Fat Bear Week Crowns Champion at Katmai National Park
Fat Bear Week has come to a close, and one bear has been crowned the fattest of them all: Bear number 747, known affectionately as The Earl of Avoirdupois.
A dozen portly bears battled it out in this year’s Fat Bear Week competition at Katmai National Park & Preserve in Alaska, and The Earl of Avoirdupois emerged victorious after a week of competitive online voting. Bear 747 expressed gratitude for the cold, clean water of the Brooks River, which provided him with fatty salmon to feast on, along with appreciation for “all the little bears he pushed out of the way to access the best fishing spot.” He will now celebrate by “waddling away from the river and enjoying a comfortable hibernation.”
The Competition Format
The Fat Bear Week competition, which ran from September 30 to October 6, involved a single-elimination tournament format where voters selected between pairings of bears. The grizzly bear with the most votes advanced until one was crowned the champion. This engaging contest aims to highlight the challenges bears face while preparing for hibernation.
Preparing for Hibernation
The Katmai bears have been consuming an entire year’s worth of food over the past six months to ensure their survival during winter hibernation. During this critical period, they do not eat or drink and can lose one-third of their body weight. Therefore, their survival hinges on accumulating sufficient fat reserves prior to entering their dens. They indulge in the richest, most easily accessible foods, which predominantly includes sockeye salmon at Brooks Falls.
Individual Challenges Faced by Bears
Each bear faced specific challenges during the competition. Adult male bears must grow large to dominate the prime fishing locations and secure mating opportunities, whereas females need adequate nourishment to support the birth and development of their cubs. Cubs undergo substantial growth spurts, and juvenile bears, navigating the wild alone, must learn to find food without maternal guidance.
To stay informed about the Katmai bears and their adventures, you can explore their updates here.
