For brown bears, being exceptionally plump is the ultimate goal.
Annually, Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska presents its beloved Fat Bear Week competition, where enthusiasts can vote for their preferred cuddly chubby bear.
The event not only honors the park’s adored hefty brown bears but also celebrates the flourishing environment that enables them to gain the necessary weight for surviving the extended winter and nurturing their offspring.
“Observing these bears becoming fat is delightful and entertaining. However, it is crucial for their well-being that they accumulate that weight,” explained Ashleigh Monaco, a ranger at Katmai National Park, during an interview with Nil Kӧksal on As It Happens.
“A well-fed bear signifies a prosperous bear.”
Contestants Introduction
Fat Bear Week originated in 2014 to highlight the resilience of brown bears, who bulk up by feasting on salmon at the Brooks River every autumn.
Over time, the competition has gained immense popularity, with over a million online votes cast last year.
“I understand it brings happiness to people during challenging times in our world,” Monaco shared.
This year, voters will select from 12 plump contenders unveiled on Monday, including the two-time defending champion Grazer, also known as Bear 128.
In a previous year, Grazer triumphed over Chunk, the massive male bear who had slain her cub earlier that season.
Despite the harsh nature of bear behavior, Monaco emphasized that it is a natural part of their wilderness habitat.
“We are still within this wild and rugged environment, and these are untamed bears. They will encounter conflicts, compete for river spots, and vie for food,” she clarified.
This season, due to abundant salmon and low water levels, there have been no violent incidents, allowing bears to fish freely along the river without contention.
“It’s like an unlimited buffet,” Monaco remarked.
Once again, Grazer is the leading contender this year.
“She looks fantastic,” Monaco praised. “She is incredibly plump.”
Chunk, also known as Bear 32, has re-entered the competition despite a challenging summer when he briefly went missing in June and returned with a suspected jaw injury.
“He appears to have adapted well. He is successfully fishing, eating, and has certainly gained weight. It’s inspiring to see his recovery,” Monaco noted.
Another fan-favorite this year is Bear 602, aka Floatato, recognized for his penchant for extended river naps.
“He has become so round that he resembles a floating potato in the water,” Monaco described.
How to Participate in Voting?
The contenders will engage in a single-elimination, bracket-style tournament. All voting takes place online at www.fatbearweek.org, with the winner announced on Sept. 30.
Voters can explore the bears’ stories online and view them on explore.org’s live stream cameras before selecting their preferred portly participant.
Monaco emphasized that the competition celebrates not only the bears but the entire ecosystem that sustains them.
“Salmon nourishes the bears, birds, soil, and forest. This is why we have such a healthy