Since 2012, millions have watched Explore.org’s bear cams from Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve, with many fans regarding bear 480 Otis as a local legend.
Otis has become synonymous with Fat Bear Week, an online competition celebrating the large brown bears of Katmai’s Brooks Falls, where they feast on salmon to gain weight for hibernation. This year marks the competition’s tenth anniversary, beginning on October 2. However, Otis, a four-time Fat Bear Week champion known for his unique personality rather than his size, is currently missing.
Known as the “Zen master,” Otis is known for his patience, usually avoiding conflicts with larger bears as they scramble for salmon in the “jacuzzi,” a competitive spot beneath Brooks Falls. Instead, he prefers a quieter area where he waits for salmon to swim directly to him. Otis embodies the peaceful spirit of the park, reflecting its tranquility, according to novelist Angel Canann.
“He’s kind of the grandfather of the place,” Canann noted, explaining that Otis symbolizes the extraordinary qualities of Katmai that attract so many visitors. Otis has been recognized since 2001, returning to the falls each year, and his loyal fans eagerly await his arrival every summer, knowing he is approaching the end of his expected lifespan of 20 to 30 years. When he appears in his favorite fishing spot, affectionately called his “office,” it reassures many viewers that all is well.
However, this summer, Otis did not show up, and rangers are unsure of his current status. The park does not track its bears beyond direct observation, and the bear cams only cover a small portion of its expansive territory. With Fat Bear Week approaching, his absence is causing concern among fans.
“It’s interesting how emotionally attached I’ve become over the years,” said Ed MacKerrow, a nature photographer and scientist. He expressed his disappointment in not seeing Otis during a recent visit to Katmai. Given Otis’s age, some believe he may have passed away, but there’s also a chance he has relocated to another spot in the park. Naturalist Mike Fitz, who initiated Fat Bear Week, speculated that Otis likely isn’t elsewhere in the park anymore.
“This year’s Fat Bear Week might be the first without Otis since its inception,” Fitz remarked, noting the competition originally started as “Fat Bear Tuesday” on Katmai’s Facebook page in 2014, eventually evolving into a week-long event. The tournament allows people to vote on which bear has gained the most weight, celebrating the bears’ efforts to fatten up for hibernation, a necessary process for their survival.
During the 2023 season, about 16 million viewers tuned into the bear cams. Otis, easily distinguishable by his light brown fur and unique ear, has been a favorite among new viewers.
“Watching the bear cams reveals that each bear has its distinct personality and challenges,” Schmeidel noted, highlighting Otis’s ability to thrive despite difficulties associated with aging, such as losing teeth. His calm fishing style allowed him to conserve energy and avoid confrontations in his later years.
Otis’s absence highlights a significant change at Brooks Falls this year, as several other well-known bears have also not been sighted. New dominant male bears, such as 32 Chunk, are emerging, adding to the park’s evolving ecosystem.
Unfortunately, tragic events unfolded at the falls this year, including deadly attacks between bears that were observed by viewers, prompting park officials to adjust the bracket release for Fat Bear Week to address these incidents.
The absence of Otis and other bears has left a void for fans. MacKerrow expressed hope that Otis is enjoying his time in one of the many salmon-rich rivers nearby. “If not, I hope he passed peacefully, perhaps during hibernation,” he shared.
While fans continue to reflect on Otis’s impact, his legacy carries on through fundraising efforts aimed at park conservation. Otis’s story resonates with many, symbolizing resilience, friendship, and a connection between humans and animals.
As Fat Bear Week approaches, voting will take place from October 2 to 8, celebrating the bears and the beauty of nature that they represent.