128 Grazer is The Most Defensive Mother | Memorable Moments in Bear Cam History

If you've spent any time on bear cam the last two years you will hear a lot about 128 Grazer. Mike Fitz gives us some history on why Grazer has been such a successful mother.
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[@KatKrueger]

Life lessons from Grazer: act quickly; be consistent; never back down; no bluffing; never forget; listen to your brain; love fiercely. ❤️

[@TheErik249]

On Sunday, Grazer and her cubs occupied the lip for several hours. Everybody else stayed out of her way except one bear (*citation needed*) who sat directly in the fall down below. He inched his way right in front her, and looked her in the eye as if to taunt her. She gave a couple growls. Then went back to work. But, at one point, Grazer was catching a fish every 3 minutes. This is a point that I feel should be added to her biography. Not only is she very fearsome, but she is also an accomplished fisherman. You don't have to be the biggest bear to be a successfull bear. You just gotta have heart.

[@susanrennie463]

That was Bucky Dent 165

[@coltonthompson5978]

I was watching her catch fish that day. It was the best half hour of fishing I've ever seen on the cam!

[@TheErik249]

@@susanrennie463 Thank you Susan. I'm learning all of the bears names now. I've been a fan of the bear Cam for several years now, but I have never gotten involved in commentary. Yesterday morning, I decided to rewind the cam feed to the 1 AM point, and WOW. Thousands of sockeye could be seen in the shallows. It was awe-inspiring, to say the least. To see that many fish coming up the river had me in tears. It is one of the most beautiful things that anyone could ever see. I have had 4 days off in a row, and the majority of them have been spent watching this cam.

[@craigclarke4736]

You mean, fisherwoman! ;-)

[@pepsicooper9869]

That same bear, Bucky Dent 165 (apparently) seems to always be near when she is fishing. I've wondered if he knows she will consistently catch a ton of fish and just hopes for her offcasts or were they siblings? Sometimes he gets so close to her, I worry for him. Then again, her girls seem quite curious about him, too. Maybe he's got an eye on one of them for the future?

[@jphwife]

Being born to Grazer is like hitting the brown bear lottery. Those babies have a great chance at survival with her protection. ❤️🐻❤

[@stephenpope578]

So I hear some bears are buying shirts that read "I Survived a Grazering."

[@nunyabiz-]

😂 yep, they should wear those tshirts proudly ! I would !🌞

[@christines2016]

Was so surprised Grazer did not emancipate her cubs this year. They will surely have every advantage to thrive when they become independent. Love her preemptive proactive attitude to parenting!

[@Spilululily]

I love this comment

[@Emily-nf9kf]

she's gonna build a basement in her den for them

[@rob_cd]

@@Emily-nf9kf 😂🤣

[@melissavanderplaats7291]

I'm a bit new to watching the bears. I saw someone else say that Grazer started a trend my keeping cubs a year longer. So are they usually emancipated after their second winter? aka born, summer, winter, summer, winter, emancipation?

[@audrawilkens6640]

@@melissavanderplaats7291 often yes, but occasionally mama bears will keep their cubs another year

[@rozee2133]

Grazer & Otis my fav two

[@mdsmith3753]

Grazer is the ultimate Mama bear. I love her commitment in raising, feeding and protecting her offspring. Grazer#1 ❤️🐻

[@noonesperfect]

Not only defensive, but fearless. Her aggression is always makes the moment.

[@christinebuckley2378]

Thank you for this. Grazer is incredible. It's always refreshing to hear her behavior described as what it really is. People so easily interpret her actions in the wrong light and maker her out to be a villain. But Grazer's cubs receive the ultimate protection and provision.

[@patriciakay1637]

Thank-you Mike. I've noticed the cubs sometimes make a move (toward the "offender") after Mom has chased someone away...as though they're thinking, "Yeah, take that buddy...that's my mom!"

[@patriciawright8786]

Patricia Kay--I found this bear cam this morning & I didn't get anything else done today. They are fascinating to watch.

[@snowy1634]

Is that still picture 856? He looks absolutely enormous. Doesn't bother Grazer. She is truly amazing. Not only fearless but a fantastic fisher.

[@mikefitz6837]

Yes, the larger bear in the thumbnail photo is 856.

[@zephyrk994]

Grazer .... what a legend

[@wanderingstar3255]

she's an absolute legend!!! the grazering where she shakes the sub at the falls is hard to watch though...

[@BearyMe]

I was new to cams late last season and when I watched this video and saw the shaking she gave the smaller bear I was horrified. I now understand her motivation but still it was hard to watch. Does anyone know who that smaller bear is?

[@Mark-xv5lb]

She often seems to act before it's necessary, but the old video of her defending her cubs from 856 is incredible. She out fought him. I think that's what the still photo is from.

[@babygayle6842]

Ohhh I thought it was 747!

[@sciteceng2hedz358]

Congrats Grazer on winning the 2023 Fat Bear Week award at Katmai! No cubs this year...which is sad. But she packed on the pounds! 🐻🐟

[@ColoringKaria]

Hopeful she is ready to den and will come out in the spring with healthy cubs!

[@pounce50]

I adore this bear. My biggest fear is that she will challenge the wrong boar someday and end up on the losing end. I do see her deliberately avoid a few of the boars, so perhaps she has already assessed the risk of taking on specific boars.

[@audrawilkens6640]

Grazer has gotten in 747s face many times (He oscillates between #2 & #1 most dominant boars at KNP). She has walloped him from the lip when he was below trying to tell her she couldn't fish there.. bad idea LOL. She really seems to be #1 most dominant bear (even over the boars) when she has cubs

[@umpdaddy1]

She's added a word to the lexicon. To be Grazered is to be shown who's boss. LOL She's Grazered all of the dominant boars, I think.

[@bruceczar880]

I doubt it

[@melodiefrances3898]

@@bruceczar880 why?

[@mrs.peluso8255]

@@bruceczar880 she's probably the only bear who has ever slapped 747 in the face so...

[@Clarice-rp7mh]

What a good mama is Grazer. Not afraid to take on a bear much bigger than she. Mothers can be fierce when it comes to protecting their offspring

[@giog2702]

I love her!!! She is an amazing momma bear 🐻

[@MoniYah75]

Nothing like a real mother’s love!🐻🧸🧸🥰❤️❤️❤️

[@GrazerisMySpiritAnimal]

I just cannot wrap my head around how 856 towers over Grazer in that conflict. He could have seriously hurt or even ended her. I think he was unprepared for her ferocity yet impressed. He is not used to other bears challenging him. He almost looks confused. Grazer is my spirit animal.

[@babsvacation3940]

Love Grazer!!

[@JustMe-cy3wg]

Priceless!!!! I love this bear 🐻 ❤️❤️

[@YellowRoseoftx]

Very smart and brave💕

[@bettyandthebeakers]

Thanks @MikeFitz for posting this compilation and comments about my spirt animal, Grazer (128)! I like that you point out anthropomorphism in watching bear cams as animals do not follow human's set of morals and characteristics of "right" and "wrong" behavior. I started watching explore's Katmai cams when 128 had her first documented litter of 3 cubs. Its amazing to learn from you about these wild bears and watch just how successful 128 is at being a bear and mother. Her current cubs will learn so much from her very successful fishing strategies for sure. I hope we keep protecting their habitat at and around Katmai so generations of bears can fish these waters.

[@Grammyofboys]

OMG. Look at the difference in size. Wow.

[@annkey4091]

I know that Explore has the Fat Bear and the Cutest Cub, but last year, I thought that Grazer should have been named Bear of the Season.

[@karencurtis6141]

Wow she takes my breath away … wow that’s what you call a Mumma x

[@Subie-Driver]

Grazer takes crap from no one! She is the consummate momma bear!

[@miditrax]

Wow! For Grazer, the best defense is a good offense 🐻

[@psycho4agY]

Grazer is AMAZING! I love her!💕💖💕

[@taffyb4007]

This is one of your best, Mike! Grazer is a force!

[@deborahthompson6248]

Grazer my favorite ❤

[@designchik]

You’ll have to add the July 28, 2024, incident with Chunk to this video. She saved her cub’s life, although he was injured. Hoping he recovers. 🥺

[@paulaporter778]

He didn't 😢

[@designchik]

@@paulaporter778Yes, I know that now. Heartbreaking. 💔

[@paulaporter778]

@@designchik 💔

[@cody40001]

Awwwww

[@JeanBrewer]

Great video, Mike! 💖. Thank you so much 💘

[@oceancat0450]

Get ‘em, Grazer! Some of those bears are twice as big as her and she still Goes after them to defend her cubs.😊

[@pepsicooper9869]

Over the weekend, possibly Sunday evening, I noticed one of Grazer's girls, the one who rests her chin on Mom and sister, I think, kept getting curious and close enough to another bear's catches to the point where Grazer was snatching the fish away from the other bear. Grazer, herself, wasn't trying to be pushy about it, but her cubs actions kept forcing the issue. I wished so much the chats were going at that time so I could see what others thought and if anyone knows which bear it was fishing right next to her on the lip. Eventually, that other bear got the picture and when he'd make a catch, he'd leave extra extra space so the cub wouldn't keep wanting to share. :D

[@angelaterranova1577]

Yes! I was so bummed the chats weren’t on this weekend too because several times I would have liked to hear others opinions!

[@adriennelee26]

I love that picture of Grazer squaring off with what appears to be a much larger male bear. She really is the definition of fierce. And her two current cubs seem like they will follow in their tough mama's footsteps.

[@ilikeminecraftgaming9331]

Ok..I admit…Grazer maaaayyy have just become one of my first favorites XD.

[@robertleslie2467]

Grazer is my favorite Katmai Brooks bear. She is the best mom. In defense of her cubs she will even run you off a cliff! She does not back down from even the biggest bears. Do not mess with her or you will be "Grazered". That is a real term used by the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game. In summation. Mess with Grazer 128 and she'll make you famous! And then you will lick your wounds. Thats my girl!

[@melissavanderplaats7291]

i was trying to figure out that part of the clip where it looks like somebear jumped/fell from a cliff into the water. was that a bear being Grazered?!

[@cynthiarogers2904]

. *WOW !!!* . . *YOU GO, MAMA !!!*

[@denniscliff2071]

That is a whole heck of a lot of bears in one place.

[@gypsy1279]

Grazer rocks!! Go momma 🐻❤️

[@LaurenLady]

Grazer wouldn't act the way she does if it didn't yield positive results for her and her cubs, she is smart and a survivor.

[@CopiousDoinksLLC]

0:51 "Excuse me, I just wanted to cross- OH GOD HERE SHE COMES I'M SO SORRY PLEASE DON'T HURT ME GRAZER"

[@pakkell8973]

Love these educational videos. Thank you!

[@csnyder820]

My favorite bear of all time

[@intexas9434]

All of a sudden I’m looking at the bank thinking what’s going and then I assume she tossed a bear off the edge and into the river. Never mess with someone else’s kids. Don’t do that.

[@languay1]

Grazer vs Chunk today for Fat Bear Week 2023. Props to this formidable bear.

[@gothgf16]

This was such a moment

[@mels1811]

Thank you for the wonderful information

[@cztober3085]

I love this bear

[@angie6050]

Thank you. 🐻🧸🧸🧸🏞️

[@LadyWriter878]

If only all human mothers were committed to protecting their young in this manner, we would have a much better society! I love this bear and admire her skills. God Bless Grazer :)

[@billlowe6883]

This is a great channel.

[@suzanh7777]

I love all these narratives by Mike Fitz. Wish he would make several every year.

[@psycho4agY]

I keep wondering how the male bears even get to mate with her! She’s always fighting them off!😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@BelleTolles]

Maybe they give her a bouquet of salmon 😅

[@ayina111]

She's totally different bear when she's alone. This year she doesn't grazer too much. But when she has coy, she becomes that crazy lady

[@jbintx4009]

@@BelleTolles LOL! A bouquet of salmon.

[@Nyx773]

Maybe Grazer is a Klingon? Lieutenant Worf : No. Men do not roar. Women roar. Then they hurl heavy objects... and claw at you. Wesley Crusher : What does the man do? Lieutenant Worf : [dreamily] He reads love poetry... Lieutenant Worf : [back to his serious self] He ducks a lot.

[@mels4796]

wonderful video

[@LawrenceCurrie]

Great mother bear

[@cynthiarogers2904]

. *PERFECT MAMA !!!*

[@kristinhunter5156]

Best Mother of all time.

[@trevorknable121]

Grazer is the Beth Dutton of bears!

[@jamesdesormeaux1803]

Great' Mother !!

[@React2This]

RIP baby Smalls. Grazer tried her best. ❤

[@europaeuropa3673]

She attacks monster looking males like 747, 856, and who knows what other behemoths.

[@robertabray-enhus3198]

She defends her babies no matter what! She’s probably had babies taken before. We could learn some lessons from her .

[@paulaporter778]

I keep thinking of Tom Petty song "Won't back down"

[@mmsharonmm]

Grazer, fat bear week champion for 2023! 🎉❤🐻❤🏆

[@BelleTolles]

She is absolutely awesome. The Muhammad Ali of bears (if he were female 😅).

[@bonnieforman9700]

Bear Cub: "Ma! He's pickin' on me!" Mother Bear: "You're dead, fat f--k. Run for your life!"

[@grassfedmilkmomma]

Not to mention she passed on her lovely disposition lol

[@bonnieforman9700]

Hell hath no fury like a Mother Bear.

[@tammiea8552]

Was she also go after other cubs? Wow. Great momma!!

[@mikefitz6837]

She's defended her family from young bears but never a cub as far as I know.

[@susancoddington6393]

I love Grazer she goes ape@$#& just as I do defending my kids!

[@lt.danicecream]

Awesome animals.

[@ElleSpeaks]

Grazer DONT PLAY abt her babies!!! 🐻🐻🐻

[@roseferreira917]

Fico com tanta pena coitadinhos lutando pela sobrevivência

[@intexas9434]

Honey Grazer don’t give a shhhht

[@bellbookcandle3051]

Honey Grazer don't care! 😏👍

[@babygayle6842]

Who’s the bear with her at 1:56?? Is that 747??

[@Nyx773]

1:31 Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield

[@j-sin3344]

Grazer not only protects her cubs, but other mothers, others cubs, but dont let her fool you, like that cub found out, she dragged that 2yo up the falls and smacked its moms down, just for looking i nthe direction...

[@Querencia7779]

Very interesting but there’s a lot on here that doesn’t jive with what you’re talking about! There’s a lot of footage on here that doesn’t make sense with your narrative. Such as the bear grabbing the cub on the falls.

[@348Tobico]

I don't think its' just defending her cubs that brings out the" monster slayer" side of Grazers' personality. She is the most aggressive bear on the falls because she likes to look in the other bears eyes and let'em know She has killed better bears for for bothering her less. I think she is the primo' on the falls because the males never have to protect their cubs while the fight. Don't you think her massive aggressive belligerence gets noticed by all the other bears, especially the up and comers? They learn by watching and she makes a mighty scarey impression. Talk about having nightmares all winter!

[@audrawilkens6640]

We have not seen her kill any bears. She's just a fierce mama telling other bears to keep their distance! She is a mama bear over here with cubs.

[@HouseOfMoths]

I think it's sad that the other bears would actually try to harm the younger ones But people do so I guess it's not that surprising

[@-norsecode-]

Why did her fur change from blonde to brown?

[@mikefitz6837]

Brown bears shed their fur in early summer and the new fur that grows back is typically darker than the old coat.

[@robursu4u]

Congrats to the Fat Bear Winner of 2023!

[@kimerer6782]

Hey I know that voice it's Mike

[@swimbait1]

Grazer doesn’t take lip from anybody

[@smae433]

Love your channel but, the background music is unnecessary and distracting.

[@Subie-Driver]

You don’t want to get grazered.

[@ecnalreleam]

2023 fat bear week winner!

[@thepixinator]

Make the music go away so I can hear the growling and the sound of the waterfall. Please 🐻 💦

[@ivy.learnskorean]

this is an excellent steroid doggo, 12/10 would stay 50 miles away from her babies 🥺💙

[@paulvest3157]

Wouldn't wanna get on her bad side.

[@3frenchhens818]

Watching this, don't you wish Teddy Bears weren't a thing that makes ignorant tourists want to pet them?

[@jagriggle1662]

Wow. She takes o s--- 😊

[@2101case]

Been watching her for years. Always concerned she'll go too far with one of those big boars.

[@paulalim1476]

Sorry…not a fan of Grazer’s behavior.

[@mikefitz6837]

A bear's rules for social engagement are different than our own. Grazer's behavior, therefore, is expected even beneficial for her cubs given the difficulties and challenges she faces as a mother bear. The bears' world is often harsh and it's okay to wish the bears were kinder, but that's not their reality. I often have to remind myself that bears have no conception of human morals and ethics, and that I need to avoid judging them by human standards.

[@TheErik249]

Is there another way that a brown bear sow with cubs should behave when she's foraging for food to feed her cubs? Please elaborate. We all want to know.

[@mikefitz6837]

@@TheErik249 Not really. But as you might've seen on the bear cams, there's quite a large amount of variation in the behavior of mother bears. Grazer seems to represent one end on a spectrum ranging from extremely defensive to extremely tolerant. If that were a 1-10 scale, then I'd say Grazer is at 2 while Holly, in contrast, is at 7 or maybe even 8.

[@deew7014]

Bet you would be a fan if you were one of her defenseless cubs , she’s doing her job which is survive .

[@TheErik249]

@@mikefitz6837 Yes. I see your point. Grazer gets up on that lip and fishes aggressively, and establishes her right to be on that prime spot, with prejudice. The other bears that impede on her and her cubs are being aggressive about their actions too. So she lets everybody know that she's there to fish, and she's going to feed those cubs. No freebies. No approach. No nothin. Back off bear!