Grazer, a female brown bear in Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve, won her second Fat Bear Contest after defeating Chunk, a male bear that had killed her cub earlier in the summer. The contest, which attracted over 1.3 million votes last year, allows fans to choose their favorite chubby bear based on their winter preparedness, as indicated by the fat they have accumulated over the summer feeding on sockeye salmon. These bears are often seen perched at the top of a falls in the Brooks River, catching leaping salmon as they attempt to spawn upstream. Grazer’s cub tragically died after slipping over the waterfall and being killed by Chunk, one of the most dominant bears in the area.
Despite her loss, Grazer’s victory was a testament to her resilience and strength. Known for her blond ears and long, straight muzzle, she is a formidable presence on Brooks River, with most bears avoiding confrontation with her. Her other surviving cub from her third litter placed second in the previous Fat Bear Junior contest. On the other hand, Chunk is considered one of the largest bears on the river, with narrow-set eyes, dark brown fur, and a distinctive scar across his muzzle. Utilizing his size and confidence, Chunk rose to the top of the river hierarchy, securing prime fishing spots and feasting on 42 salmon in just 10 hours.
The annual Fat Bear Contest is a way to celebrate the resiliency of the 2,200 brown bears that inhabit the preserve on the Alaska Peninsula. It draws significant attention, with fans casting online votes for their favorite bears. Adult male brown bears typically weigh between 600 to 900 pounds in mid-summer, but can weigh over 1,000 pounds by the time they are ready to hibernate after feasting on migrating and spawning salmon. Females are usually about one-third smaller. The contest showcases the fat accumulation of the bears as they prepare for winter, indicating their success in finding food sources such as salmon.
A tragic incident involving a female bear named 402, who was killed by a male bear on the day the contest brackets were supposed to be released, highlighted the dangers that these bears face in the wild. Despite these challenges, the live cameras at explore.org and the popularity of the Fat Bear Contest have made Katmai National Park and Preserve a bucket list tourist destination. Viewing stands have been built on the river to allow visitors to watch the brown bears fish for salmon, adding to the allure of experiencing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The contest not only entertains fans but also serves as a platform to raise awareness about the conservation efforts needed to protect these bears and their unique ecosystem.
Overall, Grazer’s victory in the Fat Bear Contest underscored her strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The contest not only celebrates the bears’ abundance of fat, indicating their readiness for winter hibernation, but also highlights their survival instincts and ability to thrive in their natural environment. With the increasing popularity of the contest and the live cameras capturing the daily lives of these bears, Katmai National Park and Preserve continues to draw visitors and raise awareness about the importance of preserving the delicate balance of wildlife in the region.
