Bear Cam, Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park

Environmental & Science Education, STEM, Wildlife, Nature, Biodiversity, Sustainability, Science & Society

Ed Hessler 

Brown bears have opened the fishing and fattening season at Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park & Reserve, Alaska. It is an all you can eat season depending on fishing skills, the salmon and bear behavior.

As you know there are several cameras, one underwater to view the fish and an occasional paddling bear, a chance to observe catching and eating behavior, talks by biologists at the park (see right of screen) and weather conditions. All of this is in preparation for winter and for us, the now famous Fat Bear Week at season's end. You will note by reading the comments that there are some very dedicated watchers.

 

Otis, Bear 480, is legendary and this would be very early for an appearance. This page tells you about him and has a chart of his first appearances. Otis is old and there is always concern whether he made it through the winter. He has had to adapt to his age, giving up favorite fishing spots to others as well as changing his fishing techniques.

This page about the Brooks Falls Bear Cam is very useful and includes FAQS.

Access here.