Fat Bear Week: Celebrating Katmai's Biggest Bears
Fat Bear Week is an annual online event celebrating the success of Katmai National Park's brown bears in preparing for winter hibernation. People from around the world participate by voting for their favorite bear, based on before-and-after photos showing their weight gain over the summer.
The event, run by explore.org in partnership with Katmai National Park and the Katmai Conservancy, raises awareness about bear conservation and the importance of healthy ecosystems for wildlife. Fat Bear Week typically occurs in late September and early October.
What is Fat Bear Week?
Fat Bear Week is more than just a popularity contest; it highlights the incredible transformation these bears undergo each year. Brown bears need to consume massive amounts of food to survive the winter without eating or drinking. They primarily feed on salmon, which migrate to Brooks River in Katmai National Park.
Why is it important?
The event provides a unique opportunity to learn about the natural history of brown bears and the challenges they face. It also shows how interconnected ecosystems are and how important it is to protect them.
How to Participate
Participating in Fat Bear Week is easy and fun:
- Visit explore.org: Go to the official Fat Bear Week website hosted by explore.org.
- View the Bracket: Check out the bracket featuring the nominated bears.
- Learn About the Bears: Read about each bear's history and see before-and-after photos.
- Vote Daily: Cast your vote each day to help your favorite bear advance.
Call to Action
Follow explore.org and Katmai National Park on social media for updates, live streams, and more information about Fat Bear Week.
