Year First Observed: 2017
Year Last Observed: 2025

Bear #609 “Bean” is a female brown bear first identified in 2017 at Brooks River in Katmai National Park and Preserve. She is recognized by her distinctive appearance, including her large oval-shaped ears with slight blonde tips, and by her behavior while fishing in the riffles and interacting with other bears. Bean was cared for by her adoptive aunt, Bear #910, after her mother, Bear #909, emancipated her. Over the years, she has become a familiar presence at Brooks River, demonstrating adaptability and skill at catching fish.

In 2022, Bean won the Fat Bear Junior competition, highlighting her success in gaining weight during the summer months. By 2025, she was fully independent, often seen fishing at Brooks Falls and exploring the river with other young subadult bears.

Fun Facts

• First identified in 2017 as a young female subadult

• Nicknamed “Bean” by the bear cam community

• Adopted by her aunt, Bear #910, after her mother, Bear #909, emancipated her

• Won Fat Bear Junior in 2022

• Recognized for her large oval ears with blonde tips and adept fishing skills

• Often observed exploring the river with other young bears