879 September 2020 NPS photo
Adult Male
First Year Identified: 2006 as a subadult
Year Last Observed: 2023
Offspring Of: Not known at this time
Genetics Study Samples Obtained: There were no darting attempts, successful or unsuccessful, of 879 by Ranger Michael Saxton in 2016 or 2017.
Identification:[]
2012 & 2014 Bears of Brooks River books: 879 has a tall, medium-large body and a brown coat. His muzzle is long and straight. He has triangular, upright ears and a long neck. He is now a young adult male.
2015 - 2018 Bears of Brooks River books: 879 has a tall, large body and a brown coat. His muzzle is long and straight. He has tall, upright ears that are the same color as his coat and a long neck.
Distinctive Behaviors:[]
2012 Brown Bears of Brooks Camp iBook: This young male is a "Fall" bear who has not been identified in July. He may fish other streams in the summer, choosing to use Brooks River only later in the season. Alternatively, he may use Brooks River in July but is unrecognizable upon returning in late August or September. Like the salmon they depend upon, brown bears go through dramatic physical changes over the course of a few weeks. As they gain hundreds of pounds and change coats, it can become difficult to distinguish individuals from one another or match those individuals to bears observed earlier in the season.
2014 Bears of Brooks River book: This is a "fall" bear who has not been identified in July. He may fish other streams in the summer, choosing to use Brooks River only later in the season. Alternatively, he may use Brooks River in July but is unrecognizable upon returning in late August or September. Like the salmon they depend upon, brown bears go through dramatic physical changes over the course of a few weeks. As they gain hundreds of pounds and shed their fur, it can become difficult to distinguish individuals from one another.
2015 - 2018 Bears of Brooks River books: In addition to the above 2014 Bears of Brooks River book information, the 2015 - 2018 books include this information: Unlike most bears, 879 never swims underneath the floating bridge at the mouth of Brooks River. He also makes a lot of noise (groans and heavy breathing) when he eats salmon.
Life History:[]
2006: Subadult, Year 1st Identified[]
879 was initially classified as a subadult and assigned his bear monitoring number in 2006.
September 2006:[]
2006.09.09: NPS photos of 879 .:
2006.09.10: NPS photos of 879:
2007:[]
Fall 2007:[]
NPS photographs of 879 from the 2012 Bears of Brooks Camp iBook.:
September 2007:[]
2007.09.18: NPS photos of 879 .:
2007.09.26: NPS photos of 879:
2007.09.29: NPS photos of 879 .:
October 2007:[]
2007.10.05: NPS photos of 879.:
2008:[]
Fall 2008:[]
September 2008:[]
2008.09.??: 879 video by tylerbp6.
Please note: Yelling "Hey Bear" from the wildlife viewing platforms to a bear utilizing the river to gain access to essential food resources is not in compliance with bear etiquette taught in the required orientation provided by KNP&P staff to each park visitor upon their arrival at Brooks Camp.:
2008.09.08: NPS photos of 879.:
2008.09.09: NPS photo of 879 .:
2008.09.11: NPS photo of 879 taken September 11, 2008.:
October 2008:[]
2008.10.05: NPS photos of 879.:
2010:[]
Fall 2010:[]
879 (right) in this Fall 2010 NPS photograph from the 2012 Bears of Brooks Camp iBook. The ID of the bear on the left is not known.
August 2010:[]
2010.08.28: NPS photos of 879.:
September 2010:[]
2010.09.02: NPS photos of 879.:
2010.09.03: NPS photos of 879.:
NPS photos of 879 and 469 (aka "Digger" / "Patches") having a play fight on September 3, 2010.:
2010.09.12: NPS photos of 879.:
2010.09.13: NPS photos of 879 and 469 (aka "Digger" / "Patches") having a playfight.:
NPS photos of 879 taken September 13, 2010.:
October 2010:[]
2010.10: NPS photograph of 879 from the 2014 Bears of Brooks River book page 30:
2010.10.09: NPS photos of 879.:
2011:[]
Fall 2011:[]
NPS photograph of 879 in the Fall of 2011, posted by Ranger Mike Fitz on August 22, 2013.:
August 2011:[]
2011.08.26: NPS photos of 879.:
2011.08.30: NPS photos of 879.:
September 2011:[]
NPS photograph of 879 in September 2011 from the 2014 Bears of Brooks River book page 30:
2011.09.01: 879 photo by park visitor and cam viewer Jen:
Please request Jen's permission prior to using her photo!
NPS photos of 879 taken September 1, 2011:
2011.09.30: NPS photos of 879.:
October 2011:[]
2011.10.01: NPS photo of 879.:
2012: Young Adult Male[]
879 was included in the 2012 Bears of Brooks Camp iBook :
2012 or PRIOR: Could this be 879 in 2012 or prior in this video published July 14, 2012 by al thompson?:
2013: Adult Male[]
2013 Season:[]
Gregg Burch captured this video footage of 879 during the 2013 season (published September 22, 2013) where 879 is best seen from 1:45 - 2:06 into the video. Then KNP&P ranger, Mike Fitz:can be heard at approximately 1:11 discussing 410 and her fish. 409 Beadnose and her 3 yearlings (500 & 717?) can be seen often in Gregg's video.:
August 2013:[]
2013.08.23:
2013.08.26: NPS photos of 879.:
879 near the wader sign(to the left of the floating bridge) snapshots:
2013.08.27: NPS photos of 879.:
2013.08.28:
Dave Clark captured these photos (#1 , #2 , #3 & #4 ) of 879 on August 28, 2013.
2013.08.29: 879 always exits the Brooks River and goes around the floating bridge as opposed to remaining in the river and going under it. Ranger Mike Fitz discussed this topic on August 29, 2013 with this comment to viewer, luvnature.:
2013.08.30: NPS photos of 879.:
2013.08.31: NPS photos of 879.:
September 2013:[]
2013.09.04: NPS photos of 879.:
2013.09.07: NPS photos of 879.:
2013.09.12: NPS photos of 879.:
2014: Adult Male[]
879 is included in the adult males section of the 2014 Bears of Brooks River book on page 30:
August 2014: []
2014.08.??: August 2014 gifs created by Juergen: Gif #1 , Gif #2 & Gif #3 2014.08.26: 879 video by DTB:
879 video by jbirdyhome:
2014.08.27: 879 and unaccompanied spring cub (possibly 171's missing spring cub) video by Janie Nook:
879 video by Janie Nook:
Early Afternoon: 879 video by jbirdyhome:
2014.08.28: NPS photos of 879.:
Juergen created these August 28, 2014 gifs of 879: Gif #1 & Gif #2
2014.08.30: 879 video by JoeBear:
Another August 30, 2014 video of 879 by JoeBear:
2014.08.31: 879 video by JoeBear:
September 2014:[]
2014.09.03: NPS photos of 879.:
2015: Adult Male[]
879 was included in the 2015 Bears of Brooks River book on page 70 in the adult males section:
2015.??.?? (prior to 2015.10.21):
879 is seldomly observed on the lower river platform side (south side) of the lower Brooks River. Arlo Tol captures 879 on the shore of the south side of the river in this video published on October 21, 2015:
September 2015:[]
2015.09.?? (2015.09.28 or prior): 879 can be seen at the 0:43, 3:12 and 6:27 marks in this video by Helmut Bahr published September 28, 2015:
2015.09.03: NPS photos of 879 .:
2015.09.04: 879 GIF by Juergen.
Explore Recorder video of 879 on September 4, 2015.:
Lower River - Katmai National Park, Alaska Cam 09-04-2015 09 11 39 - 09 16 36 Explore Recorder video
2015.09.05: Explore recorder video of 879.:
Lower River - Katmai National Park, Alaska Cam 09-05-2015 14 12 47 - 14 17 44 Explore Recorder video
2015.09.10: 879 wants to go around the floating bridge but 409 Beadnose's presence at the wedge is prohibiting his intended path: GIF #1 by Juergen LRW cam view & GIF #2 by Juergen LRE cam view
NPS photos of 879 taken September 10, 2015.:
Explore Recorder video of 879 from September 10, 2015.:
Lower River - Katmai National Park, Alaska Cam 09-10-2015 09 53 15 - 09 58 12 Explore Recorder video
2015.09.12: 879 photos by Mike Fitz: photo #1 and photo #2.
Please request Mike Fitz's permission prior to using his photos!
2015.09.15: 879 and 32 Chunk play fighting video by Victoria White:
2015.09.22: BMDdad captured this snapshot of 879 (p 03/01/2020 07.15 ).:
2015.09.27: NPS photos of 879.:
October 2015:[]
2015.10.07: NPS photos of 879:
2015.10.15 09:37: 879 video by Mickey Williams:
2015.10.17: 879 video by Mickey Williams:
2015.10.18: 879, 435 Holly and her two cubs (503 Cubadult and 719) video by Mickey Williams.:
2015.10.19:
13:20: 879 video by Mickey Williams:
2015.10.24:
11:2?: 879 on the gravel bar video by Mickey Williams:
11:57: 879 sleeping video by Mickey Williams:
2016: Adult Male[]
879 is included in the adult males section of the 2016 Bears of Brooks River book on page 80:
2016 Season:[]
879 in 2016 video by GreenRiver:
Cruiser shared this snapshot collage of 879 from the 2016 season.:
August 2016:[]
2016.08.27: []
879 and 32 Chunk video by Melissa Freels:
879 and 32 Chunk video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2016.08.28:
879 video by Melissa Freels:
879 and 474 in the far pool around 10:20 in the morning video by Mickey Williams.:
879 in lower river on August 28, 2016 GIF by Martina:
2016.08.29:
879 video by Ratna:
879 video by Melissa Freels:
September 2016:[]
2016.09.01:
879 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
879 video by Melissa Freels:
2016.09.02:
879 enjoying a misty morning in this video by Ratna:
879 video by Ratna:
879 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2016.09.16: Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) shared a 9/16/2016 photo of 879 on 4/24/2022. "879 on 9/16/16.This is the only time I've ever seen him on the platform side of the falls. He came over and sat between the fish ladder and the jacuzzi for a minute or two. It was a thrill to see him so close! Photo is by me." Please request Lisa Robertson's (aka Larinor) permission prior to using her photographs!
.jpeg "879 September 16, 2016 photo by Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor).jpeg (695 KB)")
October 2016:[]
2016.10.09:
879 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
879 video by David S:
2017: Adult Male[]
879 was included in the 2017 Bears of Brooks River book on page 82.
August 2017:[]
2017.08.31: 879 (?) (oris this 474 ) video by Birgitt:
September 2017:[]
2017.09.??: Park visitor and cam viewer MollyGee-TX captured these two photos of 879 on her September 2017 trip to Brooks Camp and shared them in the bearcam comments on September 29, 2017 : photo #1 and photo #2
2017.09.??: Park visitor and cam viewer Melissa Freels captured these three photos of 879 during her September 2017 trip to Brooks Camp and shared them in the bearcam comments on March 11, 2018: photo #1 , photo #2 , and photo #3 . Melissa's comment shared the following information about 879's distinctive behaviors:
"879 in September 2017. In the first pic, he is in what seems to be one his favorite spots--it's on the other side of the river, almost directly across from the riffles platform. He tucks away in the brush, waiting for fish to pass by. I have seen a lot of photographs of him in this spot. The second pic shows him at the falls, sharing space with Otis."
Please request Melissa Freels' permission prior to using her photographs!
_and_480_Otis_(left)_September_2017_photo_by_Melissa_Freels_.01.jpg "879 (right) and 480 Otis (left) September 2017 photo by Melissa Freels .01.jpg (2.63 MB)")
2017.09.06: 480 Otis backs into "his office" and causes 879 (?) to move slightly down river in this video by Brenda D. 68 remains in his fishing spot in the far pool. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
32 Chunk and 879 (?) interaction video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017.09.15: 879 video by CherylB (aka BearNecessities):
2017.09.17: Park visitor and cam viewer, RiverPA (aka Lee) observed 879 during their trip to Brooks Camp and captured there photos.
Please request RiverPA's (aka Lee's) permission prior to using their photos!
2017.09.20: My Trip To Brooks Camp: Day Four blog by Mike Fitz. Scroll down in Mike's blog for a September 2017 photo of 879 by Mike.
2017.09.22: 879 (?) and 474 in the far pool video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
October 2017:[]
2017.10.21 or PRIOR: Kunito Imai Photography captured this photograph of 879 (posted on instagram October 21, 2017.
2018: Adult Male[]
879 was included in the 2018 Bears of Brooks River book on page 85.:
2018 Season:[]
Cam viewer JG shared these 2018 snapshots (#1 , #2 , #3 , #4 , #5 , #6 , #7 , #8 , #9 , #10 , #11 , #12 & #13 ) of 879 from the 2018 season. Cruiser created this collage of snapshots of 879 from the 2018 season (p 03/01/2020 11:05 )..:
September 2018:[]
2018.09.02: Part 1 of 879 in the far pool with 719 & 812 video by Birgitt.:
Part 2 of 879 in the far pool with 719 & 812 video by Birgitt:
2018.09.03: 879 charges 719 in the riffles video by Birgitt.:
October 2018: []
2018.10.02: 879 at the falls, nick close-up video by Lani H.:
2018.10.07: 879 reacts to 480 Otis' close proximity in this video by mckate. Or....as Phillydude described this interaction...."When Zen Bears Collide". This is not behavior often observed from 879.:
Lani H captured a longer version in this video .:
KCanada captured these snapshots (#1 , #2 & #3 ).:
2019: Adult Male[]
April 2019: 879 "Bear-A-Day" Day:[]
On April 10, 2019 (879 & 477 Sara bear-a-day day) 879 got "Scooched" (Is that worse than being Grazered? )......"Oh no! It could be more of a time honored tradition. ": "Thanks to everyone for all the nice photos and videos of 879. With his long neck, upright ears and broad back he reminds me of a horse , so I call him Mr. Ed.
This bear looks like a horse of course of course
But no bear can be a horse of course
That is of course unless the source
Is the famous 879."
September 2019:[]
2019.09.??: Kara Stenberg captured this September 2019 photograp h of 879 that was shared in the December 30, 2019 08:33 Brooks Lodge Facebook post .:
Please request Kara Stenberg's permission prior to using her photographs!
2019.09.??: Melissa Freels shared two September 2019 photos of 879mon 1/25/2023, #1 and #2. "Here are a couple of pics of Mr. 879. These were taken in September 2019 when 879 returned with a folded ear and stumped us as we tried to ID him. Even with the folded ear, he was still as handsome as ever!"
Please request Melissa Freel's permission prior to using her photographs!
2019.09.10: Carrie59 shared this 9/10/2019 photo of 151 Walker (left) and 879 (right) on 3/20/2022. Carrie59 shared two additional 9/10/2019 photos of 879 on 4/24/22, #1 and #2. Please request carrie59's permission prior to using her photographs!
_with_879_(right)_September_10,_2019_photo_by_carrie59_.02.jpg "151 Walker (left) with 879 (right) September 10, 2019 photo by carrie59 .02.jpg (2.29 MB)")
Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor) shared this 9/10/2019 photo of 879 on 4/24/2022. "879 on September 10, 2019, just after he went under the new bridge for the very first time. He hesitated for a moment when he first saw it, but then walked right on. I was really proud of him, and very happy to be there to see him do it. Photo is by me." Please request Lisa Robertson's (aka Larinor) permission prior to using her photographs!
.jpeg "879 September 10, 2019 photo by Lisa Robertson (aka Larinor).jpeg (574 KB)")
Video by Lani H::
Video by mckate. Mckate shared these thoughts in the description of the video.:
"879 had a fear of swimming under the old bridge, so always got out and walked around. There was a lot of anticipation about how he'd receive this new bridge.
I really expected him to walk all the way around the platforms, but he screwed up his courage and ran under. I hope it gets easier for him with time. 708 was also pretty freaked out the first time she saw the new bridge, but quickly became accustomed to it. Hang in there 879!"
On September 12, 2019 at 12:59, Mike Fitz commented about 879 and his reaction to the new elevated bridge.:
"...To begin, I’d like to give my interpretation of a situation many of you witnessed just a couple of days ago on the River Watch Cam."
"In the video, we see 879 approach the bridge at the river mouth, then turn around to snorkel upstream briefly. After emerging from the water on the far side of the river, he begins to approach the bridge, but 879 is clearly uncomfortable with the prospect of walking underneath it. After slinking slowly toward the bridge, he runs underneath it. Why might he have done this and what implications could this have for park managers and visitors?
First, a little history on 879. He is a large, fully grown adult male who only has to contend with competition from other large adult males. His is also a bear who only uses Brooks River during late summer and fall. He’s never been identified in June/July but presumably makes a good living elsewhere since he seems to arrive each year looking quite pudgy. I have watched 879 use the lower river area for many Septembers. Not once did I ever see him swim underneath the old floating bridge, even though it would have been quite easy for him to do so. Many other bears did it routinely. Instead, 879 always made the effort to get out of the water and walk around the bridge.
This indicates that human infrastructure can alter and interfere with the movements of bears and poses a challenge for both park managers and visitors. There are two main differences between the floating bridge and the newly constructed elevated bridge. The old floating bridge was a little over 100 yards long and had only one substantial elevated wildlife-viewing platform near its south side, but the new elevated bridge is about 1200 feet (400 yards) long, has several viewing areas, and creates a much larger visual footprint on the landscape. The other difference is movement of people. Movement on the floating bridge was restricted by park staff when bears were within 50 yards of it. Since bears and people are physically separated on the bridge now, park visitors are generally allowed to walk across the bridge at any time no matter the proximity of bears.
Most bears who use the area near the bridge show moderate to high levels of habituation toward people. In other words, they show tolerance for our presence, noise, and activity. Bear 879 is a bit of an enigma in this sense. Around the bridge, he seems to display signs that’s he’s not consistently tolerant of people or our infrastructure even as he continues to use the lower Brooks River.
How do you manage the area to protect such bears in a place like Brooks River where people have the freedom to go nearly anywhere? It’s extremely difficult. However, the NPS does do one important thing to help give bears greater access to the lower river in early fall—the lodge closes on Sept. 18. This isn’t because there isn’t a demand from the public for rooms or because of the onset of cold weather (many lodges in the Katmai region operate into October). It is to reduce the number of people using the area so that bears can access the lower river more freely. Although Brooks Falls gets most of the attention from the public, the lower river is the most productive place for bears to fish in September and October.
Over the last several years though, visitation in late summer and early fall has grown. Whereas before access to Brooks Camp after Sept. 18 required you to charter a plane, now a water taxi runs daily trips. The campground used to not accept reservations after Sept. 17, it’s now available for online reservations through the end of October. After the lodge closed, park staff stopped managing the area near the floating bridge and the prevalence of bears made it difficult to cross in a timely manner without violating the park’s wildlife distance regulation. With the elevated bridge, you can now walk across the river much more conveniently.
All of this adds up to greater access for people. With that access, however, comes responsibility. Park rangers have an obligation to help visitors understand that bears are individuals, each with their own definition of personal space and comfort level around people. Visitors have an obligation to learn about how our presence influences bears. (If you visit, please pledge to behave in an ethical manner around bears.) Bearcam viewers can help by sharing the webcam experience with others, letting people know about the lives of bears as individuals, and the joys and challenges the bears experience in their lives.
Perhaps 879 will get used to the bridge. Perhaps he won’t and his instincts will force him to go around it. No matter his decision, bear 879 demonstrates that bears make choices, and their behavior around people is going to be specific to the individual bear and the circumstance."
Katmai Conservancy Ranger Naomi replied to Mike Fitz at 13:04 on September 12. 2019 about 879's reaction to the new elevated bridge on September 10, 2019.:
Casper Pike captured this video of 879 with 151 Walker on September 10, 2019.:
Lani H filmed this 9/10/2019 video of 151 Walker and 879 in the far pool.
Park visitor Jack Heald captured a photo of 879 and 151 Walker in the far pool on the same date, 9/10/2019.
Steven Brkich also captured photos of 879 on 9/10/2019, #1 and #2.
2019.09.14: 879 attempts to go under the elevated bridge again, but turns around video by Lani H.:
Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) shared this 9/14/2019 photo of 879 on 5/26/2020.
Please request NutsBoutBears permission prior to using her photos!
.jpg "879 September 14, 2019 photo by Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears).jpg (1,001 KB)")
2019.09.16: Park visitor and cam viewer NutsBoutBears captured these photos (#1 & #2 ) of 879 from the riffles platform during her trip to Brooks Camp . On September 19, 2019 at 09:30, Mike Fitz commented that he believed the bear in NBB's 09/16/2019 photos:is 879. Bonnie Hankins (aka NutsBoutBears) also captured this photograph of 879 (p 03/01/2020 10:04 ).:
Please request NutsBoutBears permission prior to using her photos!
Scooch shared a 9/16/2019 photo of 879 on 5/12/2020. Scooch shared two 9/16/2019 photos of 879 on 4/24/2022, #1 and #2. "879 stood in the shade of overhanging brush for quite sometime, occasionally stepping out to have a look downriver before eventually heading that way.. Such an impressive bear. He is as big as he is handsome!" Scooch shared a 9/16/2019 photo of 879 on 4/24/2022. "During our September 2019 trip to Brooks, it rained and was very overcast every day except for one glorious afternoon when the sun made an appearance. Fortunately, that coincided with 879 also making an appearance so we were able to get a good look at him. We watched him, from the riffles platform, as he slowly meandered from the falls towards the riffles, along the far side of the river bank."
Scooch shared a 9/16/2019 photo of 879 walking in the lower river at sunset. Chatter Jah's 82 year old mom gifted scooch a beautiful painting of that photo.
"What a wonderful day reminiscing about 801 and 879, two fine boars whose lives are mysterious and interesting. Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful photos, gifs, cam pics and stories. Happily sharing what we love with those that have the same affection is what makes this chat so special.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
Goodnight to the handsome boarse, 879, wherever you are!
Mister's photo of bear 879, walking in the lower river as the sun sets on a beautiful, late summer day, 9.16.19.
Fellow chatter Jah's 82 year old mother painted this wonderful rendition of the photo above for me when I was so ill with Covid-19. I treasure this special gift and feel honored to have received it. I've never met Jah's dear mother but do know that she is a former nurse who enjoys painting in her retirement and, obviously, spreading joy and kindness to those in need. Thank you, ma'am. Kind gestures are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."
Please request Scooch's permission prior to using her photographs!
2019.09.17: 879 won't go under the elevated bridge video by Lani H.:
2019.09.20: 273 and her spring cubs meet 879 video by Lani H.:
2019.09.21 : 879 snorkeling in the lower river video by Lani H.:
2019.09.29: 879 September 29, 2019 NPS photo by Ranger Tammy Carmack KNP&P Flickr.
October 2019: []
2019.10.03: 879 in the far pool video by Lani H.:
2019.10.06: 151 Walker annoys 879 video by mckate.:
2020: Adult Male[]
879 was included in the 2021 Bears of Brooks River book page 78.
2020 Season:[]
Deanna Dittloff created this 2020 season video of 879, "Bear 879, 2020."
March 2020: []
2020.03.01: GreenRiver created this Relections in Time video that 879 appears in a few times.:
September 2020:[]
2020.09.??: Ranger Naomi Boak (aka NS Boak) shared September, 2020 NPS photos of 879 on 1/27/2020, #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5. "Happy 879 Day! A statuesque dude who loves the lower river in the fall. All photos from September 2020." NSBoak (aka Ranger Naomi Boak) shared an additional September 2020 photo of 879 on 4/24/2022.
Please request NSBoak's (aka Ranger Naomi Boak) permission prior to using her photographs!
_.01.jpg "879 September, 2020 NPS photo by Ranger Naomi Boak (aka NS Boak) .01.jpg (3.92 MB)")
_.02.jpg "879 September, 2020 NPS photo by Ranger Naomi Boak (aka NS Boak) .02.jpg (3.35 MB)")
_.03.jpg "879 September, 2020 NPS photo by Ranger Naomi Boak (aka NS Boak) .03.jpg (3.55 MB)")
_.04.jpg "879 September, 2020 NPS photo by Ranger Naomi Boak (aka NS Boak) .04.jpg (3.68 MB)")
_.05.jpg "879 September, 2020 NPS photo by Ranger Naomi Boak (aka NS Boak) .05.jpg (3.81 MB)")
_.06.jpeg "879 September 2020 NPS photo by Ranger Naomi Boak (aka NSBoak) .06.jpeg (869 KB)")
2020.09.05: 879 (bottom of screen) returned to Brooks Camp for the first time in 2020 and did not receive a warm welcome from 856. 9/5/2020 video by Lani H.
879 was also observed fishing on the lower river, 9/5/2020 video by Hey Princess.
Lee Pastewka (aka RiverPA) photographed 879 on the day of his return. 9/5/2020 photos by Lee Pastewka #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7.
Please request Lee's (aka RiverPA ) permission prior to using her photographs !
_.01.jpg "879 September 5, 2020 photo by Lee Pastewka (aka RiverPA) .01.jpg (485 KB)")
_.02.jpg "879 September 5, 2020 photo by Lee Pastewka (aka RiverPA) .02.jpg (460 KB)")
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_.05.jpg "879 September 5, 2020 photo by Lee Pastewka (aka RiverPA) .05.jpg (489 KB)")
_.06.jpg "879 September 5, 2020 photo by Lee Pastewka (aka RiverPA) .06.jpg (394 KB)")
_.07.jpg "879 September 5, 2020 photo by Lee Pastewka (aka RiverPA) .07.jpg (351 KB)")
2020.09.06: 879 snorkeling around the lower river, 9/6/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.09.12-09.17: Theresa Bielawski shared six photos of 879 on 6/11/2021, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 and #6. The photos were taken on her Brooks Camp trip from 9/12-9/17/2020. "Here is 879 Sept of 2020. First time I had seen him in 8 years of going to Brooks & I thought it was a much handsomer Lefty at first. 2020 was my first Sept trip and previous years were all in July."
Please request Theresa Bielawski's permission prior to using her photographs!
2020.09.14: 879 on the lower river, 9/14/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.09.15: 879 snorkeling on the lower river, 9/15/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.09.16: 879 still doesn't like to go under the bridge, 9/16/2020 video by Lani H. He gets out of the water and walks under it quickly, then resumes a normal pace.
2020.09.17: 879 can be seen in the riffles in this 9/17/2020 video by Ratna Narayan. 879 has been photographed sitting on the far bank there on many occasions.
2020.09.18: 879 is getting used to going under the bridge but he still walks on land vs the water, 9/18/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.09.19: 879 goes under the bridge in his usual pattern, 9/19/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.09.20: 482's emancipated subadult 133 keeps an eye on 480 Otis (near) and 879 (far). "They weren't sure what to make of 879 and 480 being in their section of the river", 9/20/2020 video by mckate.
2020.09.21: Breakfast companions 480 Otis (near) and 879 (far) eating on the lower river, 9/21/2020 video by mckate.
2020.09.22: 879 scavenging in the lower river, 9/22/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.09.23: 879 walks under the bridge with a casual pace, 9/23/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.09.25: 879 again walks under the bridge, same approach from the same direction, Mr Dependable! 9/25/2020 video by Lani H.
879 swims under the bridge for the 1st time! 9/25/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.09.27: 879 (near) and 83 Wayne Brother (far) snorkeling, eating and getting along well on the lower river, 9/27/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.09.28: 879 in his favorite spot in the riffles, 9/28/2020 video by Hey Princess.
2020.09.29: 879 enjoys his meal on the lower river, 480 Otis makes a cameo appearance at 2:22. 9/29/2020 video by Lani H.
October 2020:[]
2020.10.01: Handsome 879 on the lower river, 10/1/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.03: 879 (far) and 820 (near) fish the falls, 10/3/2020 video by Becky Osberg.
2020.10.05: 879 at the falls, right, rear at the beginning of the video, 10/5/2020 by Hey Princess.
2020.10.06: 879 snorkels on the lower river, 10/6/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.08: Beautiful close-up of 879, 10/8/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.09: Handsome 879 on the lower river, 10/9/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.10: 879 wakes up and goes snorkeling, 10/10/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.12: 879 (near) and 83 Wayne Brother snorkeling at the lower river on a beautiful fall day, 10/12/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.13: 879 snorkeling on the lower river, 10/13/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.14: 879 eating his catch on the lower river, 10/14/2020 video by Hey Princess.
2020.10.15: 879 near the bridge, 10/15/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.16: 879 heading off to take a nap, 10/16/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.17: 879 munching on clay (geophagy), 10/17/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.18: 879 walks under the bridge, 10/28/2020 video by Hey Princess.
2020.10.19: 879 snorkeling and eating on the lower river, 10/19/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.22: 879 snorkeling and fattening up for hibernation, 10/22/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.10.23: 879 is seen eating clay (geophagy) in this 10/23/2020 video by Lani H. This was our last look at 879 in 2020. 879 is a "fall bear" and will probably not be viewed on the cams again until September 2021.
2021: Adult Male[]
879 was included in the 2022 Bears of Brooks River book on page 87.
2021 Season:[]
Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) created this 2021 season video of 879, "Bear 879 2021."
August 2021:[]
2021.08.24: 879 returned to Brooks Camp in the evening on 8/24/2021. 879 is thought of as a September bear but has actually been seen in late August in 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2016 between 8/23-8/28. Upon arrival from the BFL cam, 879 walked past 747 on the conveyer, 747 hardly reacted. 879 was met by 151 Walker in the far pool. 151 put up a bit of a protest but 879 claimed the office. JG captured video of 879's arrival.
Mckate's 8/24/2021 video of 879's arrival.
Birgitt's 8/24/2021 video of 879.
Cam viewers captured 8/24/2021 snapshots and gifs of 879. Owl&Osprey<3's snapshot, evwada's snapshot, gifs by scooch #1 and #2, gif by LunaCre.
2021.08.25: 151 Walker (L) tried to harass an unimpressed 879 (R), 8/25/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.08.26: 879 fishes in the office, 8/26/2021 video by JG.
2021.08.27: 879 catching fish on the lower river, 8/27/2021 video by Cheryl B.
2021.08.28: Close up video of 879 in the office by Cheryl B in 8/28/2021.
2021.08.29: 879 comfortably passes under the bridge, 8/29/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.08.30: 879 (left) and 480 Otis (right) pass each other, 8/30/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.08.31: 879 scans the water for fish, 8/31/2021 video by Hey Princess.
September 2021:[]
2021.09.01: 879 approaches the falls, 9/1/2021 video by JG.
Blair-55's close up gif of 879, 9/1/2021.
2021.09.19: NSBoak (aka Naomi Boak) shared three 9/19/2021 photos of 879 on 1/25/2023, #1, #2 and #3. "I always think of 879 as a gentle giant. I love seeing him in the lower river in September. Here are a few photos from September 19, 2021. At this moment, he had strolled by 708's cubs frolicking below the lower river platform. I've included a picture of the cubs as well."
Please request NSBoak's (aka Ranger Naomi Boak) permission prior to using her photographs!
2021.09.28: 879 eats his fish snack, 9/28/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.09.29: LunaCre's 9/29/2021 gif of 879 enjoying his catch on the lower river.
2021.09.30: 879 on the lower river, 9/30/2021 snapshot by merry_mermaid~Mermaids4Otis.
October 2021:[]
2021.10.01: 879 Fishes along the lower river, 10/1/2021 video by JG.
2021.10.03: 879 snorkeling along the lower river, 10/3/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.04: 879 walks along the oxbow area, 10/4/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.05: Markindify's 10/5/2021 video of 879 roaming the lower river.
2021.10.07: 879 checks out the falls, 480 Otis holds on to the office, 10/7/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.10.08: 879 fishing downriver, 10/8/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.09: 879 is observed first in this 10/9/2021 video by markindify. 775 Lefty is observed second. Both of them are then seen downriver together.
2021.10.12: 879 eats his fish under the bridge, 10/12/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.13: 879 fishes the lower river in proximity to 435 Holly and her yearling, 10/13/2021 video by Cheryl B.
10-13-2021 LR Awesome Interaction between 435 & 879 with yearling watching Explore.org
Video by Cheryl B
Blair-55's 10/13/2021 gif of 879 charging 435 Holly while her yearling watches.
2021.10.15: 879 chases a fish, 10/15/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.17: 879 sits in the river to eat his fish, 10/17/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.21: 879 eating his fish in the lower river, 10/21/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.23: 879 is seen standing out of the river in this 10/23/2021 video by JG.
2021.10.25: 879 surveys the river, 10/25/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.10.27: 879 strolls in the middle of the river, 10/27/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.30: Hey Princess's 10/30/2021 video of 879 under the bridge.
LunaCre's 10/30/2021 gif of 879 walking on a grassy area. This was the last time that 879 was observed in 2021.
2022: Adult Male[]
August 2022:[]
2022.08.24: 879 made a one day stop at Brooks Falls on 8/24/2022, video by JG. 879 was first seen downriver from the falls then fishing the lower river.
Mckate's 8/24/2022 video of 879's arrival in the riffles.
879 is still not keen on the bridge, 8/24/2022 video by mckate. "879 has a long standing dislike of going under bridges. He's probably going to have to work up to it again this season."
Photographer Ronald Woan captured three 8/24/2022 photos of 879. The photos appear to have been taken around the same time that 879 was seen on the cams, #1, #2 and #3.
September 2022:[]
879 appears on the list of Bears Monitored in September 2022.
Note: Cameras were down from 9/11-9/16/2022 so it is unknown if 879 was seen during that time.
2022.09.21: 879 cruising along the lower river, 9/21/2022 video by Itzy LO 335.
2022.09.22: 879 stands both upright and snorkels for fish, 9/22/2022 video by Ssunny.Y
2022.09.23: 879 leaves the water to go under the bridge, 9/23/2022 video by mckate. "He's coping a little better with his gephyrophobia (fear of bridges)."
2022.09.24: 879 fishes the lower river, 9/24/2022 gif by LeafyHyrax.
2022.09.25: Big 879 strolling along the lower river, 9/25/2022 video by Cheryl B.
2022.09.26: 879 snorkels along the lower river in this 9/26/2022 video by JG.
2022.09.27: 879 enjoys his catch then heads out for more fishing, 9/27/2022 video by Itzy LO 335.
2022.09.30: 879 on the lower river, 9/30/2022 video by Itzy LO 335.
October 2022:[]
2022.10.10: Side profile of 879 on the lower river, snapshot by Corisande.
2022.10.12: 879 at the oxbow, 10/12/2022 snapshot by HollyM.
2022.10.14: LeafyHyrax's three gifs of 879 on 10/14/2022. #1 a brief close-up, #2 879 swims under the bridge and #3 ghostly 879 and his night flotilla.
2022.10.15: 879 walks in the river, 10/15/2022 gif by LeafyHyrax.
2022.10.17: A great front view of 879 and his flopped over left ear, 10/17/2022 gif by Blair-55.
2022.10.18: GreenRiver's 10/18/2022 snapshot of 879.
2022.10.19: Brave 879 swims under the bridge, 10/19/2022 gif by LeafyHyrax.
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2022.10.20: 879 in the fading light, 10/20/2022 snapshot by Blair-55.
2022.10.24: 879 blows bubbles as he searches for a meal and then glides elegantly across the river, gifs by LeafyHyrax, #1 and #2.
2023: Adult Male[]
September 2023:[]
2023.09.19: Could this be 879 misidentified as 480 Otis in this video captured on 9/19/23 @ 12:14 AKDT by AllieW/Bears Etc. (aka SarahBear)? Thank you Shel_ for spotting 879's shorter/folded left ear, tall right ear, blocky muzzle, and distinctive head profile.:
Otis Fishing in the Mist, 9-19-2023, 12-14 a.m. AK RW Cam (1.25 playback speed)
video by AllieW/Bears etc. (aka SarahBear)
Could this be 879's shorter/folded left ear, blocky muzzle, and distinctive head profile?
Shel_ captured these snapshots (#1, #2, #3, #4 & #5) of what appears to be 879 as opposed to 480 Otis (p 9/23/2023 p 07:04). The IR lighting does seem to make it appear that the signature Otis "7" on his left shoulder is there...but is that just lighting?
GABear created this gif (p 08:39). The file is larger than the wiki will allow, please click here to view GABear's gif. mckate captured this video of 879's 2023 fall season daylight arrival:
19 Sep 2023- 879 Arrives (explore.org)
video by mckate
879 was observed again later in the day fishing the lower river. 879 gif created by Blair-55 (p 16:48).:
879 eventually made his way to the falls. GABear created this gif of 879 below the falls, the file is too large to upload to the wiki, please click here to view her gif (p 18:20). merry_mermaid created this gif of 879 (p 18:23). Jami created a gif of 879 in the river making his way past the Brooks Falls wildlife viewing platform that is too large to upload to the wiki, please click here to view Jami's gif (p 18:31). tzusruled created this gif of 879 making his way to the falls (p 18:44). Blair-55 created these gifs (#1, #2, #3 & #4) of 879 after he made his way upriver (p 19:00).:
mckate captured this video of 879 when the cam op on duty provided this close-up view.:
19 Sep 2023- 879 Gets His Closeup (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.09.24: 879 walks the spit video captured by mckate:
24 Sep 2023- 879 Walks the Spit (explore.org)
video by mckate
October 2023:[]
2023.10.10: 879 emerges from the river in this video mckate captured. 879 on land is a true treat to observe as he is quite often partially submerged in the river.:
10 Oct 2023- 879 Emerges from the River (explore.org)
video by mckate
2023.10.24: 879 fishes around the bridge in mckate's video. 879 has done well to overcome his gephyrophobia.:
24 Oct 2023- 879 Fishes Around the Bridge (explore.org)
video by mckate
Known Courting & Mating:[]
879 is typically a fall bear and not usually seen during the mating season. His mating history is unknown.
Known Relatives:[]
There are no known relatives of 879 at this time.
There is speculation that 879 is somehow related to 489 Ted. Ranger Mike Fitz answered this question on August 24, 2013 at 15:22.:
"There's a chance, but without DNA evidence, we wouldn't be able to confirm it It is rare for us to be able to consistently ID a bear from cub to subadult to adult. Even when we do, without DNA evidence we can't actually be sure of any bars siblings or parental lineage."
Genetics Study Samples Obtained:[]
2016: None, Successful or Unsuccessful[]
There were no darting attempts, successful or unsuccessful, of 879 by Ranger Michael Saxton in 2016.
2017: None, Successful or Unsuccessful[]
There were no darting attempts, successful or unsuccessful, of 879 by Ranger Michael Saxton in 2016.
A special thank you to KCanada for the NPS photos from the 2012 Brown Bears of Brooks Camp iBook.
A special thank you to Xander-Sage for creating the gif of NPS photos from the 2012 Brown Bears of Brooks Camp iBook.