Fat Bear Week Returns

The annual Fat Bear Week bracket tournament is just around the corner! This beloved competition celebrates the impressive ability of brown bears to consume a year's worth of food in just six months.

How Fat Bear Week Works

Fat Bear Week operates similar to March Madness basketball tournament, but instead of athletic prowess, these competitors are celebrated for their impressive weight gain. Each day during the event, fans can vote for their favorite chunky bear to advance to the next round.

When you visit the voting page, you'll be shown comparison photos of each competing bear - one from when they emerged from hibernation and another current photo showing their impressive transformation. To cast your vote, simply click on the photo of the bear you believe best represents fatness. After voting, you'll see a tally of how many votes each bear has received.

The Stars of the Show

The competition focuses on the brown bears living along Brooks River in Katmai National Park, Alaska. These magnificent animals can be watched in real-time as they feast through a live feed provided by explore.org.

The current champion is Bear 747 (yes, that's actually his number!). Many fans are also keeping a close eye on Otis, also known as bear 480, who happens to be the oldest competitor. Otis caused some concern earlier this year when he emerged late from hibernation.

More Than Just Fun

While Fat Bear Week provides entertainment as we cheer on these bears packing on their final pounds before winter, it serves a more significant purpose too. Teachers worldwide use this event as an educational tool to teach students about brown bears and healthy ecosystems.

The weight these bears gain during their feeding season is crucial for their survival through the long winter hibernation period.

Important Dates

Fat Bear Week will run from October 4th through October 10th. The official bracket will be revealed on October 2nd, and biographies of each participating bear will be released shortly.

Stay tuned for more information about how to participate in this year's Fat Bear Week and get ready to vote for your favorite chunky champion!