Voting is underway in Katmai National Park’s Fat Bear Week contest, where brown bears vie for the title of fattest bear. Thursday’s matchups featured bears 856 and 504, 151 and 901, with 856 and 151 advancing to the next round with 92,236 and 63,025 votes, respectively.
Sarah Bruce, a park representative, shared her expertise on potential winners. Bear 128 Grazer, a sow with a cub, is a strong contender despite the odds. Having lost one cub, Grazer may garner sympathy votes, but her impressive weight gain to feed her remaining cub makes her a formidable competitor.
Bear 32 Chunk, the river’s most dominant bear is another top contender. His photos showcase his impressive size, earning him fan-favorite status.
To qualify for the bracket, bears must be spotted in early summer and September. This criterion eliminates many, as some follow salmon upstream and don’t return. Approximately 80 bears use the river annually.
Organizers require high-quality, side-profile photos, which can be challenging. Bruce explained that bear positions in the bracket are strategic, pairing those with compelling stories or past conflicts.
Fat Bear Week offers more than just a size competition; it educates viewers about the bears’ summer habits beyond salmon consumption, highlighting their hierarchy and dominance.
As Fat Bear Week intensifies, the contest concludes next Tuesday, with the winner claiming the fattest bear title. Initially delayed due to a deadly bear fight, the bracket is live.
By participating in Fat Bear Week, viewers support conservation efforts and gain insight into Katmai’s brown bears. This beloved annual tradition has become a staple.
This news story was originally published by Alaska’s News Source.
