About This BlogBears. Salmon. Volcanoes. Wilderness. Culture. These are the terranes of Katmai. Each is distinct, but in combination these features create a place like no other. Read about the uniqueness of Katmai in this blog. Genetics Study FAQ
October 18, 2016
We asked Ranger Michael Saxton some questions about his ongoing genetics study. Read what his project is all about! Old Bears and New Tricks
July 31, 2016
775 "Lefty" used to be a bear that only visited the Brooks River in the fall months, but is now a regular in July. Check out what he's been up to this year. Swimming the Brooks River
June 25, 2016
Ranger Daniel swims the Brooks River, finding another world of wildlife below the water's surface. Story Behind the Bear Jam Photo
February 23, 2016
Nine bears can be seen in this photo taken from the Lower River Wildlife Viewing Platform in early July 2010. What were they doing there and what were the circumstances that brought them together? This photo tells a story of hunger, instinct, and survival. Recent Bear Deaths at Brooks River
November 23, 2015
Bearcam 2015 ended with startling deaths that highlighted the harsh realities of a bear’s world. The death of two bears, a young cub and an adult male, offered the opportunity to learn from events that people rarely have the opportunity to observe and study. Late Night at Brooks Falls
August 31, 2015
From 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. June 15 to August 15, the platforms and boardwalks at Brooks Falls are closed. In order to better understand how bears use the falls when no humans are present, I assisted Brooks Camp’s bear monitor, Leslie Skora, with an overnight monitoring session from 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m., then again from 4 to 7 a.m. Next Month on Bearcam
July 30, 2015
What should you expect to see at Brooks River and on bearcam over the next month? While other parts of Katmai fill with bears in August, it’s the opposite at Brooks Camp. August brings bears more opportunities to find food away from Brooks River. Where's Ted?
July 03, 2015
Each summer, we expect to see bears at Brooks River, like family at Thanksgiving. Sometimes though, well known bears don’t come back. Hey Lurch! What's Up with You?
July 02, 2015
So far in this summer, 814 Lurch looks and behaves differently than years past. So, what’s up with Lurch? 2014 Bearcam Year In Review
December 17, 2014
2014 proved to be an exciting year for fans of the Brooks River bears. Let’s recap the drama and events captured on the Brooks River. These are my choices for 2014’s most notable bearcam moments. Which story resonated most with you? The Challenges of Managing Bears and People at Brooks Camp
July 02, 2014
July 1, 2014 was a stressful day for rangers and one yearling cub at Brooks Camp. Around 10 AM bear #402 became separated from her cub near the mouth of the Brooks River. The yearling walked and ran to Brooks Lodge and climbed a tree just outside of the lodge. The cub was not reunited with its mother until 8:15 PM. This situation highlights the challenges of managing people and bears at Brooks Camp. Chasing Bigger Bears
October 07, 2014
Who's on bottom of the bear hierarchy? Young subadult bears, like bear 500, that's who. On Sunday, October 5, part of an extended chase was seen on the River Watch bearcam. 435 Holly’s adopted yearling chased subadult bear 500 while Holly’s spring cub and Holly herself tried to keep up. Abandoned Cub Finds a New Mother
September 11, 2014
In early July, bear 402 abandoned her yearling cub. Rangers, including myself, were routinely asked, “Will it find another bear to care for it?” My usual response to this question was coldly factual, "Adoption of cubs by another bear is very rare. It has been documented, but is unlikely to happen." However, bears, even young bears, are adaptable and smart. They possess the ability to recognize favorable situations and take advantage of them. 402’s abandoned yearling is no exception. Incised Pebbles from the Brooks River Area
January 09, 2014
To many, the Brooks River is the heart of Katmai National Park & Preserve. It is also a National Historic Landmark and an Archeological District consisting of 20 different prehistoric sites. Dynamics of the Brooks River Sockeye
July 27, 2013
In winter, ice and snow cover much of Katmai’s landscape. Salmon fry bide their time waiting to become smolt and run to sea. Later in the year and soon after the smolt depart, much larger salmon are returning from the ocean. In late June, schools of silvery and energetic fish begin to pulse through the river. During August and September, the Brooks River is dotted with ruby-colored jewels digging nests and fighting for territory. Soon after, the waters of Katmai begin to quiet again. The salmon have spawned and most are dead. Eggs are quietly incubating. |
Last updated: April 14, 2015