As bears plump up for the winter hibernation season, one thing is certain, Fat Bear Week is coming! Beginning on Oct. 2 and going through Oct. 8, fans can pick their favorite chunky bear from a list of the apex predators at Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska.
In the meantime, bear fans have to settle for a smaller competition. On Tuesday, Sept. 24, organizers unveiled a sub-competition between bear cubs in this week’s Fat Bear Jr. Contest, in which the “chubby champ” will go on to face those in the adult bracket. The voting ends Friday, Sept. 27, for this contest.
This year’s Fat Bear Week contestants include two former champs from 2022 and 2023. Park officials assure everyone that these ferocious competitors still qualify as cubs.
According to wildlife officials, most cubs stay with their mother for about 2 1/2 years before heading off on their own.
However, the 2022 champ is a real “momma’s boy,” or maybe an “aunt’s boy,” because he’s bucking the trend of 2 1/2 years. The 2022 champ, known as 909 Junior, is still with his aunt after four years of companionship.
Vote on the “cubtestants” for this competition of little ones here.
As for those waiting for the adult competition, the contestants for the Fat Bear Week Tournament will be announced on Monday, Sept. 30, and voting goes until Oct. 8.
The competition is guaranteed to be huge in more ways than one. Adult male brown bears can bulk up to more than a thousand pounds before hibernation, by scarfing down up to 30 salmon per day, Plus, the competition is wildly popular as well. More than 1.3 million people voted in Fat Bear Week competitions in 2023.
The most dedicated fans can check out the 2,200 bears at the national park through live cameras put up throughout the preserve.
