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864 · Norman
ADULT MALELEGEND
WHY LEGENDThe bear who displaced 24 as the dominant bear at Brooks in 2006 and 2007 — the one fight that changed the hierarchy.
ID MARKS AND HINTS
This is a very large male, but his body does not appear to be filled out.
#864’s coat is dark brown, his muzzle is blocky and scarring is usually visible on his forehead.
The whites of his eyes are often visible giving him a distinctive look.
LIFE HISTORY
Bear #864 was identified in July 2006, but was certainly a large, mature adult at that time.
When present, he is arguably the most dominant bear along the Brooks River in July, even fighting and displacing #24. Bear #864 doesn’t acknowledge other bears while fishing.
Visitors should not expect to see this bear. In 2007, he was only observed by bear biologists on overnight surveys, and was not observed at all during 2008-2010.
Text and photographs from Bears of Brooks River, National Park Service, Katmai National Park and Preserve. Page 27.