Fat Bear Week has officially kicked off in Alaska, following a tragic incident where one of the contestants was killed by another bear. This popular competition, which has been running for a decade, invites viewers to vote for their favorite brown bear as they bulk up by feeding on salmon in preparation for winter. However, this year’s festivities were slightly delayed after a female bear, known as bear 402, was fatally attacked by bear 469 in the Brooks River. This shocking event was captured on live cameras that were already set up for the contest.
Participants can choose from a total of twelve bears at Katmai National Park for the coveted Fat Bear title. The incident involving bear 402 has cast a shadow over the event, with the park’s officials noting the reality of survival struggles among wildlife. “National parks like Katmai protect not only the wonders of nature, but also the harsh realities,” they stated.
Each year, the brown bears along the Brooks River consume numerous salmon daily to gain weight before the cold season. The twelve selected bears compete in the Fat Bear Week bracket, allowing fans to vote online for their favorite. Among this year’s competitors is Grazer, the reigning champion from 2023, who is raising her first cub. Last year’s runner-up, Chunk, is also in the running but has yet to claim the title.