Fat Bear Week: Celebrating Katmai's Chunky Champions

Fat Bear Week is an annual online event celebrating the success of Katmai National Park's brown bears in preparing for winter hibernation. Organized by explore.org, it’s a chance for people worldwide to learn about and appreciate these amazing animals.

What is Fat Bear Week?

Fat Bear Week is a single-elimination tournament where online voters choose between two bears each day, based on which one they think has gained the most weight throughout the summer and fall. These bears bulk up on salmon to survive the winter without eating or drinking. — El Capitan: Tragedy Strikes Iconic Climbing Destination

• When: Typically held in late September to early October.
• Where: Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska.
• Why: To highlight the ecological importance of healthy salmon runs and the success of the park's conservation efforts.

How to Participate

Participating in Fat Bear Week is easy and free. Visit the explore.org website to view bear profiles and cast your daily vote. Check out the livestream of the bears catching salmon at Brooks Falls to help inform your decision.

Meet the Bears

Each bear has its own unique story and personality. Fan favorites like Otis (Bear 480), Holly (Bear 435), and Walker (Bear 151) are often contenders. Explore.org provides detailed bios and videos to help you get to know them.

Why It Matters

Fat Bear Week raises awareness about the importance of preserving natural habitats and ensuring healthy salmon populations. These bears need to consume an enormous amount of food to survive, making them indicators of ecosystem health. — Gavi Vaccine: A Parent's Guide

The Fat Bear Philosophy

The event is not just about celebrating fat bears; it’s about acknowledging resilience and survival. As explore.org states, "Fat Bear Week is a celebration of success and survival. It is a reminder of the incredible journey these bears undertake each year."

CTA: Learn more about Fat Bear Week and cast your vote at explore.org!