Fat Bear Week is currently underway at Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska, offering the public a unique chance to observe and engage with some of the United States’ most iconic bears. This annual event, held in late September and early October, showcases the remarkable transformation of brown bears as they prepare for hibernation. At the start of the year, the bears emerge from hibernation lean, having not eaten during their winter slumber. As the months pass, they feast on the abundant salmon of the annual run, gaining significant weight—some adding as much as 1,000 pounds or more.
During Fat Bear Week, the public can vote for their favorite bears before they enter hibernation. The voting process, hosted on the National Park Service’s Explore.org website, allows participants to learn about each bear’s story. This year’s competition began on September 18, with several rounds already completed, and the final voting will take place on September 29 and 30. Voters can cast their ballots on the Explore.org voting page and even use a bracket to predict the winners.
The event is livestreamed, providing a 24/7 view of the bears in their natural habitat. Eight live streams are available—seven river shots and one underwater camera that captures salmon swimming upstream and occasionally shows bears walking or swimming by. These 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 adaptability and resilience. By voting and watching the livestreams, the public can engage with and learn about the brown bears of Katmai, fostering 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 add to the excitement of Fat Bear Week.
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