Meet 480 Otis - Bears of Brooks Falls

[@deborahjordan9688]

Otis 480 is a magnificent bear with all the zen master qualities love love Otis

[@DoggieFosters]

I "met" Otis back in mid September 2013. I'd hiked up to the Falls knowing there probably wouldn't be any bears or humans there that time of year. But there was one super fat and fluffy bear across the way. He didn't do anything for 30 solid minutes except occasionally swivel his head as he looked down into the water. I was really worried about him. Is he sick?! Asked a ranger later that night who laughed and said, "Nope. That's Otis, an extremely efficient bear who doesn't expend a single calorie of energy more that he has to. Don't worry about him." And so began my years long adoration on the fluffman. Was so happy to see the old man make it back to Brooks this summer.

[@9teen9t4]

I love this comment so much! I was watching the cams a few years back and Zen Master Otis fell over in the water. It turns out he had just dozed off waiting for fish.

[@samuraistabber]

Otis practices the craft of "economy of motion".

[@ritanation1671]

I'm a huge fan of sweet Otis Bear! You are so fortunate to have seen him in real life!!!

[@susancoddington6393]

How awesome to have seen Otis in real life,I absolutely adore him and every year he returns is a true gift 🐻👑❤️❤️

[@lilyd1010]

That's just beautiful. So in luv w Otis. He's taught me a thing or two. TYSM for sharing

[@c3920]

2021 Champion! Good bear Otis.

[@katd367]

If we all had Otis's patience and wisdom this world would be a better place.

[@pacunurse1]

So true. What a sweet personality ..Otis you are loved s. ❤

[@henrywasserman]

Lord give me patience ... and I want it right now.

[@maryj2671]

Otis is loved by all! He's the best!

[@somnuswaltz5586]

Otis is the truth. Respect 🐻🙏👍😍💕🐻

[@DianaSiciliano]

Every year now, the summer is defined by Otis’s appearance and presence at Katmai. I can’t explain it, but I absolutely love this bear!

[@somnuswaltz5586]

Otis you big man, whole lot of bear 🐻 😍💕❤

[@kklo1560]

Is it possible to be in love with a bear you only met online 🤣🤣❤️ ?

[@robinjones1931]

Of course! Especially if it's OTIS!

[@kklo1560]

redchaz57 🤣🤣

[@kklo1560]

Robin Jones then it’s official 😘❤️🐻

[@cathy9160]

O uell people find people on line and then they bring them over to Canada than they bring over all their family .but I love Otis I watch for his return every year .he is beautiful.

[@kklo1560]

cathy9160 yes! He’s a beautiful bear ❤️

[@suel4269]

Love him so much!

[@ilovefredreika]

I love Otis ! 💓

[@chesterprimeous4681]

The world is a better place with Otis in it!

[@brew.5517]

Otis is amazing!!!! So beautiful!!!

[@Forest82Gump]

Always happy to see Otis. 🐻

[@tribecca626]

I love watching Oti !🐻💞💞

[@kkrkdr1234]

Oh yes, Otis is the bear! My favorite is when he naps in his office while sitting up!

[@honeybee_sunflower_]

I watch everyday just to see Otis!!

[@susancoddington6393]

I do love Otis,his disposition is so calming and every year he returns to Brooks Falls is a gift 🐻👑❤️❤️

[@patriciakay1637]

I realize it's not up to me...but oh, how I hope to see Otis again this year 🥰❤🙏

[@RayaEagleWings]

Loved Otis since the first day I saw him years ago ! What a beautiful handsome gentleman he is !! Love you Otis 💕🐻

[@worldtraveler721]

Otis is adorable!!!

[@MidsierramusingBlogspot]

We got a chance to see him in person in August of 21. His favorite spot was by himself in the whirlpool below the far side of the falls. We made a 2022 calendar with our bear photographs and he is on the cover.

[@topherd1011]

I love Otis. He’s a rockstar. :)

[@musicismagic3001]

I just love Otis! 💕 🐻💕

[@daisybee1439]

Sweet Otis is a phenomenal bear!

[@BelleTolles]

i don't know what it is about this guy, but he squeezes my heart. i enjoy watching the channel so much, but otis takes it to whole other level--he's just so dear. by far my favorite favorite. i cheer him on every year, and wait with hope that he'll be back and make it. he's a testament to patience.

[@9teen9t4]

Same here!!!

[@werkel111]

I love him, he is the Boss and I wish him and his Brothers all the best.

[@lilyd1010]

Just want to say... it's so happy-making to watch the most lovely bear in the world, but also to read all the comments w so much luv for him. Those of us who watch Explore share Otis every time the salmon are running.... Peace, ya'all.

[@Memellowcello]

I love dear OTIS....he is the best bear !!!!...ever !!

[@honeybee_sunflower_]

Otis hope your having a nice nap this winter. Looking forward to seeing you in the summer. Hope your cave is a Zen den. The salmon are coming! The salmon are coming! Hope to see you soon my friend.

[@caroljohnston7333]

Absolutely love Otis. First saw him in 2002 when I was at Brooks Falls. Can't get enough of him! There's something wonderful about seniors!!

[@rocketmom60]

Otis is the type of bear that you just know would welcome a friendly hug. He has survived by being adaptable. He can catch fish everywhere at the falls and as the ranger says, he is the prime example of patience. What a wonderful video celebrating King Otis.

[@psycho4agY]

I love Otis🐻💖His patience and Zen fishing ability is impressive! I💕❤️

[@felixreynolds2474]

Wonderful bear; the King of Katmai

[@HeyItsMe0513]

I love you, Otis! 🐻

[@Digitaldivaster]

Otis is my favourite at Brooks Falls.

[@stargazer17]

🐻 I love Otis 💜🙏🏼

[@redheron4321]

I love bears.

[@paulvest3157]

I've read his book. The Zen of Salmon Fishing.

[@crazydoglady5]

I am soooo in love with Otis. he has such a sweet baby face. Love you zen man.

[@brew.5517]

❤ miss you Otis 🐻 😘

[@lenkapretlova6278]

🐻🐻🐻♥️♥️♥️👍

[@PStew262]

Otis is my emotional support bear. 😊

[@9teen9t4]

[@Rolo_McFlurry]

4 time Fat Bear week champion!!!

[@debramcinnes7203]

I love watching Otis - hope to see him next year. I would love to get to Brooks falls - on my bucket list

[@rachelgalea8234]

Otis is the quintessential teddy bear. He has such a sweet face that everyone loves him. If he were a man I would marry him but my husband might not be too pleased. Love Otis and wait every year for his return.god bless him

[@kilahwilkinson4010]

I’m so glad that Otis is doing well. Thank you for posting.

[@kathirobbins3953]

I’ve been watching him for 5-6 years. Yes KKLO, I guess it’s possible to be in love with a bear we have never met. I have even dreamed about him.

[@zulady100]

I love Otis, he's just such a cutie!!

[@Cathy65]

Very good synopsis Mike, of our dear Otis! TY!

[@michaellashchuk9629]

The ZEN MASTER!!!

[@tainahnegreiros]

Thank you for that, Michael and Katmai Crew!!!!!

[@tinamourra8324]

Nice to meet you Otis!

[@chez345]

I love Otis! These videos are wonderful. I love getting to know a bit about the bears I enjoy watching so much. Even my boss becomes mesmerized when watching the bears hahaha!

[@faeriehearthwitch6185]

These are just so fabulous. Love you Otis! Hang on to those teeth!!

[@neets458]

I have been watching the cameras at Brooks Falls since they first went live, back in the day. Otis was my favorite bear back then and is still to this day. I love the videos on the bears. Thank you.

[@donnabuscemi2280]

Thanks Mike, Otis is one of my favorites

[@xxj-vt3tj]

What I'd give to touch those ears omg

[@IzzyMariel]

He's back today 7/26/2023 ❤

[@cynthiarogers2904]

. *I WISH WE KNEW WHICH BEARS HE SIRED !!!* . . *THEY WOULD BE MAJESTIC ... JUST AS HE IS !!!*

[@dedrarouth1248]

Sweet, precious and patient Otis, I love you so much❣❣❣ Mike you are the best, many thanks for all of your chats, your wisdom and your dedication! 👍

[@eileenmcenroe6145]

Love Otis!!! Thanks for this beautiful video ❤️🐻

[@peanut9725]

I love Otis...he's my favorite. There's a smaller bear with a black face that likes to jump after the salmon and miss....I wish I knew which Katmai bear it is.

[@joannepoole2434]

Have decided to be more like Otis

[@honeybee_sunflower_]

Has Otis come out and been spotted this year? I love Otis and have missed his Zen behavior.🐾🐨🐾

[@ExploreLiveNatureCams]

The bear cams aren't up for the season yet. Very soon though!

[@gigimoore3738]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video! Excellent articulate narration....great voice too!!! Otis is a crowd pleaser, bless him! 💖

[@walterwendner8542]

Wonderful 👍! Thanks for posting 👍!

[@marymathews8421]

Great video. Excellent narration. Otis, stay patient and focused. Hope the younger bears don’t push him out.

[@RochelWaldman]

Thank you so much for the video and sharing with us the amazing world of the bears. I try to check in daily to watch and see who's in the water, who's eating. who's waiting for the fish to come to them.

[@mortalclown3812]

It's July '23 and I'm hoping this big guy is still catching salmon. That floppy ear did me in. 🌎🦋🌊🐟🐻💙🙏

[@taffyb4007]

My favorite bear that originally brought me to Brooks Falls.. thinking of you wherever you are Otis ❤

[@boganbooks4717]

Looking forward to hearing more about the bears in July!

[@shable1436]

He doesn't need to fight for that rock perch, he just sits in the pool

[@9teen9t4]

I'm just echoing a comment I saw down below - Otis merch please!!!!!!

[@ftotheb8820]

❤️Otis = One That Is Special

[@nsxdarin]

respect your elders, young bears!

[@mariaoliveirasilva2719]

Isso é lindo demais! Paz e Luz pra todos nós 👌👍😍

[@watercolourferns]

will we get an autobiography like we have for 474?

[@njg5942]

Otis certainly could be a role model. But I have a question about another bear, who, over the last few weeks (I have been watching only that long) spends most of his days at the same location as Otis at the beginning of this video, dawn to dusk in the bubbles. Enquiring fans need to know: Who is he? Is he retired? Don't his paws get crinkly? Doesn't he have other chores, interests, or responsibilities? Should one be worried about his apparent lack of ambition?

[@mikefitz6837]

There are several adult males who fish in the same locations as Otis (634 Popeye, 747, 801, 856, for example). Bears that sit (or stand) and wait for salmon are practicing good energy economics. It may not look ambitious, but it really a very efficient fishing strategy. Do they have other interests? Certainly. During late spring and early summer, during the bears' mating season for example, reproductive interests will sometimes override their hunger.

[@Capt_OscarMike]

I sure hope Otis makes it back this year...he lost some dominance late summer in early fall last year

[@karencurtis2697]

OSCAR MIKE he's just come back again to end the season x

[@lauramarie9131]

A.) Please come back, Otis and B.) How do you know about his teeth? Do you tranquilize the bears to check them out? If so, pull out all the stops for Otis to keep him healthy and with us as long as possible. ❤️❤️❤️

[@mikefitz6837]

When I've watched Otis from the wildlife-viewing platforms at Brooks River, I've used binoculars to look into his mouth when he's been eating salmon. Some talented photographers have also taken photos of his teeth when he's yawned or been eating.

[@lauramarie9131]

@Mike Fitz OMG MIKE FITZ YOU REPLIED TO ME 😭😭😭 I'm such a fan! Since become obsessed with Otis and the Brown Bears of Brooks Falls (which was just this past season! I can't remember my life pre-Bear obsession 😂). I have been trying to get a message to you asking your opinion on re-introducing the California Grizzly to California. Do you think it's a good idea? Thanks for all you do and all that you teach! I can't wait until the bears wake up and we have the opportunity to see & hear live chats and play by play videos regularly again! 🐻🤎🐻

[@mikefitz6837]

@@lauramarie9131 I think there's definitely enough space for grizzlies in the Sierra Nevada and perhaps in the Trinity Alps and Siskiyou areas too. Brown/grizzly bears would do very well along the CA coast because there'd be plenty of food but that area might be too crowded with people. There was once a sub-species of grizzly that was THE California grizzly but it is extinct, unfortunately. So grizzlies in CA would have to be restored from another population. The thing that really hinders the return of large carnivores (or any animal, really) is the level of human tolerance for the animals.

[@StarAnyse]

Thank you Mike; this is great!! The love out here for Otis is amazing! Off to see if you have these videos for the other bears...

[@Jas-sq5er]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@dragonfly7764]

❤😍❤

[@kiahskye]

Great video! Can't wait to see the video of 503! (Who needs a name worthy of him btw)

[@STEVEOMEMES]

Yo OTIS

[@karencurtis2697]

I've been watching the other cams as well as brooks falls but haven't seen him for a couple of weeks , has he been around and I've just missed him ? 🐻

[@aloneman2524]

Wayyy.. I love Turkey

[@nopeitsmx]

I miss you otis 😭

[@selltheteam4448]

Otis gives zero fucks

[@DianaSiciliano]

😂 True. That’s why he’s got so much longevity!

[@SDguy3030]

Can we get Otis back in captivity? That's the homie

[@schlooonginator1227]

IsOtis still kickin? I assume not, that would be extremely old for a wild bear.

[@Capt_OscarMike]

yES HE IS AND LOOKS, APPEARS 1000X BETTER THAN WHEN HE ARRIVED LAST SEASON. Few thought we would be blessed by the KING, the ZEN MASTER of all Bears this season...but he lumbered up the river and went directly into hs OFFICE...the far side of the falls with the stone wall....Otis prefers the rustic decor...He is awesome...I'm not a "soft" kind a guy so to speak but I must admit the thought of him not being bak this season began to pull on me more than I could imagine...AND I'VE ONLY EXPERIENCED HIM THROUGH A COMPUTER MONITOR!!! Perhaps is a sad commentary about myself or perhaps a testament to how addicting, impressive and enjoyable it is to have the opportunity to watch these Bears for a few months each year...learn their personalities, dispositions and most often are people attaching "human" thoughts or "contemplations" based on a known bears expression....OTIS is a Legend Literally...He will be talked about 100 yrs from now and likely many more after

[@XDeathHackX]

Where is Otis..

[@CorsoLady]

2023 he fished all night to make his living- Grazer 128 often joined him.

[@JamesLaingml]

🐻 ☺️😋🐟

[@shirleynitka5030]

has he been seen this year??

[@railgap]

I"m sure he's just at a different river this year... >_>

[@railgap]

...with 435 Holly...

[@kimberlyarlene4094]

What is the lifespan about?

[@mikefitz6837]

A typical life span for many brown bears is about 20 years, although many bears will live to be much older than that as Otis demonstrates.

[@Tlyna1952]

@@mikefitz6837 Sad as that means he is on the far downside of life. Nature can be cruel so I hope this beautiful guy as a peaceful exit when his time comes.

[@paintbrush42]

Is it necessary to dart this poor old bear so much? It can't be helpful to his longevity.

[@s44577]

Here in 2024, waiting for Otis. 🤎