For the first time ever, Fat Bear Week is showcasing hefty mother bears and their adorable cubs. The popular brackets-style competition, organized by Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve, highlights the park’s robust brown bears that feast on salmon from the Brooks River to bulk up before their winter hibernation.
According to Alaska naturalist Mike Fitz, this year witnessed an unprecedented number of bear families at the river. Consequently, five mother bears and their cubs are being featured in Fat Bear Week to share their compelling stories, as a cub’s well-being directly reflects its mother’s dedication.
The annual event, which commenced in 2014, has gained significant traction, leading to the emergence of similar initiatives like Fat Marmot Week in Colorado. Last year saw over 1.7 million votes, a number expected to be surpassed this year, as per Fitz, who is a former Katmai National Park ranger now serving as Explore.org’s resident naturalist, involved in managing the contest.
The competition involves 16 bears or bear families competing in a single-elimination, bracket-style tournament, fueled by a bountiful salmon run, intensifying the rivalry. Chunk, also known as Bear 32, is the reigning champion, having triumphed in the previous year by reaching an impressive weight of 1,200 pounds despite nursing a broken jaw.
While Chunk remains a formidable contender, up-and-coming bears like Bear 151, alias Walker, are worth watching this season. Bear 89, named Backpack, overcame a severe limp during adolescence to become a formidable participant in Fat Bear Week.
The focus this year is on the mother bears and their crucial role in the survival of their offspring. The fatter a bear becomes in summer and fall, the higher its chances of enduring the harsh winter, especially significant for females preparing for hibernation with their cubs.
The success of the Katmai bears is attributed to Alaskans’ efforts in safeguarding sockeye salmon, particularly in Bristol Bay, known for its exceptional salmon runs. However, while Bristol Bay has witnessed record salmon populations, other Alaska salmon species face challenges, likely due to climate change impacts on ocean food webs.
Fat Bear Week serves as a platform to underscore the positive impact of abundant salmon runs on ecosystems. Enthusiasts can cast their votes online throughout the week, with the winner set to be announced on Sept. 29.