There’s an important election unfolding in America – and we don’t mean next month’s midterms.
No, we’re talking about Fat Bear Week, a single-elimination tournament that pits the beefiest brown bears in Alaska’s Katmai National Park against each other to find which is the fattest of them all.
Running from 5 to 11 October, Fat Bear Week gives people online the chance to vote on which burly bruin best exemplifies the quality of fatness in brown bears.
Last year’s winner, Otis (pictured, image by Guy Runco) is a perennial fan favourite with four titles under his belt – but according to explore.org founder Charlie Annenberg Weingarten, the reigning champ is facing some hefty competition this year thanks to a record season of delicious sockeye salmon in the park’s rivers.
“With each passing year, I find myself more in love with the brown bears. From 747 to the beloved Otis and the relationship between sisters 909 and 910 and their cubs, the magic of the bears never ceases to amaze,” said Charlie.
“It is a privilege to be a steward for Katmai National Park and work alongside the Katmai Conservancy and park rangers. Fat Bear Week is for the fans!”
For more information – and to vote for your favourite fat bear – visit the Fat Bear Week website.
