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289 PIC 20xx.xx

289 using the "dash and grab" fishing technique. NPS photo from page 5 of the 2017 Bears of Brooks River book

Adult Female

Year First Identified:  2012 as 4.5 year-old subadult

Year Last Observed: 2016

Offspring Of:  289 is believed to be the 2008 offspring of 94

Known Litters of Cubs:  In 2016 when first observed, 289 returned to Brooks Camp as a single female, however she was showing signs of lactation indicating that she may have produced a litter of cubs that season.

Genetics Study Samples Obtained:  289 was successfully darted by Ranger Michael Saxton in 2016.  There were no darting attempts, successful or unsuccessful, by Ranger Saxton in 2017.


Identification:[]

2015 - 2018 Bears of Brooks River books:  289 is a relatively small young adult. She has a long, slightly dished muzzle and rounded ears. In July, she has a medium-blond coat that is shed in patches. By the fall, her coat is browner with a grizzled neck and head.

Distinctive Behaviors:[]

2015 Bears of Brooks River book:  289 is believed to be the offspring of 94 . She fishes at Brooks Falls, but like most smaller adult females she is often displaced by larger bears. Later in the year, she will fish the cut bank and lower river. She’s also been seen diving for dead salmon . In the fall of 2014, she was often seen associating with 151 Walker .

2016 - 2018 Bears of Brooks River books:  289 is believed to be the offspring of 94 . She fishes at Brooks Falls, but like most smaller adult females she is often displaced by larger bears. Later in the year, she will fish the cut bank and lower river. She’s also been seen diving for dead salmon . In the fall of 2014, she was often seen associating with 151 Walker  and may have mated with him in 2015.  She was courted by other bears in 2015 including #856 and #32.

Life History:[]

2008:  Spring Cub with 94 & 2 Littermates[]

289 is believed to be one of the three spring cubs from 94's 2008 litter.

Fall 2008:[]

2009:  Yearling with 94 & Remaining Littermate[]

July 2009:[]

2012:  4.5 Year-Old Subadult, Year 1st Identified as Independent Subadult[]

289 was initially identified and classified as an independent bear in 2012 as a 4.5 year-old subadult.  []

July 2012:[]

2013:[]

Add here

2014:  6.5 Year-Old Young Adult Female[]

2014 Season:[]

289 and 32 Chunk (not 89 Backpack), "two youngsters / young adults trying to figure out the whole courting thing" (per Ranger Roy Wood's voice in the video), during the 2014 season video by laddnshirl.:

Grizzly_bear_romance_in_Katmai_National_Park_by_laddnshirl

Grizzly bear romance in Katmai National Park by laddnshirl

July 2014:[]

2014.07.??:  289 and 89 Backpack courting in this video by Hermosa Paul.

Browns_Bears_of_Katmai_National_Park,_Alaska._Bully_me_off_the_rock_but_I_get_the_fish_and_run_July_2014_by_Hermosa_Paul_(289_&_89_Backpack)

Browns Bears of Katmai National Park, Alaska. Bully me off the rock but I get the fish and run July 2014 by Hermosa Paul (289 & 89 Backpack)

Fall 2014:[]

In the fall of 2014, 289 was often seen associating with 151 Walker.

September 2014:[]

October 2014:[]

2015:  7.5 Year-Old Young Adult Female[]

289 made her debut in the 2015 Bears of Brooks River book on page 36.:

July 2015:[]

2015.07.11:  Brooks Camp visitor Terry Ott captured 3 photos of 289 on 7/11/2015, #1, #2 and #3.

2015.07.12:  856 and who(? 289 maybe) mating video by MsDebbiB:

856_mating_with_unknown_female_(?289_maybe)_July_12,_2015_video_by_MsDebbiB-1

856 mating with unknown female (?289 maybe) July 12, 2015 video by MsDebbiB-1

Later the same day, Martina captured this video of 856 still courting the same female (? 289 maybe):

Explore_org_Bearcams_Brooks_Falls_07-12-2015_856_courting_who_(?_289_maybe)_video_by_Martina-2

Explore org Bearcams Brooks Falls 07-12-2015 856 courting who (? 289 maybe) video by Martina-2

Nancy Clark captured this close up video of 289 on 7/12/2015.

Bandicam_2015_07_12_11_25_26_183,_video_by_Nancy_Clark

Bandicam 2015 07 12 11 25 26 183, video by Nancy Clark

James Schienle's 7/12/2015 photo of 289 sitting on a rock.

2015.07.??:  Park visitor enapic capturedvideo of 856 courting 289 in July, 3:34-3:50.

Bears_at_Brooks_Falls_-_Katmai_National_Park,_July_2015,_video_by_enapic

Bears at Brooks Falls - Katmai National Park, July 2015, video by enapic

 

2015.07.13:  

289 photo by Mike Fitz. 

289 and 32 Chunk photo #1photo #2photo #3 ,  photo #4 , photo #5, and photo #6 by Carla Farris.

289 mating with 868 Wayne Brother July 13. 2015 highlight video by Explore:

A_Lover's_Spat_-_Katmai_National_Park_-_Live_Cam_Highlight_July_13,_2015-0

A Lover's Spat - Katmai National Park - Live Cam Highlight July 13, 2015-0

2015.07.16:  

289 with 273 and her spring cub:

Video by Cloud:

289_with_273_and_spring_cub_July_16,_2015_video_by_Cloud

289 with 273 and spring cub July 16, 2015 video by Cloud

Video by KNP&P (includes slow motion). KNP&P video "You Wanna Piece of Me" of 273 and spring cub's interaction with 289. On 12/31/2017 Mike Fitz commented  in chat regarding this video which he captured with his point and shoot camera. "I took a lot of photos this night in 2015 when 273 showed up with her cub at the falls." In answering a question as to whether he was worried observing this event, Mike responded "I wasn't necessarily worried. 273 generally seemed to keep her distance from the other bears that night, with one notable exception. In the video above, the cam just missed her charging 289 at 1:53. I was lucky enough to anticipate something might happen between the bears, so I started recording with my little point and shoot camera. This is origin of the "You wanna piece of me" video."

You_Wanna_Piece_of_Me?_289_with_273_&_her_spring_cub_video_by_KNP&P

You Wanna Piece of Me? 289 with 273 & her spring cub video by KNP&P

September 2015:[]

2015.09.12:  289 photo by Mike Fitz.

2015.09.19:  289 photo by Mike Fitz.

October 2015:[]

2015.10.15:  10:00:  289 video by Mickey Williams:

Bear_on_island_10.15.2015,_10_00_am_AKDT_video_by_Mickey_Williams

Bear on island 10.15.2015, 10 00 am AKDT video by Mickey Williams

289 video by Mickey Williams:

Bear_289_October_15,_2015_video_by_Mickey_Williams

Bear 289 October 15, 2015 video by Mickey Williams

2015.10.16:  289 snapshots:

2015.10.20:

16:43:  289 and 151 Walker video by Mickey Williams:

4_43_pm_151_Walker_&_289_Katmai_National_Park_10_20_2015_video_by_Mickey_Williams

4 43 pm 151 Walker & 289 Katmai National Park 10 20 2015 video by Mickey Williams

2016:  8.5 Year-Old Adult Female[]

289 was included in the 2016 Bears of Brooks River book on page 43.:

2016 Season:[]

289 has not been observed with cubs by KNP&P staff, however it is possible that in 2016 bear 289 produced her first known litter of cubs as she was observed by park staff showing signs of lactation.  This indicated that 289 may have birthed cubs that seasonm but for whatever reason did not return to Brooks Camp with them or was not seen with them by park staff prior to losing those offspring.  It is worth noting that the July 19, 2016 edition of the Brooks Lodge Newsletter does indicate that 289 was observed with cubs:

289's page (page 48) of the 2017 Bears of Brooks River book provides this information:

"In 2016, #289 was seen with swollen genitals and breasts, indicating that she may have given birth to, and soon after lost, spring cubs. Female bears reach sexual maturity around four to five years, but often require several more years of development before they are capable of successfully raising cubs."

Jen shared these 2016 season snapshots (#1 , #2 , #3 & #4 ) of 289.  Jen also shared these snapshots (#1 , #2 & #3 ) of 289 wtih 89 Backpack from the 2016 season.  Jen shared these 2016 snapshots (#1 , #2 & #3 ) of 289 mating with 89 Backpack.  Jen shared these 2016 season snapshots (#1 & #2 ) of 289 with 151 Walker.:

PK & Ivano Walker captured this photo of 289 during the 2016 season.

karpanphotojourneys posted 2 Instagram photos of 289 that were taken in 2016, photos#1 and #2.

Carol Gray (grayfoxxpics) visited Brooks Camp in 2016 and captured photos of 289, most likely in July. 289 is seen in photos #19, #21, #22, #24 and #25.

June 2016: 2016.06.23:  

10:00:  289 video by Mickey Williams:

10_00_am_289_sitting_on_a_rock_6-23-2016_video_by_Mickey_Williams

10 00 am 289 sitting on a rock 6-23-2016 video by Mickey Williams

11:3?:  289 being courted by 89 Backpack video by Mickey Williams:

11_3?_am_6-23-2016_three_bears_89_Backpack_follows_289_video_by_Mickey_Williams

11 3? am 6-23-2016 three bears 89 Backpack follows 289 video by Mickey Williams

289 and 89 Backpack courting and attempted mating information and photo from Ranger Daniel Lombardi:

Gary Arndt (Travel Photos Everything Everywhere) visited Brooks Camp in June 2016. On 6/23/2016 he captured photos of 289 alone, #1 and #2 and 289 being courted by 89 Backpack, #3 and #4. These photos appear to be around the same time as Ranger Daniel Lombardi's photos above. Note: The date stamp on all photos in his Katmai National Park 2016 album are posted as 2015 when they are actually 2016.

289 video by Ratna:

Gorgeous_289_posing_on_a_rock_June_23,_2016_by_Ratna

Gorgeous 289 posing on a rock June 23, 2016 by Ratna

2016.06.26:  This June 26, 2016 video by Martina shows some interesting behavior by 410.  Goldilocks Canada shared these observations :

"At the beginning, it looks like 289 being followed by 89/Backpack. As she climbs on shore, you can see 410 sitting just upriver of the island (she was known to “attempt to share/share” fish that 747 would eat on the island). 747 appears from the area of the “J”. And follows 289 behind the downriver side of the platform. As 747 goes out of frame you can see 410 come into frame on the left. She follows the “prospective couple” out of frame.
410 had BIG “lady balls”.
Normally, the only bear that would dare to follow a courting 747 would be 856!
I believe 410 “knew” the power of courting the most dominant males. And how to use it to her benefit. She would fish the falls, with impunity from other bears, under their protective guard.....and took full advantage of that fact....day, after day, after day. ;))) She had not been seen with a new litter of cubs since 2007.
Have often wondered, was she courting for procreation, or open access to her favourite fishing spot???
Why would she follow them? Was she trying to protect her “fishing rights”?"

BF_2016_06_26_by_Martina_89_Backpack_courting_289,_410_just_off_island,_747_follows_courting_couple,_410_follows_747-0

BF 2016 06 26 by Martina 89 Backpack courting 289, 410 just off island, 747 follows courting couple, 410 follows 747-0

2016.06.30:  Brenda D captured video of 289 on the rock and 151 Walker in the riffles on 6/30/2016. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.

06.30.2016_-_Bears_playing_in_the_Riffles,_video_by_Brenda_D

06.30.2016 - Bears playing in the Riffles, video by Brenda D

July 2016:[]

2016.07.?:  Brooks Camp visitor Keith Crowley captured multiple images of 289 in 2016. The photo gallery was created on 7/20/2016. 289 can be seen alone in photos #3, #5, #14, #15, #17, #50, #74, #75, #76, #77 and #78. 289 and 151 Walker are observed mating in photos #9 and #72.

2016.07.??: 289 can be viewed in this July, 2016 video by Steven Paige at 0:56 with 89 Backpack, and at 1:15 and 1:58 on a rock Steven paige also photographed 289, #1, #2, #3 (on the right with 89 Backpack on the left) and #4 (on the left with 89 Backpack on the right).

2016.07.02:  Mike Fitz flickr photos:  289 photo and 289 & 151 Walker photo .

2016.07.03  151 Walker and 289 (on the rock) are seen in the riffles on 7/3/2016, video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.

07.03.2016_-_Two_Bears_in_the_Riffles,_video_by_Brenda_D

07.03.2016 - Two Bears in the Riffles, video by Brenda D

2016.07.04:  289 and 32 Chunk video by Ratna:

289_sitting_on_the_rock_and_32_Chunk_July_4,_2016_video_by_Ratna

289 sitting on the rock and 32 Chunk July 4, 2016 video by Ratna

2016.07.07:

289 and 89 Backpack courting and mating: Part 1 video by Ratna:

89_Backpack_and_289_Part_1_July_7,_2016_video_by_Ratna

89 Backpack and 289 Part 1 July 7, 2016 video by Ratna

289 and 89 Backpack courting and mating Part 2 video by Ratna:

89_Backpack_and_289_Part_2_and_856_stops_by_July_7,_2016_video_by_Ratna

89 Backpack and 289 Part 2 and 856 stops by July 7, 2016 video by Ratna

289 and 89 Backpack courting and mating The Beginning video by Mickey Williams:

07.07.16_The_beginning_of_89_Backpack_and_289_courting_and_mating_video_by_Mickey_Williams

07.07.16 The beginning of 89 Backpack and 289 courting and mating video by Mickey Williams

856 approaches and ends the mating session between 289 and 89 Backpack video by Mickey Williams:

07.07.16_the_ending_of_89_Backpack_and_289_video_by_Mickey_Williams-0

07.07.16 the ending of 89 Backpack and 289 video by Mickey Williams-0

20:15(ish):  During a July 7, 2016 play-by-play with Ranger Mike Fitz 856 can be observed courting 289.  Cam viewer, Jeanette Koenig captures part of this courting in this video "Bear 856's Love Triangle"  that captures the play-by-play footage at approximately 1:15:24 into the Explore Bears & Bison video linked above.

Bear_856's_Love_Triangle_July_7,_2016_video_by_Jeanette_Koenig

Bear 856's Love Triangle July 7, 2016 video by Jeanette Koenig

The entire July 7, 2016 play-by-play that began around 19:00 with additional footage of 856 courting 289 that evening can be viewed here:

Brown_Bear_Play_By_Play_-_Ranger_Mike_Fitz_-_July_6,_2016_Explore_Bears_&_Bison_video

Brown Bear Play By Play - Ranger Mike Fitz - July 6, 2016 Explore Bears & Bison video

2016.07.08:  

13:44:  289 and 151 mating video by Mickey Williams:

1_44_pm_07.08.2016_289_and_151_Walker_mating_video_by_Mickey_Williams

1 44 pm 07.08.2016 289 and 151 Walker mating video by Mickey Williams

18:5?:  289 and 151 Walker at corner video by Mickey Williams:

6_5?_pm_070816_151_and_289_at_corner_video_by_Mickey_Williams

6 5? pm 070816 151 and 289 at corner video by Mickey Williams

2016.07.09:  289 and 151 Walker mating photo by Mike Fitz on flickr.

2016.07.10:  Photographer Mark Kostich shared this 7/10/2016 photo of 151 Walker mating with 289 in chat in October, 2020. Mark commented:

"Hello my friends! I have another bear that I am trying to identify; please. Both images of this male were taken on July, 10th 2016. Both images were taken near the Riffles platform. In the 1st image, the male makes eye contact with me and gives me a huff from across the river. Later, he is mating with an unknown female. Any ideas who this muscular male is?? Thanks in advance for any help!!

I am often asked, what is the biggest difference between watching the cams, and seeing the bears in person; besides the obvious answer of just being there. I would say that without a doubt, the biggest difference is that when you are there, the bear often watch you, and sometimes take an interest in what you are doing."

Please request Mark Kostich's permission prior to using his photos!

Permission to post any photos he posts in chat on the Wiki, must say "copyright © Mark Kostich on the photo."

Brenda D captured 6 videos of 856 courting 289 on 7/10/2016. It is clear that 856 is very interested in 289 but also wants to catch fish. Likewise, 289 looks to be hungry and can be seen running, pouncing and waiting for scraps.

In video #1, 856 follows 289 multiple times in between eating. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.

07.10.2016_-_856,_289_-_The_Heat_is_On,_video_by_Brenda_D

07.10.2016 - 856, 289 - The Heat is On, video by Brenda D

In video #2, 89 Backpack stands behind 289 at the island and also seems interested in courting her. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.

07.10.2016_-_The_Courtship_289_and_856_Part_2,_video_by_Brenda_D

07.10.2016 - The Courtship 289 and 856 Part 2, video by Brenda D

In video #3, 289 is seen pouncing for fish at 0:05, 856 in the jacuzzi stands up to keep track of her at 0:25. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.

07.10.2016_-_The_Courtship_289_and_856_Part_3,_video_by_Brenda_D

07.10.2016 - The Courtship 289 and 856 Part 3, video by Brenda D

In video #4, 856, 289 and 89 Backpack are observed left to right. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.

07.10.2016_-_The_Courtship_289_and_856_Part_4,_video_by_Brenda_D

07.10.2016 - The Courtship 289 and 856 Part 4, video by Brenda D

In video #5, 289 grabs scraps from 856. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.

07.10.2016_-_The_Courtship_289_and_856_Part_5,_video_by_Brenda_D

07.10.2016 - The Courtship 289 and 856 Part 5, video by Brenda D

In video #6, 856 rests on the island and keeps an eye on 289. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.

07.10.2016_-_The_Courtship_289_and_856_Part_6,_video_by_Brenda_D

07.10.2016 - The Courtship 289 and 856 Part 6, video by Brenda D

An additional 7/10/2016 video by Brenda D shows 289 resting on the island. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.

2016.07.11 15:07:  289 still being courted by 856 video by Mickey Williams:

3_07pm_07.11.2016_289_still_being_followed_by_856_video_by_Mickey_Williams

3 07pm 07.11.2016 289 still being followed by 856 video by Mickey Williams

2016.07.13:  289 and 151 Walker are observed in this 7/13/2016 video by Brenda D. It was recorded during a Play by Play with Ranger Anela Ramos and Ranger David Kopshever. 289 and 151 Walker greet each other at the top of the far pool and can be seen eating fish together. Ranger Anela notes that she had observed 856 and 289 copulating the day before, heard at 1:46. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.

07.13.2016_-_289_and_151_-_Best_friends?,_video_by_Brenda_D

07.13.2016 - 289 and 151 - Best friends?, video by Brenda D

2016.07.15:  289 and 856 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.

07.15.2016_-_856_waiting_on_his_girl_289_to_fish_video_by_Brenda_D

07.15.2016 - 856 waiting on his girl 289 to fish video by Brenda D

St Mango also captured video of 289 fishing on 7/15/2016.

289_Fishing_2016_07_15,_video_by_st_Mango.

289 Fishing 2016 07 15, video by st Mango.

2016.07.16:  289 and 856 courting video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.

07.16.2016_-_480_Otis_watching_the_courtship_of_856_and_289_video_by_Brenda_D

07.16.2016 - 480 Otis watching the courtship of 856 and 289 video by Brenda D

480 Otis' proximity to 289 is not acceptable to 856 in this video by Martina:

480_and_856_"having_words"_about_289_BF_July_16,_2016_video_by_Martina

480 and 856 "having words" about 289 BF July 16, 2016 video by Martina

Brooks Camp visitor Carla Farris captured 4 photos of 289 on 7/16/2016, #1, #2, #3 and #4.

2016.07.24:  289 and 151 Walker in riffles video by angerbodha:

151_Walker_and_289_in_the_riffles,_07.24.2016_video_by_angerbodha

151 Walker and 289 in the riffles, 07.24.2016 video by angerbodha

2016.07.26: 

289 and 151 Walker video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.

07.26.2016_-_289_and_151_Walker_-_still_being_sweethearts_video_by_Brenda_D-0

07.26.2016 - 289 and 151 Walker - still being sweethearts video by Brenda D-0

289 and 503 video by angerbodha:

289_and_503(?)_at_Brooks_Falls,_07.26.2016_video_by_angerbodha

289 and 503(?) at Brooks Falls, 07.26.2016 video by angerbodha

September 2016:[]

2016.09.03:  Kcanada shared these snapshots (#1 , #2 , #3 & #4 ) of 289 with 151 Walker:

289 and 151 Walker on North side above the falls and then below the falls video by Ratna:

Cute_video._Walker_and_289_in_the_trees_and_then_at_the_falls!_Otis_September_3,_2016_by_Ratna

Cute video. Walker and 289 in the trees and then at the falls! Otis September 3, 2016 by Ratna

289 and 151 Walker video by angerbodha:

151_Walker_and_289_on_rock_09.03.2016_video_by_angerbodha

151 Walker and 289 on rock 09.03.2016 video by angerbodha

2016.09.15:  289 video by Melissa Freels:

Bear_289,_September_15,_2016_video_by_Melissa_Freels

Bear 289, September 15, 2016 video by Melissa Freels

2016.09.16:  289 on her rock video by Melissa Freels.  At approximately 4:47 into this video 289 enters from the North (left) side of the river.:

89_Backpack_returns_to_his_rock;_289_likes_that_idea_-_September_16,_2016_video_by_Melissa_Freels

89 Backpack returns to his rock; 289 likes that idea - September 16, 2016 video by Melissa Freels

2016.09.17:  289 catches fish video by Anna-Marie (aka Cam Op Scout):

Bear_289_catching_a_fish_2016_09_17_19_59_37_video_by_Anna-Marie_(aka_Cam_Op_Scout)

Bear 289 catching a fish 2016 09 17 19 59 37 video by Anna-Marie (aka Cam Op Scout)


Taja Raja captured two photos of 289 on 9/17/2016, #1 and #2.

2016.09.18: 

289 and 503 Cubadult's playful morning video by CherylB (aka BearNecessities):

2016_09_18_11_21_34_Playful_morning_503_&_289

2016 09 18 11 21 34 Playful morning 503 & 289

503 Cubadult & 289 playful morning September 18, 2016 video by CherylB (aka BearNecessities)

289 and 503 Cubadult video by Ratna:

503_and_289_play_close_ups_sept_18,_2016_by_Ratna_Narayan

503 and 289 play close ups sept 18, 2016 by Ratna Narayan

289 and 503 Cubadult photo by GreenRiver:

2016.09.22:  Photo by GreenRiver:

2016.09.23:  289 video by Ratna:

The_gorgeous_289_September_23,_2016_video_by_Ratna

The gorgeous 289 September 23, 2016 video by Ratna

2016.09.24:  289 video by Ratna:

289_sit_in_protest_on_top_of_the_falls_P1_September_24,_2016_video_by_Ratna

289 sit in protest on top of the falls P1 September 24, 2016 video by Ratna

289 video by Ratna:

289_sit_in_protest_P2_September_24,_2016_by_Ratna

289 sit in protest P2 September 24, 2016 by Ratna

289 video by Ratna:

289_sit_in_protest_P3_September_24,_2016_by_Ratna

289 sit in protest P3 September 24, 2016 by Ratna

2016.09.28:  503 and 289 play on the spit, 9/28/2016 video by Victoria White.

503_&_289_playing_2016_09_28,_video_by_Victoria_White

503 & 289 playing 2016 09 28, video by Victoria White

2016.09.30:  289 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.

09.30.2016_-_Bear_289_video_by_Brenda_D

09.30.2016 - Bear 289 video by Brenda D

Anna-Marie Gantt also captured video of 289 sneaking by the Brooks Falls Cam on 9/30 2016.

2016_09_30_Bear_289_sneaks_by_BF_cam,_video_by_Anna-Marie_Gantt

2016 09 30 Bear 289 sneaks by BF cam, video by Anna-Marie Gantt

2017:  9.5 Year-Old Adult Female[]

289 was included in the 2017 Bears of Brooks River book on page 48.:

July 2017:[]

289 is not listed on the unofficial July 2017 Bears Observed During Official Bear Monitoring Sessions List

Fall 2017:[]

289 is not listed on the unofficial Fall 2017 Bears Observed During Official Bear Monitoring Sessions List .

2018:  10.5 Year-Old Adult Female[]

289 was included in the 2018 Bears of Brooks River book on page 47, however the photos and information remained unchanged from her page in the 2017 Bears of Brooks River book (page 48).:

July 2018:[]

289 is not listed on the unofficial July 2018 Bears Observed During Official Monitoring Sessions List

Fall 2018:[]

289 is not listed on the unofficial Fall 2018 Bears Observed During Official Monitoring Sessions List

2019:  11.5 Year-Old Adult Female[]

July 2019:[]

289 is listed on the unofficial July 2019 Bears Observed During Official Monitoring Sessions List Note: In April 2022 we learned from the Rangers that bear 153 had been misidentified as 289.

Fall 2019:[]

289 is not listed on the unofficial Fall 2019 Bears Observed During Official Monitoring Sessions List

2020: 12.5 Year-Old Adult Female[]

July 2020:[]

289 does not appear on the list of Bears Monitored in July 2020.

Fall 2020:[]

289 does not appear on the list of Bears Monitored in Fall 2020.

2021: 13.5 Year-Old Adult Female:[]

July 2021:[]

289 does not appear on the list of Bears Monitored in July 2021.

Fall 2021:[]

289 does not appear on the list of Bears Monitored in Fall 2021.

Known Courting & Mating:[]

2014:[]

289 and 32 Chunk Courting:

289 and 32 Chunk (not 89 Backpack) can be seen courting in this video by laddnshirl.

289 and 89 Backpack Courting:[]

289 and 89 Backpack can be seen courting in this video by Hermosa Paul.

2015:[]

289 and 32 Courting:[]

289 was courted by 32 during the 2015 season (see page 43 of 2016 Bears of Brooks River book.

289 and 151 Walker Possibly Mated:[]

289 may have mated with 151 Walker in 2015 (see page 43 of 2016 Bears of Brooks River book).

289 and 856 Courting & Possibly Mating:[]

2015 Season:  289 was observed being courted by 856 during the 2015 season.  289's page of the 2016 Bears of Brooks River book, page 43 provides this information:

2015.07.11:  289(?) and 856 mated near the closed trail:

2015.07.12:  289(?) and 856 mated near the island down river of Brooks Falls:

On July 12, 2015 at approximately 11:30 AKDT, 856 was observed mating with a bear that is believed to possibly be 289, video by MsDebbiB:

856_mating_with_unknown_female_(?289_maybe)_July_12,_2015_video_by_MsDebbiB-0-0

856 mating with unknown female (?289 maybe) July 12, 2015 video by MsDebbiB-0-0

Later that same day (July 12, 2015) Martina captured this video  of 856 continuing to court the same adult female, believed to also possibly be 289.:

Explore_org_Bearcams_Brooks_Falls_07-12-2015_856_courting_who_(?_289_maybe)_video_by_Martina-1

Explore org Bearcams Brooks Falls 07-12-2015 856 courting who (? 289 maybe) video by Martina-1

289 and 868 Wayne Brother Courting & Mating:[]

2015.07.13:  289 and 868 Wayne Brother mating highlight video by Explore:

A_Lover's_Spat_-_Katmai_National_Park_-_Live_Cam_Highlight_July_13,_2015-1

A Lover's Spat - Katmai National Park - Live Cam Highlight July 13, 2015-1

2016:[]

289 and 89 Backpack Courting & Mating:[]

2016.06.23:  See photo and information above in Life History section 

2016.07.07:  See videos and information above in Life History section.

289 & 151 Walker Courting & Mating:[]

2016.07.09:  Mike Fitz observed 289 and 151 Walker mating.  Photo on Mike's flickr.

2016.07.??: Keith Crowley July 2016 photos of 151 and 289 mating, #1 and #2.

289 & 856 Courting & Mating:[]

2016.07.12:  During a 7/13/2016 Play by Play, Ranger Anela Ramos reveals to Ranger David Kopshever that she had observed 289 and 856 copulating the day before, 7/12/2016. Video by Brenda D queued to start at the discussion. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.

2016.07.16:  289 and 856 courting video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.

07.16.2016_-_480_Otis_watching_the_courtship_of_856_and_289_video_by_Brenda_D-0

07.16.2016 - 480 Otis watching the courtship of 856 and 289 video by Brenda D-0

Known Litters of Cubs:[]

2016:  Possible 1st Litter[]

289 has not been observed with cubs by KNP&P staff, however it is possible that in 2016 bear 289 produced her first known litter of cubs as she was observed by park staff showing signs of lactation.  This indicated that 289 may have birthed cubs that season but for whatever reason did not return to Brooks Camp with them or was not seen with them by park staff prior to losing those offspring.  It is worth noting that the July 19, 2016 edition of the Brooks Lodge Newsletter does indicate that 289 was observed with cubs:

289's page (page 48) of the 2017 Bears of Brooks River book provides this information:

"In 2016, #289 was seen with swollen genitals and breasts, indicating that she may have given birth to, and soon after lost, spring cubs. Female bears reach sexual maturity around four to five years, but often require several more years of development before they are capable of successfully raising cubs."

Known Relatives:[]

Family-tree-rq-236

236 family tree - updated Nov 2022

Mother:  94 , Speculated
289 is believed to be one of the three offspring of 94's 2008 litter

Father: Unknown

Littermates:  Unknown
289 had two other littermates, but their identity is not known to us at this time.

Offspring:  Unknown to Date (as of 2018 season)

Genetics Study Samples Obtained:[]

2016:  Successfully Darted by Ranger Michael Saxton[]

289 was successfully darted by Ranger Michael Saxton in 2016 for the genetics study.

2017:  None, Successful or Unsuccessful[]

There were no genetics study samples obtained from 289 in 2017, successful or unsuccessful.

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