Bear 89 "Backpack"

89 "Backpack" in early summer 2026

NPS/C. Loberg

A lot can be learned from the individual bears of Brooks River. Each bears’ story connects visitors to the interrelated world of bears and salmon, and many other species in Katmai National Park. This page contains a brief history of this Brooks River Bear.

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

Courtesy of explore.org

Tags: katmai national park & preserve, brooks river bear, katmai