Alaska’s beloved Fat Bear Week has officially kicked off, albeit a day later than planned due to the unfortunate death of a bear. The annual contest celebrates the impressive size of the 2,200 brown bears residing in Katmai National Park and Preserve, with online voting allowing fans to choose their favorites.
This year, contestants were revealed on Tuesday following the tragic incident involving Bear 402, a female bear killed during a dispute with a male bear. As the bears have been feasting on sockeye salmon all summer, they are now on the path to prepare for hibernation.
Voters can cast their ballots for 12 contenders, with eight bears battling it out in the first round and four automatically advancing. The voting, which began on Wednesday, encourages participants to choose bears that “best exemplify fatness and success.”
Matchup Highlights
Match 1
The initial face-off features Bear 909 Jr., the recent Fat Bear Junior champ, against Bear 519, a young female bear. The winner will face reigning champion Grazer in the next round.
Match 2
In the second matchup, Bear 909, the mother of 909 Jr., will compete against Bear 903 (Gully), an 8-year-old male known for his love of seagulls. The winner will then take on Bear 747, a two-time titleholder.
Match 3
Another pair of bears will go head-to-head tomorrow: Bear 856, a well-known older male, against Bear 504, a mother bear raising her second litter. The victor will battle the massive 32 Chuck, who weighs over 1,200 pounds.
Match 4
The last match for Thursday showcases Bear 151, formerly known as Walker, against Bear 901, a female returning after losing her first litter. The winner proceeds to face Bear 164, affectionately nicknamed Bucky Dent due to a unique indentation in his forehead.
Voting remains open until Tuesday, October 8th.
Reflection on Nature’s Realities
The passing of Bear 402 serves as a stark reminder of nature’s harsh realities. Park spokesperson Matt Johnson noted, “National parks like Katmai protect not only the wonders of nature but also the harsh truths.”
The reason behind the fatal encounter remains uncertain, as noted by ranger Sarah Bruce. According to naturalist Mike Fitz, while Fat Bear Week celebrates well-fed bears, it’s crucial to acknowledge the fierce competition and challenges these animals face daily.
Explore.org, which manages the live bear cams, adds a layer of participation to this annual event.
Reporting by The Associated Press was used in this article.