One of the most interesting, unique, and highly awaited events in the world finally arrived … Fat Bear Week! This yearly event celebrates Alaskan bears of Katmai National Park and Preserve as they get ready for winter hibernation by getting as fat as possible. Right now, the rivers brim full of salmon, a record run, that feed these chunky bears.
Bears at this time of the year enter a stage called hyperphagia, which essentially means they never feel full and devour as much food as possible. To fully prepare for the winter season without food or water, bears must gain hundreds of pounds at a time.
The winners of Friday’s Fat Bear Week quarterfinal matchups were 128 “Grazer” and 856. The two winning bruins now advance to face each other. The other match-up will be 602 vs. 32, which is nicknamed “Chunk.” The winners will move on to the semifinals Monday when voting continues. That’s when 856 and 128-Grazer will face off against each other.
Vote now! A voting pole has opened for the race to the top to see who can get the fattest, and you at home can play along. People cast their votes on who they think will get the fattest or the most prepared, for the upcoming winter hibernation. Some of the past champions include Chunk, 128 Jr., and Flato because of their enormous size and amazing personalities.
Fat Bear Week runs from September 23 to September 30, and you can vote each day from 12 p.m to 9 p.m ET with the winner being crowned on the final day. Watch the bears chomp down on salmon at Brooks River on livestream, and download the bracket, and pick the fattest lovable bear you choose. If you want, you can even campaign for your favorite fat bear by using #FatBearWeek on social media!