Fat Bear Week has officially kicked off in Alaska, following a tragic incident in which one of the competitors was killed by another bear. The contest, which has been running for ten years, invites viewers to vote for their favorite brown bear, with the animals having fed extensively on salmon to prepare for the winter months. This year’s festivities experienced a slight delay due to the fatal mauling of bear 402 by bear 469 on Monday, an event that was captured on live cameras set up in anticipation of the contest.
The voting process allows fans to choose from twelve contenders competing for the title of Fat Bear at Katmai National Park. However, this year’s competition is tinged with sadness following the unexpected demise of bear 402 in the Brooks River, a situation that remains somewhat enigmatic. Katmai National Park and Preserve commented on the incident, highlighting the balance of beauty and harsh realities that exists in nature, emphasizing that each bear seen through the webcams is engaged in a struggle for survival.
Each year, bears in the national park consume numerous salmon daily along the Brooks River, aiming to gain weight before hibernation. This year’s lineup includes Grazer, the 2023 champion and a mother raising her first cub, along with last year’s runner-up, Chunk, who is still vying for the coveted title.