Bear 128 "Grazer"

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 ID’d: 4-year-old subadult in 2009

Known Litters: 2016: 3 spring cubs, 2019: 2 spring cubs, 2024: 2 spring cubs (1 cub did not survive the summer) In early summer 2026, bear 128 separated from her 2.5 year old cub. The 2.5 year old known as 128Jr, has been seemingly adopted by bear 806

ID Characteristics: 128 has light blonde “puffball” ears, dark eye rings, and is very light colored. 128 is an expert bear at getting fat; in the fall, she is often one of the fattest bears on the river

ID Behaviors: 128 is a “lip fisher,” meaning she has mastered catching fish standing at the top of Brooks Falls, but she is successful in any spot she chooses. 128 is situationally dominant, especially when it comes to protecting her cubs, earning her the nickname “Grazer.”

Tags: katmai national park & preserve, brooks camp, katmai, bears, brooks river, brooks falls, brown bear, brooks river bear