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. Notes from the Field: A Tale of Two Bears
September 01, 2017
Spending time around bears provides fascinating glimpses into their unique personalities and habits. Notes from the Field: Adagio of Life and Death
September 01, 2017
Scenes of life and death on the Katmai coast can reveal both stories of renewal and stories of loss, often in the same events. July in Review: #32 Chunk as Most Dominant Bear
August 15, 2017
The bear hierarchy at Brooks Falls is dynamic. As dominant bears age or weaken from injury or malnutrition, bigger, younger, more dominant bears take their place in positions of dominance. Ascent for these bears means a better chance at survival and a better chance to pass on their genes for the next generation of Brooks River bears. Enter the Bear Den
July 29, 2017
Exploring a bear den provides an intimate look at a bear’s ability to survive extreme circumstances 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! Bears and More!
October 18, 2016
Ranger Julian reflects on his trip to the wild Moraine and Funnel Creeks . A New Bear at Brooks Falls?
July 31, 2016
This July, a new bear, possibly one that has visited in past fall months, has been making frequent visits to the falls. Find out what we know about him so far. 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. The Second X Chromosome
July 28, 2016
Why do researchers for the Changing Tides project pick female bears over males? A big boar may run the show at Brooks Falls, but on the coast the celebrities are the sows. A Cub's First Spring
June 18, 2016
Newborn cub development and physiology has adapted in interesting ways to help give our favorite furry critters a good shot at survival. Changing Tides - Bluebird Days For Researchers And Bears
June 15, 2016
The first step for the 2016 portion of the Changing Tides Project was a success! 10 female bears have been collared for the 2016 study year. Changing Tides - More Questions Than Answers
June 08, 2016
With only one year completed for the three year Changing Tides Project, we ended up with more questions than answers. Find out what we did learn in this 2015 review. 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. Why National Parks Can't Ignore Individual Animals
January 20, 2016
A recent Yellowstone Science article describes how a focus on individual animals limits our ability to preserve wildlife populations, but this is not true. Naming an animal, referring to its individuality, or connecting with it isn’t a weakness of the human condition or near-sighted. We must recognize the role of the individual in wildlife management, conservation, and especially in public appreciation. 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. Through the Lens: A Photojournalist and the Changing Tides Project
July 24, 2015
Before today, I had never laid eyes on a brown bear. My job today? Fly out to the coast of Katmai National Park to take photos and video of the team that has been collaring brown bears as a part of the Changing Tides project. Did That Just Happen? Stories from a Bear Researcher’s Trip to Hallo Bay
July 17, 2015
As I prepare to head back out to Hallo Bay I’ve been rereading my field notes and reminiscing on the highlights from my first trip. Watching bears in Hallo Bay has shown me that there’s always more to learn. 402 Returns with Four Cubs
July 09, 2015
402, a well known adult female, returned to Brooks River yesterday with a litter of not one, not two, not three, but FOUR spring cubs. 402, therefore, faces a huge challenge. Will she be able to meet it? 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? Death of a Bear
July 01, 2015
One year ago, bearcam favorite 130 Tundra was found dead at the cut bank along Brooks River. Her death provided another example that bears face significant risk in their daily lives. What causes the death of a bear? Bigger is Better?
June 10, 2015
Bears in Katmai grow large, very large. For example, adult males average 700-900 pounds (272-408 kg) in mid summer! By October, well fed, large-bodied males can tip the scales above 1000 pounds (454 kg). Why do male bears grow so large? What advantages does large size confer to male bears? Competition for food and mates may provide answers. 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. Removing a Wire Snare from 854 Divot
August 04, 2014
Pop! When I saw the tranquilizing dart strike 854 Divot, I knew that there was much work to do and we needed to be quick about it, but I couldn’t help but feel a sigh of relief. “This might just work,” I thought, “We’ll be able to remove the snare.” Frankly, I never thought we’d get the opportunity. |
Last updated: April 14, 2015