump cubs can be seen fishing at Brooks falls on 10/6/17, a subadult is seen nearby, video by Melissa Freels. Both cubs are female.

Note:  Prior to 2016, 435 Holly has had three known litters of cubs in eight years and each time 435 has had one spring cub / cub-of-the-year. In 2017, 435 Holly returned with two spring cubs / cubs-of-the-year, her 4th known litter, and her 1st known multiple cub litter.  

Note: 435 was successfully darted for the DNA study

2018: On 6/3/18, Ranger Russ posted a photo of a just seen 435 and her 2 yearlings in chat, photo taken by Ranger Kristen. Holly can be seen playing with one cub while the 2nd cub is behind foliage to the left of the frame. Ranger Russ returned to chat on 6/7/18 and shared another photo of 435 and her 2 cubs taken by Ranger Anela. On 6/17/18 Ranger Russ reported that 435 and her 2 yearlings were seen in camp. Photos show her one dark and one blonde cub who are both female. On 6/20/18, 435 and her yearlings made an appearance at Brooks Falls, video by flyer 7474. The family could be seen eating grasses and briefly exploring the far bank. Xander Sage produced a GIF of 435 and her yearlings, early in the season. Arlene Beech filmed the family on 6/28/2018. They are observed on the lower river resting and eating grasses as the salmon have not yet arrived. Gsdivers photographed 435 and her 2 yearlings on 7/1/2018. Click the right arrow to view 15 photos. Park visitor and cam watcher Truman Everts captured 435 and her 2 yearlings on a visit to Brooks Camp, 7/6/18 (photo used with permission). Taylor Thomas Albright photographed 435 Holly and her cubs in an early July visit. Scott Heidorn/PhotoShootAdviser captured 435 and her 2 cubs in July, click the right arrow to view 14 additional photos. During a 7/11/18 Play by Play, both cubs were confirmed to be female by Mike Fitz. A July video by Mark Forsyth shows 435's 2 yearlings resting on the closed trail, 2:12-2:30. On 7/26/2018 435's 2 yearlings are seen at the top of Brooks Falls while 435 fishes in the far pool. As the blonde cub traverses the falls to reach 435, she slips and slides down the falls. The darker cub can be seen reacting to her sister's plunge, video by Lani H. The 435 and 451 families meet up at Brooks Falls in a 7/30/2018 video by Ruxandra Nicolae. 451 and her 3 yearlings sit on the bank at Brooks Falls while 435 and her 2 yearlings are looking for fish below the fish ladder. 503 comes running between them which causes 451 to approach 435's cubs who defend themselves well. Lani H captured the 435 family in a fishing session at Brooks Falls, 8/6/2018. The dark cub is seen urinating backwards at 3:21, confirming its female gender. A 9/6/2018 video by flyer 7474 shows 435 and her 2 yearlings at Brooks Falls and the Riffles. The family seems to have more success fishing in the riffles area. Another 9/6/2018 video by Cruiser shows 435 diving for a fish on the underwater cam. Her 2 cubs are also observed and are seen following in the direction of 435. Melissa Freels filmed 435's 2 cubs playing in Naknek Lake in September, 2018. Cam viewer Deanna Dittloff created this 2018 season video of the 435 family. 435 and her 2 yearlings were last observed on 10/21/2018 fishing on the lower river, video by Birgitt. 435 will probably emancipate these yearlings in the spring as she has done with her 2 previous litters.

2019: On the afternoon of June 23, 2019, 435 Holly was observed arriving at Brooks Falls alone. It appears that she has emancipated her two 2.5 year old cubs, video by Ratna.

2020: Ranger Naomi Boak stopped in chat on 6/25/2020 and announced that 435 Holly had been observed with 1 spring cub. Later in the morning during a live chat, Ranger Naomi said that 435 Holly and her cub were first seen on 6/24/2020. This is 435 Holly's 5th known litter. See 435 Holly's Bear Book Wikipedia page for 2020 information.

438 Flo:

Note:  438 Flo was first classified as an adult female in 1999, but older NPS records suggest that 438 Flo was likely raising yearling cubs in 1997.  438 Flo's first confirmed litter of cubs was in 2002 and her second confirmed litter was in 2007.

1996:  At least 2 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year (suggested by older NPS records)  Park visitor aharon minkov captured this video that was filmed between 7/14-7/15/1996. From 0:00-0:49 a sow with 2 spring cubs can be seen by the corner. Could this be 438 Flo with 2 cubs of the year?

1997:  At least 2 Yearlings (suggested by older NPS records)

1998:  One 2.5 Year Old Cub (suggested by older NPS records)

2002:  3 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ 83 Wayne Brother & 868 Wayne Brother  are two male offspring from this litter.  A photo of two of these spring cubs can be found on the cubs page (page 49) of the 2014 Bears of Brooks River book.

2003:  3 Yearlings   ~ 83 Wayne Brother & 868 Wayne Brother are two male offspring from this litter.   438 Flo discovers she and her 3 yearlings are being followed by another bear in this video by Eric Jones This 7/6/2003 photo by Randy Harris is believed to be 438 and her 3 yearlings.

2004:  Three 2.5 Year Old Cubs ~ 83 Wayne Brother & 868 Wayne Brother are two male offspring from this litter.  A photo of these three 2.5 year old cubs is also on page 49 of the 2014 Bears of Brooks RIver book.  (The link is just above with the 2002 info on this litter). Silverfish13 appears to have captured 438 and her three 2.5 year old cubs on 7/22/2004. Click the right arrow for 5 more photos from silverfish13, 7/22/2004. Photos by S. Liam Read also appear to be 438 and her three 2.5 year old cubs. 438 is seen with 2 of her 3 cubs in this 7/18/2004 photo and the 3 cubs are seen on the lip in this 7/20/2004 photo.

2007:  2 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ 274 Overflow is believed to be a male offspring from this litter

2008:  2 Yearlings ~ 274 Overflow is believed to be a male offspring from this litter. 438 Flo and her 2 yearlings were  photographed by Jim Chagares at Brooks Falls on 7/27 and 7/28/2008. Mike Fitz confirmed the identification from photos on a now inactive Flickr site . They can now be seen on Jim Chagare's website, photo #'s 150-152 and 158-159. This undated Instagram photo by Max Steinwald also appears to be 438 Flo with her 2 yearlings.

2009:  Two 2.5 Year Old Cubs ~ 274 Overflow  is believed to be a male offspring from this litter. Casey Anderson was at Brooks Camp in July of 2009 when he captured this video where 402 with her 3 yearlings and 438 Flo with her two 2.5 year old cubs appear in the beginning of it.  (Note:  the names used in the National Geographic video are not the official nicknames used by the park).  Bud Marschner captured 438 Flo with her two 2.5 year olds on 7/3/2009. Ranger Roy's July 16, 2009 photo of 438 Flo with her two 2.5 year old cubs can be viewed here . Peter Thiemann filmed 438 Flo with one of her two 2.5 year old cubs as they sat by the island at Brooks Falls (0:00-0:10), July 2009. Cheri Gerwig captured 438 Flo and her two 2.5 year olds at 1:00 on the lower river and at 1:15 at the falls in this 2009 video. Vatsee captured 438 with her two 2.5 year olds on 8/20/2009.  

2010:  Two 3.5 Year Old Cubs ~ 274 Overflow is believed to be a male offspring from this litter ~ On July 14, 2010 , 438 Flo and her two 3.5 year old cubs  were observed pirating from an adult male.  On 5/1/2019, Mike Fitz commented on bear families using their combined might to occupy better fishing spots or to even steal fish. He also identified the male bear as 218 Ugly. Mike also posted 2 photos, #1 and #2. 438 Flo emancipating these then 4.5 year old cubs of Brooks River early in the 2011 season is a good example of older cubs being liberated without incident.

Note:  438 Flo has not been observed in the Brooks River area since 2013 when she was last observed as a single adult female.    More of Ranger Jeanne's photos of 438 Flo with her 2009 and 2010 cubs can be viewed in this album.

451:

2015:  3 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ 1st known litter. Yulia Napalkova filmed 451 and her cubs on 10/5/15 on the lower river. On October 7, 2015, JBirdyHome captured this footage of 451 with all 3 of her spring cubs on the Explore live cam  , one of the last times (if not the last time) the entire family group was observed together.  By October 21, 2015 sow 451 was observed with 2 remaining spring cubs; and on that day one of her remaining spring cubs, a female, was observed stumbling as it walked , video by Mickey Williams. On October 23, 2015  , sow 451 lost a second spring cub from this litter when the female spring cub expired in view of the live cam as a result of being infected with CAV-1 .  Explore posted this tribute video of the deceased 451 cub, sibling and 451 on 11/2/2015. Note: the beginning of the video shows all 3 spring cubs. Bear technicians retrieved the cub's remains on 10/25/2015 so testing could be done to determine the cause of death, video by Joe Bear. When last observed in the Brooks RIver area during the 2015 fall season, 451 still had one remaining spring cub from this litter.  Both remaining family group members appeared in good health at that time.  Their return to the Brooks River area in 2016 is an event that is anxiously awaited.  

2016: 451 was never officially identified in 2016. On 7/25/16, Ranger Dave filmed an injured bear at the lower river platform who some thought could be 451. On 7/29/16, 128 Grazer was seen defending her cubs (not seen in the video by Mango) against a bear who appeared to have a right rear leg injury/limp similar to the bear seen on the 7/25/16 video. Victoria White also filmed an injured bear limping on their back right leg on 7/29/2016. Amalia Garduno also captured this incident. This bear was also speculated to be 451. If this was 451 in either video, she was not seen with her remaining cub which would have been a yearling in 2016.  

2017: 451 returned to Brooks Falls on 7/7/17 with 3 spring cubs, both photos by Ranger Anela Ramos. This is 451's 2nd known litter. One cub is noted to be very small. Park visitor Joe McKenna also captured 451 and her cubs on the same day in a series of photos taken on the beach, 7/7/2017. Click the right arrow to view 20 photos. Joe McKenna captured 7 additional photos on 7/7/2017: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7. 451 and cubs can be seen in this 7/9/17 Melissa Freels video on the lower river. One of 451's cub can be seen riding on her back. 451 stops to nurse her cubs and then passes by the lower river platform. 451 has a known old injury to her back right leg. In the video, you can see her limping at 8:17. At 11:03, you can see how she rests her right rear foot in a distinct way. 451 and 2 of her 3 spring cubs (one is out of the frame) are observed in this Kara Stenberg photo on Brooks lodge Facebook, posted 7/21/17. The family is seen on 7/21/17 at the lower river, video by Brenda D. Brooks visitor and Cam viewer Scammin Scammin captured 451 and her 3 spring cubs on 7/24/17 during a visit to Brooks Camp. The 3 energetic cubs and 451 can be viewed in this 7/25/17 video by Cheryl Burnside.The 451 family was seen in the riffles on 7/31/17 in a video by flyer 7474. 451's known right rear leg injury is apparent in this 2017 video by Parker Wachs. On 9/16/17, Cam viewer and park visitor RiverPA/Lee photographed 451 and her thriving cubs at the lower river.  

2018: 451 was seen with 3 yearlings on 6/30/18. This BrendaD video shows the family on the lower river and spit area. 451's known right rear foot injury is apparent. Taylor Thomas Albright photographed 451 and her yearlings walking along the cutback during his early July visit to Brooks Camp. Scott Heidorn/PhotoShootAdviser captured 451 and her 3 yearlings in July, click the right arrow to view 5 additional photos. 7 additional photos can be seen here by clicking the right arrow. In a 7/14/18 photo by Patricia Bauchman, the 451 family is seen in the Riffles area. On the same day, Lani H captured the family on the Low Cam. 451 and her yearlings appear fairly thin and apprehensive while at Brooks Falls. 451 does not appear to have the skills to catch fish and resorts to "pirating" from subadults. Mary Schrader photography captured 451 and her yearlings on 7/15/2018 on the island at Brooks Falls. The family group can be seen on 7/15/18 and 7/17/18 pirating fish from a subadult and an unknown bear, both videos by Lani H. Mike Fitz was quoted in a 7/20/18 Explore Blog post that "451 is a bear who has rarely visited Brooks Falls. In past years and much of this summer so far, we were much more likely to see her in other places along the river. She’s familiar with the river and its salmon, but fishing at the falls may be a skill she never developed. This might be why she’s more apt to scavenge/steal from other bears. Typically, the bears hovering on the fringes of the falls do so because they can’t compete for fishing spots at the falls, don’t know how to fish there, or find too much competition to fish." 451 is seen pirating a salmon from 503 that he had just caught in the jacuzzi, 7/30/2018, video by Cruiser. The 435 and 451 families meet up at Brooks Falls in a 7/30/2018 video by Ruxandra Nicolae. 451 and her 3 yearlings sit on the bank at Brooks Falls while 435 and her 2 yearlings are looking for fish below the fish ladder. 503 comes running between them which causes 451 to approach 435's cubs who defend themselves well. 451 and her 3 yearlings are seen in this 10/3/2018 Explore Live Nature Cams video, resting by the lower river platform. This 2018 season video of 451 and her 3 yearlings was created by cam viewer Deanna Dittloff.

2019: 451 was not observed on the web cams during the 2019 season. Mazey posted a question in chat about whether 39 had been confirmed as the unidentified sow with 2 spring cubs. Katmai Conservancy Ranger Naomi Boak replied in chat: "Don't worry. I spoke directly to Ranger Leslie after you asked about 39 and 451. She confirmed 451 but said she could not confirm 39." This conversation occurred in July. We do not have a July or September 2019 list of bears that were seen by the bear monitor so this cannot be confirmed. On 7/18/2019, 3 subadults who resembled 451's cubs were observed alone together on the spit. Without the bears who were seen in July list, this cannot be confirmed as them.

468 Reggie:

1999:  1 Spring Cub / Cub-of-the-Year

2001:  2 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ female 708 Amelia is believed to be an offspring from this litter

2002:  2 Yearlings ~ female 708 Amelia is believed to be an offspring from this litter

2007:  1 Spring Cub / Cub-of-the-Year ~ 468 Reggie and her spring cub can be seen on page 38 of the 2012 Bears of Brooks River book

2008: 1 yearling. Could this be 468 Reggie in a July 2008 video by sailorjohn2? 468 was the only known sow with 1 yearling that year. The sow with yearling at 1:43-1:49 looks very much like a 2012 E Book photo of 468 in 2003.

Note:  468 Reggie was last observed in the Brooks River area in 2009

477 Sara:

4 Known Litters of Cubs per page 50 of the 2016 Bears of Brooks River Book

2000: At least 2 Spring Cubs /Cubs-of-the-Year

2001: 2 Yearlings

2004: 3 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year

2005:: 3 Yearlings (see 477 Sara NPS photo Album Ranger Jeanne's flickr) ~ In a 2005-2006 DNA study done by wildlife biologist Tamara Olson, paternity for these 3 yearlings was assigned to 219 One-Toe (also identified with temporary bear ID # 492).

2006: 3 2.5- Year-Olds

2008: 3 spring cubs, all later ID'd in 2010 as independent 2.5 year olds and given the following bear numbers: #251, #253 and #261 (F)

2009: 3 yearlings (see notes from 2008). There is a possibility that 477 and her 3 yearlings can be seen in this video, see this 02/25/2018 comment from Mike Fitz.

482 Brett:

2003: 2 Spring Cubs, 482 observed in fall 2003 with COY per Ranger Jeanne 2017.07.28 comment

2004: 2 Yearlings

2006: 482 was not observed

2007: 3 Spring Cubs, NPS photo provided by former Ranger Mike Fitz.

2008: 3 Yearlings. Park visitor Jim Chagares captured photos of 482 Brett and her 3 yearlings on 7/27/2008. Mike Fitz confirmed the identification from photos on a now inactive Flickr site . They can now be seen on Jim Chagare's website, photo #'s 6-9 and 12.

2010: 2 Spring Cubs

2011: 1 Remaining Yearling WM. O.T. Smith Photos captured 2 photos of a sow and yearling believed to be 482 on 7/13/2011, photo #1 and photo #2.

2012: 2.5 Year Old Cub

2015:  3 Spring Cubs   / Cubs-of-the-Year   ~ 4th known litter .  Charlotte Gobben's July 10, 2015 video of 482 Brett and her 3 spring cubs can be viewed here.   BirdyGirly's July 10, 2015 video of 482 Brett with her 3 spring cubs can be viewed here.   Cam viewer, RGK was at Brooks Camp on July 10, 2015 when he captured 482 Brett  and her 3 spring cubs along the Brooks River. Photographer Carla Farris captured 482 and her 3 spring cubs, 7/11/2015.

2016: 482 was not observed in 2016.

2017: Bear 482 was thought to be seen by bear cam viewers between the dates of 7/7/17-7/16/17 on the lower river. If this was in fact 482 she was observed without cubs. There were numerous photos and videos posted in the bear chat but 482 was not observed by the Bear Monitor and therefore not on the list of bears that were seen by her in 2017. Photos, videos and other information regarding these sightings were posted by bear cam viewers and can be found on 482's Wikipedia Bear Book page. Note: 482 was not observed by the bear monitor on 3 occasions so is not listed on her Bears Seen page and therefore not officially seen in 2017.

2018: On 7/14/17 a sow with 3 spring cubs was observed on the lower river spit area. This sow had a striking resemblance to bear 482, who had not been officially seen since July of 2015 when she arrived with 3 spring cubs and was only observed from 7/10-7/11/15. The sow and her 3 cubs are seen in this 7/14/17 video by Ratna Narayan as they walked and rested on the spit. Brenda D also captured the sow and her 3 spring cubs on 7/14/18 as they walked down the spit road and passed by the lower river platform. One of the cubs is a mocha color unlike spring cubs who are usually dark brown. On 7/15/18 Ranger Russ Taylor stopped into the bear chat to share his photo of the sow taken that morning and said "I think 482." This is 482 Brett's 5th known litter which has produced 13 spring cubs. In a 7/15/18 video by Erie, 482 and her cubs are seen walking the spit road to the grassy knoll and then passing by the lower river bridge gate. Also on 7/15/18 KNP Facebook posted 3 photos of 482 and her cubs taken on the spit, NPS photos by R. Taylor. It will be interesting to follow 482 to see if she remains at Brooks Camp with her spring cubs or only stays for a short time as she did in 2015. Instagrammer doughnutdoug posted 2 videos of the family by the lower river platform on 7/20/18. Cam viewer Martina posted a collage of 482's spring cubs who preferred to jump in the water rather than walk in. Brooks Camp visitor Costel Necula captured 2 Instagram videos of 482 and her 3 spring cubs in July, 2018. 482 is seen nursing her cubs on the beach and standing by the Naknek Lake shore. 482 and her cubs were not observed in August. It was surprising to see her return in September and also that her mocha colored cub was now almost white. This Instagram photo by Marco Ronconi shows the striking color of the cub. The 482 family is seen at the lower river on 9/10/2018, video by Cruiser. The 3 cubs mostly rest while 482' fishes. 482's very light cub is possibly female based on this zoomed in 9/13/2018 video by Erie. It appears the cub is urinating backwards at 0:30 but a clearer view in 2019 will be needed. 482 and her spring cubs briefly chase a subadult in this 9/15/2018 video by Cruiser. Cam viewer mckate (Bear Watcher) filmed the family on the grassy point and by the lower river platform on 9/22/2018. 402 and her 4 cubs can be seen in the background on the spit. Cindy Rocha captured 482 and her 3 spring cubs on the lower river, 9/27/2018. Cruiser filmed the 482 family in the early morning of 9/29/2018. The family is viewed in the early morning pink light, video #1 and video #2. In this 9/29/2018 video by cam viewer Martina, 482 is seen encouraging her cubs to swim from the point to the spit on a very windy day with choppy water. At 2:18 a cub is seen trying to climb on 482's back. The cubs are actually strong swimmers despite their hesitation. Bear cam viewer Deanna Dittloff created this 2018 season video of the 482 family.

2019: On 6/25/2019 Brooks Lodge Facebook posted a Kara Stenberg photo of 482 and her 3 yearlings. The photo was taken by Kara on 6/24/2019 per a reply by Brooks lodge in Facebook comments. All 3 cubs are very blond and one cub's fur is almost solid white. Later in the day, 482 can be seen fishing in the riffles with her 3 cubs, video by Lani H, 6/25/2019. Brooks Lodge posted a Kara Stenberg photo of 482's almost white cub on 6/29/2019. 482's 3 yearlings were captured in an Instagram photo by Terri Neal posted on 6/26/2019. 482 and her cubs are seen on the closed trail, 6/29/2019, video by Ratna. 482 and her 3 yearlings were last observed in the riffles on 6/30/2019. Lani H filmed them twice that day, video #1 and video #2. They did not have much success fishing. Brooks Lodge Facebook has posted many Kara Stenberg photos of the 482 family since they were last observed on the bear cams, 6/30/2019. The actual dates of the photos are unknown. The photos were posted on 7/1, 7/3 (482 only), 7/7, 7/10, 7/10 and 7/12. 482 and her 3 yearlings returned to Brooks Camp on 7/14/2019 after a 2 week absence from being observed. The family is seen along the lower river in this Lani H video. Lani also filmed the family in the oxbow area on the same day. The 482's are seen on the lower river on 7/15/2019. As they travel under the bridge something frightens them and they run, video by Lani H. Lani also filmed the family near the downriver island on the same day. 482 and her 3 yearlings were viewed from the point to the bridge and traveling all over the lower river on 7/17/2019, video by Lani H. Victoria White captured the family on the closed path for a rest and play session, 7/18/2019. The 3 yearlings are seen bouncing on a log and playing in a 7/18/2019 video by mckate. In a late July 2019 video by Wilde Weite Welt, 482 and her 3 yearlings are seen fishing in the riffles, 1:25-2:55. Cruiser captured 482 and her 3 yearlings downriver of Brooks Falls on 8/2/2019. 482 and her 3 yearlings were not seen on the web cams from 8/4-9/19/2019. Bears often leave Brooks Camp in August to fish in other rivers and streams where the salmon is still running. Ranger Naomi stopped in chart in early September and commented that both 94 and 482 were both seen at Margot Creek with their cubs. Ranger Naomi further shared "there may not be any family groups here at the falls or in the lower river, but there sure are a lot at Margot Creek. Here are some photos taken by Tina Scheffler. You can see 94 (?) & 482's families all together. Apparently the cubs were playing together. And here are two pictures of a sow and her 3 spring cubs. I do not know who this bear is." Cam viewer Felicia was at Margot Creek on 9/5/2019 and was able to film 482 and her 3 yearlings. Ratna Narayan filmed 482 and her 3 yearlings on 9/22/2019. The family is seen in an extended rest period by the lower river bridge. Birgitt captured both 482 and 719 with their cubs feeding on the lower river on 10/1/2019. The 482's are seen in the beginning of the video and at 1:25 719 and her 2 spring cubs are viewed in the background. The 482 family was filmed on the closed path by Ratna Narayan on 10/2/2019. 2 of 482's 3 blonde cubs are seen resting while the 3rd cub joins 482 fishing. At 8:00 you can see the smallest appearing cub urinating out the back which would indicate she is a female. 482 and her very plump yearlings were last observed on the web cams on 10/6/2019, video by Birgitt.The family was feeding on the lower river.

Note: The Lower River East Cam was turned off on 10/1/2019 so there was no view of the spit. LR, RW and the UW cam were turned off on 10/10/2019. Sows and cubs may have still been at Brooks Camp after those dates.

2020: 482 Brett was observed being courted by either 32 Chunk or 747 on 6/30/2020 so she has emancipated her three 2.5 year olds.

504:

2015: Arrived in fall with 3 spring cubs, but was not identified at the time. 504's ID was unknown as described by Ranger Mike Fitz during a live play-by-play from the Lower River, 55:30-1:05:00 on 9/24/2015. If you listen carefully you can hear 504 huffing and jaw popping as described by Ranger Mike. Bears make these sounds when they are agitated or nervous. A photo of 504 and her 3 spring cubs was taken by Laura Lyn Photography in Fall, 2015. Cam viewer Mickey Williams captured 504 and her 3 cubs on 10/17/15 at Brooks Falls. The family was also seen 10/25/15 on the lower river in a Margaret St Clair video. 504 was not observed by Ranger Leslie on 3 different occasions and therefore an ID was not positively provided in 2015.

Note: 504 received her bear ID number in 2014.

2016: 504 returned with only 2 yearling cubs often dubbed "salt & pepper" or "yin and yang". One cub was lost between October 2015 and spring of 2016. 504 was very thin when she was first seen, video by st mango on 7/24/16. Another video recorded by Cam viewer Erie (Erum Chad) on 7/24/2016 shows 504 and her 2 yearlings on the lower river. Identification was confirmed by Mike Fitz.  Park visitor Andrew (westpalmdoc1) captured 7 photos of 504 and her 2 yearlings on 7/27/2016, #1, #2, #3, #4,  #5, #6 and #7. These 2 yearlings are now believed to be 831 and 821. Cam viewer Mickey Williams also captured video of the family on 7/27/2016. Identity of the sow was finally provided by Ranger Leslie during a Ranger chat (23:29-24:30) on 9/26/16. She was given the nickname of Charge by the Rangers due to her propensity to charge visitors, Rangers and other bears. The 504 family is seen in this 8/10/16 video by st mango and a 8/28/16 video by Cheryl Burnside. 504 and one of her 2 yearlings are seen in this Kara Stenberg photo from September, 2016. The family can also be viewed in a 9/4/2016 video by Ratna Narayan, before 504's identification was known. Ronald Woan photographed 504 and her 2 yearlings on 9/7/2016. There are 25 photos in the first series and 23 photos in the second series. Click the right arrow to view them. Park visitor and cam viewer viewsnortheast visited Brooks Camp from 9/8-9/11/2016 and shared 2 photos of 504 and her yearlings in chat. In each photo, 1 cub is out of view. Photo #1 shows 504 in camp with a dark cub who is possibly male 821. Viewsnortheast commented " I believe this is Charging Sow. The other cub is a litte way behind out of the frame." In photo #2, 504 is observed with a blonde cub who is now possibly female 831. Please request viewsnortheasts's permission prior to using their photographs! 504 and her yearlings appeared to have put on a good amount of weight when seen in this 10/18/16 video by Cheryl Burnside and this 10/21/16 video by Erum Chad. Cam viewer GreenRiver filmed a 2016 highlight video of 504 and her 2 yearling cubs. The footage is from 0:00-2:10. 504's dark cub is male. Gender of the lighter cub is unknown.

2017: 504 was observed at Brooks Camp as a single female having emancipated her two 2.5 year old cubs.

505:

2018: On 8/2/18, bear 505 was observed at Brooks Falls with 2 spring cubs, her first known litter, video by flyer 7474. 505 is approximately 10-12 years old and was first identified as an adult in 2014. Not much is known about her before then. She has consistently been seen at the Brooks River every year since then, usually arriving in early July and not being seen later than early August. In 2014 and 2015 she was noted to be inexperienced in catching fish and would resort to begging, stealing and occasional lip fishing. By 2017 she became more proficient at lip fishing and was seen often at Brooks Falls in the month of July. Both on 8/2 and 8/3/18 505 and her 2 cubs were seen on the far bank of the river with 505 very cautiously watching her cubs and catching fresh fish and scraps. She would often take her family up the hill and under a tree to eat her fish and then nurse her cubs. This 8/3/18 video by flyer 7474 shows the 505 family in a fishing session at Brooks Falls. Park visitor Andrew Wells captured 505 and her 2 cubs on 8/3/18, in the river and on the bank. 505 and cubs are seen in the morning on 8/4/2018. The family is fishing in the cutback area, video by Ruxandra Nicolae. The last 2 days that 505 was observed with her 2 spring cubs was on 8/4 (video by Lani H) and 8/5/18 video by Erum Chad. In both instances she was observed at her usual spot downstream of Brooks Falls with her cubs close by. Brooks Camp visitor Gitta Thorboll Kristensen filmed the family in an early August visit (3:03-3:38). An Instagram photo by TP Garland shows 505 with her 2 cubs, date unknown. Cam viewer JG shared 9 photos of 505 and her cubs that were taken between 8/2-8/5/2018. 505 has not been observed in the fall. Given her absence since early August, it is likely that 505 will not be seen with her cubs again until the summer of 2019. She has only been observed in July and August, not in the fall.

2019: On 7/1/2019 a sow and 2 yearlings were seen at the lower river early in the morning, video by Lani H. A similar sow with 2 yearlings appeared later that evening and appears to be 505, video by Ratna. Confirmation of the ID is still needed. On 7/3/2019 Mike Fitz confirmed that 505 had been seen with 2 yearlings. 505 and her 2 yearlings were observed in the oxbow area of the lower river on 7/4/2019. As the family searches for food 3 fishermen approach at 15:00 and clearly cause 505 and cubs to move from the area. The 50 yard rule may have been observed but bears that are feeding, especially sows with cubs, should be given ample space, video by Lani H. Birgitt captured 505 chasing off a subadult in the oxbow area on 7/5/2019 . On 7/7/2019, 505 and her cubs are seen at the corner. The smaller cub appears to be favoring it's left rear leg at 0:21 into Lani H's video and does not join the family but instead stands in one spot. Later that evening 505 is only seen with one yearling, photo #1, photo #2. Could this sow seen with only one yearling on 7/7/2019 be 505? Both videos were filmed by Erum Chad, video #1 and video #2. This 7/7/2019 photo by Angerbodha appears to be 505 with 1 yearling. On 7/8/2019, Mike Fitz replied to a question asking if 505 was missing one yearling. He replied: "It's complicated. 505 has two yearlings, but one is struggling to keep up and is not always visible. Perhaps it is ill. I haven't been able to witness its behavior personally." Later on 7/8/2019, 505 was observed with both her yearlings, video by Erum Chad (Erie). Both cubs appear to be walking normally. The 505 family was observed early in the morning on 7/9/2019 swimming on the lower river, video by Erum Chad (Erie). One cub lags behind. Later in the day on 7/9/2019, 505 was observed in the marsh with only 1 yearling, screenshot by Mazey. On 7/10/2019 former Katmai Ranger Jeanne replied to a comment regarding a Ranger seen in the marsh, "I don't believe he is actively darting bears right now. He may have been looking for 505's yearling, who had been reported as last seen in the marsh." In another comment by Jeanne on 7/10/2019, she states "Mike recently reported that some people suspected that it might be ill, since it has been lagging behind the rest of its family. I don't think anyone knows for sure at this point though." Cam viewer Lovethebears1 visited Brooks Camp from 7/9-7/12/2019. She observed 505's yearling and commented in chat "There was word around camp that a yearling was alone on LR and was possibly dying. I saw it several times laying in the same spot just to the left of the LR viewing platform. Then it was gone. I never heard anything more about it but I am hoping he/she was ok and reunited with it's mom." Mike Fitz responded to a question in chat regarding a dead cub being found, "Unless something has changed since I've left Brooks Camp, I'm not aware of rangers finding a dead cub. One of 505's yearling was ill (or appeared so). It couldn't keep up with the family and was often separated. There was at least one instance when it lied in thick vegetation for a long time and rangers suspected it might have died. When they checked on it though, it was still alive and eventually got up and walked away."On 7/25/2019 a small bear that appeared to be a yearling was observed in the marsh area searching for and eating scraps. The yearling appeared to be healthy and was moving without difficulty, video by mckate. During a 7/29/2019 Live Chat with Rangers Barbara Lutes and Naomi Boak, 505 and her yearling's status was discussed, 29:29-31:40. Ranger Naomi stated that the "cub was very ill, lying in the marsh on death's door. Bear 505 with her other cub left. She has not been seen since." Also from 28:08 -28:26 Ranger Barbara states "We have seen this year an instance of a sow what I suppose people would call abandoning her sick cub but what I would also consider emancipation. That young cub is now a subadult." A week later Ranger Naomi saw a lone yearling and Ranger Barbara saw it on 7/28. Ranger Naomi has seen the yearling getting fish scraps and swimming. After the Chat on 7/29/2019 Ranger Naomi stopped in chat to share 2 photos. "I know that some of you were interested in comparing the photos I have of 505's "sick cub" and the "lone yearling" I saw this week. The first picture was taken July 14th . The second, July 26th." Cam viewer and KNP Volunteer Stacey recently returned from Brooks Camp and observed the yearling. Stacey commented "I saw the solo cub eating scraps at the edge of the river several times while I was at Brooks in July -- even when s/he was quite ill. One day, I saw her/him hop charge three subadults playing in the river near her/his hiding area" and "I *believe* I saw what I *believe* was the solo cub walk under the bridge just before I left Brooks Camp the afternoon of Monday, July 22. At that time, s/he looked small but good! She seemed to be walking well. I am rooting for this little bear!" 505 was last observed on the cams at Brooks Camp on 7/9/2019 with only 1 yearling. This was her first litter. Will she emancipate her 2.5 year old cub in 2020?

Note: The Lower River East Cam was turned off on 10/1/2019 so there was no view of the spit. LR, RW and the UW cam were turned off on 10/10/2019. Sows and cubs may have still been at Brooks Camp after those dates.

2020: 505 returned to Brooks Camp on 7/2/2020 with her two 2.5 year old cubs. The last time that 505 was seen in 2019 she only had 1 yearling and her other yearling appeared to be sick. It appears that her sick yearling recovered and the family was reunited. See 505's Bear Book Wikipedia page for 2020 information.

608:

2006:  2 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year

2007:  2 Yearlings  ~    Bears are curious. This June 2007 photo by High Plains Photographer is possibly 608 and her 2 yearlings.

2010:  2 Spring Cubs  / Cubs-of-the-Year. This 2010 video by Timberpak Prod-Ken Roggow shows 608 and her 2 spring cubs fishing along the far bank of Brooks Falls, 0:00-2:17. Mike Fitz commented on the identification of the sow and cubs. Could this be 608 and her 2 spring cubs in 2010? Video by GrizzBear44, 1:37-3:00. On 5/6/2018, Mike Fitz confirmed that this was 608 and her 2 spring cubs. This Matt Hirt video also appears to show 608 and her 2 spring cubs from 2010, 0:00-2:13. Note: Matt Hirt commented below the video to a question by SnowCrane In June of 2019, "Love this Matt..think that is bear 402...what year was this?" Matt Hirt replied "Hi SnowCrane, glad you were enjoying it...what an amazing place! I'm fortunate to have visited twice and the footage here is a combination of both years. The first half was shot in 2010 and shows (I believe) bear 608 (with 2 small spring cubs) and 438 Flo (on sand spit with two very large cubs). The second half (change of music) was shot in 2013 and you are absolutely correct, that is 402 with her 3 spring cubs. As you probably know, 2 of these little guys didn't return from hibernation in 2014 and the remaining one (503) became a "bear celebrity" of sorts after 402 abandoned him as a yearling and he was later adopted by 435 Holly. :-)." A 7/29/2010 photo by Bob's Wildlife Photos also appears to be 608 and her 2 spring cubs.

Note:  608 has not been observed in the Brooks River area since 2010

615:

2015: 2 spring cubs. 615 was observed with 2 spring cubs on 9/23/2015. Photos can be seen in this Ranger Jeanne album.  During preparation for the September 29, 2015 10:30 live chat from the Lower River West wildlife viewing platform with Ranger Mike Fitz and Ranger Leslie Skora , bear 615 and her 2 very fat spring cubs were observed. Unfortunately, a recorded video of this chat is no longer available, however Ranger Jeanne was able to capture 43 photos. Click the right arrow to view the 9/29/2015 photos. 615 and at least 1 cub were also observed on 10/6/2015 in a photo album by Ranger Jeanne. Click the right arrow to view 8 photos.

641 Josie:

2002: 2 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year

2003: 2 Yearlings

2006: 2 Yearlings

2008: 1 Spring Cub

700 Marge:

2006:  2 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ 1st and only known litter

2007:  2 Yearlings

2008:  Two 2.5 Year Old Cubs

2016: 700 Marge was seen at Brooks Falls on 7/5 (photo by Mike Fitz) and 7/6/16 but no cubs were observed.

Note:  700 Marge was not observed in the Brooks River area in 2014 or 2015

708 Amelia:

2008:  1 Spring Cub   / Cub-of-the-Year ~ 1st and only known litter ~ 284 "Electra" is a female and 708 Amelia's only known offspring. Jim Chagares photographed 708 with her spring cub (284) from 7/27-7/28/2008. Mike Fitz confirmed the identification from photos on a now inactive Flickr site . They can now be seen on Jim Chagare's website, photo #'s 10, 32-51, 53-60 and 64-72. 

2009:  1 Yearling   ~ 284 "Electra" is a female and 708 Amelia's only known offspring. 708 Amelia and her yearling, 284 "Electra", can be seen on the lower river wildlife viewing platform side of the river in this video

2010:  One 2.5 Year Old Cub   ~ 284 "Electra" is a female and 708 Amelia's only known offspring. The family can be seen vigorously playing by the lower river platform, 0:00-1:03, in a video by GrizzBear44. On 7/3/2010, Budge Jamison captured 2 photos of 708 and her 2.5 year old cub on the lower river, photo #1 and #2.

2015: At least 2 spring cubs. 708 was not officially observed by KNP&P bear monitoring staff during official bear monitoring sessions in 2015 but arrived per official bear monitoring data with 2 yearlings in 2016. Explore.org cam viewers have captured live cam video footage that appears to be 708 with these two spring cubs in 2015. On October 22, 2015 708 Amelia with her 2 spring cubs part 1 video, part 2 video and part 3 video by Mickey Williams. These offspring are now believed to be 907 & 908.

2016: 708 arrived at Brooks Camp with 2 yearlings in 2016. She was not seen with spring cubs in 2015 by the Bear Monitor. This is 708's 2nd known litter. Former KNP Ranger Mike Fitz captured 708 and her yearlings on 6/29, 7/1 and 7/2. Former KNP Ranger Jeanne also photographed 708 and her 2 yearlings on 7/2/2016. Photo #1 and #2 show 708 and a third photo shows 708 and her cubs. 708 and her yearlings were observed at the falls (video by Melissa Freels) in mid October and they all appeared to have put on significant weight for denning.

2017: 708 returned to Brooks with her now two, 2.5 year old cubs in early June. Will she emancipate them or keep them one more year? 708 and her 2 cubs were seen fishing at Brooks Falls on 6/23/17, video by Arlene Beech. The 708 family was observed in a lengthy play session at the lower river on 7/8/17, video by Brenda D. A July, 2017 video by Amalia Garduno also shows them by the riffles. 708 and her cubs can be seen in an Explore Blog post by Ranger David Kopshever. Scroll down to view the photo. https://blog.explore.org/brown-bear-updates-from-ranger-david/. On 7/11/17 one of 708's cubs makes a comical attempt to swat down fish on the lip. 708 and the 2nd cub sit on the bank and watch, video by Pitchey. They can also be seen in this Brooks lodge Facebook post dated 7/16/17, photo by Kara Stenberg. As of 7/17/17, it does appear that 708 will be keeping her cubs one more year. She did keep her previous single cub until she was 3.5 years old. On 7/18/17 in a Brooks Lodge Facebook post, 708 and her cubs are viewed on the cutbank, photo by Kara Stenberg. The 708 family was seen at the falls on 8/22/17, video by Brenda D. This 9/8/17 Melissa Freels photo, used with permission, shows the family still together. In September, 708 and her large cubs were seen by the lower river platform in a video by Lee, used with permission. Lee also captured the family in a 9/16/17 photo, 708 being to the far right. 708 and her cubs practiced "pirating" late in the season. They found the subadult unofficially known as Little Lip Fisher to be an easy target and would wait for her to catch a salmon and make their move. This September video by Explore Bears & Bison shows the subadult dropping her fish, the 708 cubs searching for it and one of them sliding off the falls in the aftermath, a bit of karma. 708's cubs can also be seen pirating fish from Mom, at least twice in this video by Melissa Freels on 10/5/17. These two 3.5 year old cubs will need to learn to catch their own fish in 2018 as they most likely will be emancipated. Another Melissa Freels video shows 708 and her large 2.5 year old cubs fishing at Brooks Falls on 10/21/17. In this 10/22/17 video by flyer 7474, sow 708 is seen close up and with much detail. A 10/26/17 video by flyer 7474 captured the family from the riffles cam. These cubs are almost as big as their Mom. 708 is the darkest of the 3.

2018: On 6/22/18, Mike Fitz posted in chat that 708 had been seen at Brooks falls on 6/21/18 without her cubs who would now be 3.5 years. 708 was seen with fresh wounds and hair missing from the back of her neck which could be a sign of recent mating, comment and photo by Mike Fitz . On 9/14/18 Ranger Russ Taylor confirmed in chat that 708's emancipated cubs are 1 female and 1 male. Ranger Tammy Carmack observed both of them at least 3 times in her July monitoring sessions.

2019: 708 returned to Brooks Camp on 7/12/2019 with 2 spring cubs, video by flyer 7474. A longer version of 708's first appearance includes her nursing her cubs on the spit, video by Victoria White. Identification was confirmed by Mike Fitz. With her previous litter of at least 2 spring cubs in 2015, 708 was not observed at Brooks Camp but returned with 2 yearlings in 2016. Why she chose to raise her previous spring cubs elsewhere is unknown. 708 and her cubs were first seen on the lower river where 1 cub can be seen riding on her back. 708 is observed searching for salmon on the closed trail and walking along the spit road. Birgitt also captured 708 and her spring cubs on 7/12/2019. Ranger Naomi Boak stopped by chat on 7/13/2019 and posted a photo of the 708 family that was taken by Ranger Nick. Victoria White filmed the 708's in a long nap and play session on 7/16/2019. Cam watcher and Brooks Camp visitor angerbodha captured a wolf interacting with 708 and her 2 spring cubs on 7/29/2019. At 1:56 you can see the alarmed cubs running and the wolf following them. 708 quickly followed and the family was seen safe later in the day. Ratna Narayan captured an extended view of the 708's resting on the lower river under the new bridge, 10/2/2019.

Note: The Lower River East Cam was turned off on 10/1/2019 so there was no view of the spit. LR, RW and the UW cam were turned off on 10/10/2019. Sows and cubs may have still been at Brooks Camp after those dates.

2020: 708 and her 2 yearlings first appeared at Brook Camp on 6/23/2020, video by Lani H. See 708's Bear Book Wikipedia page for 2020 information.

719:

2019: On 7/6/2019, and unidentified sow with 2 spring cubs was observed on the lower river, video by Erie. On 7/9/2019 cam viewer and park visitor Truman Everts posted a photo of a sow with 2 spring cubs. Truman posted a 2nd photo on 7/10/2019 of the same sow. In response to a question if the sow in Truman's photos could be 719 Mike commented "I can see the resemblance. I haven't had the chance to see that bear in person yet so I can't say for sure if it is 719." In response to a question on 7/10/2019 whether the sow with 2 spring cubs could be 719, former Katmai Ranger Jeanne said "I don't know if he's seen that bear in person yet but a couple of days ago he told me one of the most reliable bear IDers at Brooks thought 719 might have cubs." A sow with 2 spring cubs appearing to be 719 was filmed by Erie on 7/10/2019. This same sow with 2 spring cubs was seen on 7/11/2019 on the lower river, video by Lani H. Mike Fitz stopped in chat on 7/13/2019. After observing this sow with cubs on the lower river he commented "Now that I've seen her in person (I am on the platforms at the lower river now) I can say with confidence this is 719." Lani H captured video at the time of Mike's observations, 7/13/2018. This is 719's first litter of cubs at the young age of 5.5 years when she has just become a young adult. Mike commented about 719 having cubs at such a young age, "Of course, raising cubs is a difficult task. Compared to a single female, 719 will not be able to devote as much energy to her own growth now that she is raising offspring. Young mothers often have a poor track record when it comes to raising and weaning cubs. However, that doesn't mean they can't or won't succeed. 94 successfully weaned two cubs from her first litter when 94 was estimated to be only 5.5 years old." On 7/13/2019, Truman Everts posted another photo of 719 and her spring cubs from his early July visit. Please ask Truman for permission before using any of his photos. On 7/13/2019, Mike Fitz confirmed that another photo that had been posted by Truman was 719 and her 2 spring cubs. An Instagram photo posted by Bob Barnaky on 7/13/2019 appears to be 719 and her 2 cubs. The 719 family was observed in the oxbow area the evening of 7/13/2019, video by Birgitt. RV Dreams captured many photos of 719 and her 2 spring cubs on 7/16/2019. 24 photos on page 6 are all 719 and her cubs.  The 24 photos on page 7 are also 719 and her cubs. 708 and her 2 spring cubs appear in the background in some of the photos. There is also a video of the family (photo #169) on page 8. A late July 2019 video by Wilde Weite Welt shows 719 and her 2 cubs on the spit, 3:08-4:01. Markindify (Cam viewer Martina) filmed both the 719 (nearest) and 273 (farthest) families in the oxbow area on 7/28/2019. A video was posted on 8/5/2019 by Daniel Coller. 719 and cubs are seen at 1:13-1:19, 2:00-2:05 and 3:20-3:30. Costel Necula filmed the 719 family in September 2019. They can be seen at 9:45-10:04, 10:10-10:21 and 10:22-10:31. Melissa Freels captured 5 photos of 719 and her spring cubs on 9/13/2019, click right to view the 4 additional photos. During a 9/13/2019 Play by Play with Mike Fitz, video by Cruiser, 719 is seen in the riffles with her 2 spring cubs. Mike discusses the demands on mother bears and cubs nutrition needs in their first summer. On 9/22/2019 male subadult 821 approaches 719 and her spring cubs on the lower river. He appears to be curious about 719 and the cubs. He was known to play with 719 when she was single. Now that she has cubs, 719 does not tolerate a sudden move by 821, video by Lani H. 719's blonde cub gets into a kerfuffle with its sibling over a piece of fish on 9/23/2019, video by Birgitt. The spat starts at 1:20. Birgitt filmed 719 and her spring cubs "meandering on the spit", 9/29/2019. Birgitt captured both 482 and 719 with their cubs feeding on the lower river on 10/1/2019. The 482's are seen in the beginning of the video and at 1:25 719 and her 2 spring cubs are viewed in the background. On 10/2/2019 719 and her cubs are fishing in the oxbow (right of the screen) with a subadult nearby. Sow 482 deems the subadult a threat and bluff charges it, video by Lani H. The subadult slowly moves away. 719 and her 2 thriving spring cubs were last observed on the webcams on 10/4/2019, video by Lani H. The family was seen fishing in the lower river on a rainy, cloudy day.

Note: The Lower River East Cam was turned off on 10/1/2019 so there was no view of the spit. LR, RW and the UW cam were turned off on 10/10/2019. Sows and cubs may have still been at Brooks Camp after those dates.

2020: 719 returned to Brooks Camp on 6/15/2020 with her 2 yearlings. See 719's Bear Book Wikipedia page for 2020 information.

803:

2017: On 7/22/18, former Ranger Jeanne replied to a comment in the chat concerning a sow that chatters thought has resembled an unidentified sow who was seen with a yearling in 2017. Jeanne posted a photo of the sow and yearling that was taken from the July 2017 bear ID binder at Brooks Camp. This 7/19/2017 video by Melissa Freels appears to be 803 and her yearling. 803 and her cub are also believed to have been seen on 7/31/17, video by Melissa Freels and on 8/1/17, video by flyer 7474. Bear cam chatter Martina also shared a collage of 803 and her cub from 7/31/17.

2018: A sow resembling 803 was observed during a 7/10/18 Play by Play by Mike Fitz and Ranger Andrew. If this is 803, she has emancipated her 2017 yearling.

2020: 803 returned to Brooks Camp on 7/2/2020 with a litter of 3 spring cubs. This is 803's 2nd known litter. One of these spring cubs was lost to what was believed to be an illness on 7/7/2020. See 803's Bear Book Wikipedia page for 2020 information..

806:

2020: 806 returned to Brooks Camp on 6/30/2020 with 1 spring cub. This was 806's first known litter of cubs at age 6.5 years old. See 806's Bear Book Wikipedia page for 2020 information.

811:

2020: 811 returned to Brooks Camp on 6/28/2020 with 1 spring cub. This was 811's first known litter of cubs at the age of 5.5 years old. See 811's Bear Book Wikipedia page for 2020 information.

813 Nostril Bear:

2014:  3 Spring Cubs   / Cubs-of-the-Year  ~ 1st known litter .  More of Ranger Jeanne's photos of 813 and her 3 spring cubs can be viewed in this album A 9/3/14 photo by Sue Erickson captured 813 and her 3 spring cubs. A Jack Cunningham photo taken on 9/8/14 shows 813 and her 3 cubs on the lower river. 813 and 2 of her spring cubs are seen in this 9/22/14 photo by Sue Pettersen. It is unclear from the photo if there is a 3rd cub. One cub was lost from this litter between fall of 2014 and spring of 2015. 813's identification was confirmed by Mike Fitz.

2015:  2 Yearlings ~ 813 lost one of her cubs from this litter between fall of 2014 and spring of 2015.  In 2015 813 Nostril Bear returned to the Brooks River area with 2 remaining yearlings from her 2014 litter of 3 spring cubs. This early July photo of 813 and her 2 yearlings is used with permission from Tina Crowe.

2016: 813 was not observed on the cams or by Ranger Leslie in 2016.

2017: 813 was not observed on the cams or by the bear monitor in 2017.

2018: On the evening of 7/21/18 a sow and 2 spring cubs were observed on the bear cam swimming on the lower river and then walking along the path behind the bridge gate on the far side of the river (video by Lani H). The sow appeared to have a possible deformity to her left ear. Ranger Andrew stopped in chat on 7/22 to announce that this bear had been identified as 813 Nostril Bear. This is 813's 2nd known litter. She was not observed in 2016 or 2017. In response to a question during a 7/27/18 text chat, Ranger Russ Taylor discussed the possible injury to 813's left ear and possibly her head. Bear Monitor Tammy Carmack had observed that something may have happened that was possibly also affecting the right side of her face and perhaps her jaw. Bear 813 has not been observed since that date, 7/21/18. Ranger Russ also shared a photo of 813 and her 2 spring cubs in the chat that was taken on 7/21/18. He commented "Ranger Russ here, following up on a request for a photograph of 813 during yesterdays chat. Here's the photograph of 813. It was made from behind. We have not seen her since she walked this way past the campground." Ranger Russ posted a photo and commented on 813's injury in chat on 7/30/18. He also shared a photo of 813 walking with her 2 cubs along the beach. You can clearly see a difference in size between the right and left ears. Also there is quite a size difference between her 2 cubs. Was there a middle sized cub that was lost at some point? Both photos were taken on 7/28/18. Park Wonders posted photos of 813 and her 2 spring cubs from a July, 2018 visit. A July series of photos by Garland Photography shows 813's left ear in close up views, 7/28/18. It appears that the left ear is quite a bit smaller than the right. This was not the case the last time 813 was seen at Brooks Camp in 2015.

2019: On 6/28/2019, 813 Nostril Bear appeared for the first time with her 2 now 1.5 year old yearlings. The family is seen in the riffles searching for fish. 132 and her single yearling are seen in the background, video by Birgitt. At approximately 23:11 AKDT, 813 and her 2 yearlings were observed in a tree next to the Brooks Falls platform where they would remain for a few hours. It is unknown why the family climbed the tree. Arleen Beech (Homebird) captured the event in this video. The next day, 813 was seen unsuccessfully fishing the lip with her 2 yearlings. When a boar arrives, the family moves away, 6/29/2019 video by Brenda D. On the same day, 813 attempted to fish the lip again when one of her cubs slides off the falls. 813 does not appear to be too alarmed until the cub appears threatened and runs off cam, video by flyer 7474. Lani H filmed 813 and her 2 yearlings on the far bank of Brooks Falls on 6/29/2019 as well as in the riffles on the same day. Park visitor Melissa Freels photographed 813 and her 2 yearlings on 6/30/2018. A 2nd photo shows one of the two yearlings. The 813 family was seen fishing the far bank at Brooks Falls on 7/3/2019, video by Lani H. At 0:38 one of the cubs takes it's fish up the hill and proceeds to eat it's meal up a tree. 813 and her cubs searched for fish in the riffles on 7/4/2019, video by Lani H. They were seen having a family meal at the falls on 7/5/2019, video by mckate. On the same day, 813 can also be seen grabbing salmon scraps behind bear 747 and running off cam with her cubs, video by Lani H. Ratna recorded a very interesting video on 7/7/2019. 813 is seen at the falls with her 2 yearlings. At 6:54, 856 approaches the family, 813 bluff charges him at 7:03 and can be seen jaw popping. She does not go quietly but eventually walks off cam with her cubs. Brooks Lodge Facebook posted a Kara Stenberg photo of 813 on 7/16/2018. "813 looking for danger while she hides her cubs in the grass." The actual date of the photo is unknown. 813 and her 2 yearlings were last seen on 7/7/2019. 813 and her 2 yearlings were observed at dawn on 8/3/2019 after not being seen for almost 4 weeks, video by Lani H. On 8/4/2019 Lani H filmed 813 and her 2 yearlings by the lower river platform and bridge. The family was last observed on 8/4/2019 walking along the spit road, video by mckate.

Note: The Lower River East Cam was turned off on 10/1/2019 so there was no view of the spit. LR, RW and the UW cam were turned off on 10/10/2019. Sows and cubs may have still been at Brooks Camp after those dates.

2020: 813 Nostril Bear was not observed on the cams in 2020. A visitor to Margot Creek did photograph 813 Nostril Bear and her two 2.5 year old cubs on 9/15/2020. See 813 Nostril Bear's Bear Book Wikipedia page for 2020 information.

818:

2005: 2 Spring Cubs ~ "818 was first classified in 2005 as an apparently young adult female. She had a litter of" 2 "spring cubs that year and was described as inattentive to them. One cub was found dead near the falls in late July."

2006: Observed as a single female, 818 "returned without the remaining cub" from the 2005 litter of spring cubs.

2007:  3 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ male 151 Walker & female 152 are believed to be the offspring from this litter

2008:  2 Remaining Yearlings   ~ male 151 Walker & female 152 are believed to be the offspring from this litter.   More of Ranger Jeanne's photos of 818 and her 2008 yearlings can be viewed in this album.

Note: 818 was last observed in 2010

854 Divot:

2013:  2 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ 1st known litter. Could this be 854 Divot and her 2 spring cubs in this September 5, 2013 video by David Thibault that was recorded at the head of Brooks River, upstream of the falls ?

2014:  2 Yearlings. This Explore video published on 6/4/2015 is from early 2014 when 854 is seen with her 2 yearlings. 854 Divot lost one of her yearlings from this litter sometime after July 12, 2014.  854 Divot was observed with the snare around her neck and only one remaining yearling by Calliope Jane / Tina Crowe at 11:02 am on July 24, 2014 along Naknek River between Naknek River Camp and Big Creek.  One of Calliope Jane / Tina Crowe's pictures of 854 Divot and her remaining yearling from July 24, 2014 can be seen on page 48 of the 2015 Bears of Brooks River book .  On July 28, 2014, 854 Divot (with the wire snare around her neck) and her remaining female yearling returned to the Brooks River area.  Over the next three days Katmai National Park mounts a mission to save her from the wolf snare. 854 and her remaining yearling can be seen in this 9/3/2014 photo by Wilson Hepler. If you click on the photo it will zoom in and you can see the scar on 854's neck.

2016: 854 returned in 2016 with 3 spring cubs as first identified by Ranger Daniel (photo by Ranger Daniel) and Ranger Michael during a live chat on 9/1/2016, video by Erie. Park visitor Ronald Woan photographed 854 and her 3 spring cubs on 9/3/2016. Click the right arrow to view 13 photos. Cam viewer and Brooks visitor viewsnortheast captured this photo of 854 and her spring cubs by the lower river viewing platform, 9/11-9/13/16. On 9/11/16, 854 was observed by the lower river platform, video by Brenda D and screenshot by Grandmaj. 854 was last seen in the fall with all 3 healthy cubs. Her mid size blonde cub was determined to be a female.

2017: 854 Divot and her 3 yearlings are seen mid July in this photo by Scott HM, used with permission. Scammin filmed a playful 854 with her 3 cubs on the beach, 7/23/17. This Karen Hanson video shows 854 and her cubs on the Brooks River (4:53-5:02) and at the beach (9:20-9:28). On 8/4/17 Brenda D filmed 854 and her 3 yearlings at the falls.They can be seen climbing down the hill, fishing behind 153 and her 3 cubs (in the foreground) and climbing up and down the falls. 854 and her cubs ventured to the falls again on 8/29/17 for a lengthy fishing session, video by Brenda D. A 9/6/17 photo and a September video by Melissa Freels shows the Divot family by the boat cove and playing on the beach. In this September video by Lee, you can clearly observe the neck scar on 854 that was caused by a wolf snare (see 2014 video above). Her cubs appear to be bawling, possibly over a fish. Lee also photographed the family by the lower river bridge on 9/15/17. Video and photograph by Lee used with permission.

2018: On 6/19/18 854 Divot was observed alone at Brooks Falls. It appears that she has emancipated her three 2.5 year old cubs. Video by Martina.

2020: 854 Divot returned to Brooks Camp on the evening of 7/5/2020 with 2 spring cubs. This is 854 Divot's 3rd known litter. See 854 Divot's Bear Book Wikipedia page for 2020 information.

875:

2006: 2 Spring Cubs

2010:  4 Spring Cubs  / Cubs-of-the-Year ~ Brandon Broderick's additional photo of this family group from October 17, 2010 Photographer DP Deming may have captured a photo of 875 and 3 of her 4 spring cubs on 9/24/2010. His description of the photo is "another sow (not Milkshake) and her four cubs wandering around the closed cabins and lodge of Brooks camp at sunset." Note: 236 Milkshake also had a litter of 4 spring cubs in 2010. See DP Deming's photos under 236's section on this page

900:

2019: 1 Spring Cub. Early in the 2019 season, Mike Fitz commented that he had seen a sow with 1 spring cub that could possibly be 900 but had not observed her since mid-June. During a 7/29/2019 Live Chat with Rangers Barbara Lutes and Naomi Boak, more was learned about sow 900. Rangers Barbara and Naomi's comments can be heard from 31:40-33:46, video by Brenda D. Ranger Barbara stated that 900 was first observed on 6/20/19 with 1 spring cub. Ranger Naomi said that shortly after (also on 6/20?), she and Mike Fitz observed 900 coming to the falls with her cub while 856 was alone in the jacuzzi. 856 focused on 900 and her cub and shortly thereafter 856 began chasing 900 and her cub. 20 minutes later 900 could be seen chasing 856 which meant that the cub was in front of 856. The cub was not seen again. 900 was possibly seen on 6/21/2019 walking briefly in front of the Falls platform, video by Birgitt. Mike Fitz confirmed that this was 900 in a comment on 7/31/2019. No cub was observed. On 7/31/2019, Mike Fitz posted a comment with a 6/20/2019 photo of 900 and her spring cub just before they were chased by 856. On 8/5/2019, Ranger Naomi Boak commented in chat and shared a 6/20/2019 photo of 900 and her spring cub. "It was the last moment they were seen together." Ranger Barbara noted that 900 was seen at the falls "the other day" mating with 503 (900 must have lost this cub and gone into estrus). Cam viewers also observed 503 mating with 900 and a video was captured by Lani H on 7/26/2019. Infanticide was a possible cause of the cubs disappearance but it was not observed. 856 is the most dominant boar at the falls and it was mating season. He has pursued other sows with cubs in the past most notably 402.

991 Sister:

Note:  Sister was given a lip tatoo of #991 by Will Troyer in 1978.  Later, Sister was tagged with #1001 and #1002.  

1982:  2 Spring Cubs / Cubs-of-the-Year

1983:  2 Yearlings

Note:  On June 14, 1983 bear 991 Sister was destroyed for defense of life and property as a direct result of people acting carelessly.  The two yearling cubs were hazed away and left the area.