Bear 89 "Backpack"

89 "Backpack" in early summer 2026

NPS/C. Loberg

Year first Identified: 2.5 year old subadult in 2008

ID Characteristics: 89 is a medium sized adult male with a light brown coat that gets darker throughout the season. 89 has a dish-shaped muzzle. 

ID Behaviors: 89 was often seen play-fighting with other young males when he was a younger adult. In early summer, 89 often fishes at the falls but is not as dominant as other adult males who fish along the waterfall. During the fall, 89 can be seen catching fish along the lower portions of Brooks River. As a cub, 89 had an injured paw and was often seen riding on the back of his sow, granting him the nickname “Backpack.” 

89 "Backpack" stands in the Brooks River in late summer 2026

NPS/C. Loberg

Tags: brooks river bear, katmai