Fat Bear Week is currently underway at Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska, offering a unique opportunity for the public to observe and engage with some of the most iconic bears in the United States. This annual event, which takes place in late September and early October, showcases the remarkable transformation of brown bears as they prepare for hibernation.

At the beginning of the year, the bears emerge from hibernation in a lean state, having not eaten during their winter slumber. As the year progresses, they feed on abundant salmon during the annual salmon run, significantly increasing their weight. Some bears gain as much as 1,000 pounds or more over the course of the year. The Katmai National Park and Preserve hosts Fat Bear Week, where the public can vote for their favorite bears before they enter hibernation.

The voting process allows participants to meet the bears and learn about their stories through the National Park Service’s Explore.org website. This year’s competition began on September 18, with several rounds already completed. The final voting will take place on September 29 and 30. To participate, voters can visit the Explore.org voting page and cast their votes. A bracket is also available for predicting the winners.

The event is livestreamed, providing viewers with a 24/7 opportunity to observe the bears in their natural habitat. Eight live streams are available, including seven river shots and one underwater camera, which captures the salmon swimming upstream and occasionally features bears walking or swimming by. The live streams can be accessed online via the National Parks Service Explore website and YouTube.

Fat Bear Week offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these incredible animals, highlighting their remarkable adaptability and resilience. By participating in the voting process and watching the livestreams, the public can engage with and learn about the brown bears of Katmai National Park and Preserve, promoting a greater appreciation for wildlife conservation and the importance of preserving natural habitats. With only a few days of voting left, participants are encouraged to cast their votes and contribute to the excitement of Fat Bear Week.