Bear Preparations for Fat Bear Week 2025 Commence Early

The annual spectacle known as Fat Bear Week is back at the Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska, where twenty-eight brown bears are vying for the title of the "thicc-est" bear. This popular event, first held in 2014, has captured the hearts of many, showcasing the remarkable preparation these bears undertake before hibernation.

In this year's competition, one of the potential contenders is Walker (151), who has been looking particularly hefty already. Despite his consistent heft in previous years, Walker has yet to secure the coveted title. Another notable bear is the reigning champ, Grazer (bear 128), who has won the previous two competitions.

The competition is a daily public vote, with two bears being eliminated each day. The final two bears are then put up for a weekly vote to determine the winner. This year, there has been speculation about voter fraud, but the organizers have yet to confirm any such incidents.

The bears at Katmai have a unique advantage in gaining weight due to the abundant supply of tasty, fat-rich salmon. However, it's important to note that during hibernation, bears can lose up to a third of their body weight. Therefore, the bears are actively piling on body weight in preparation for their long winter slumber.

Last year, Grazer's win was particularly significant as she beat out Chunk (32), who was responsible for the death of one of her cubs earlier in the year. This victory was a testament to Grazer's resilience and the spirit of survival among these magnificent creatures.

As the competition heats up, the bears continue to impress visitors with their size and determination. The final outcome of Fat Bear Week 2022 remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the bears of Katmai never fail to captivate and inspire.