Meet Grazer: The Newest Fat Bear Week Champion

The results are in for this year's Fat Bear Week Bracket Tournament, and we have a first-time winner! Grazer, an adult female bear known for her exceptional fishing skills and fierce maternal instincts, has claimed the prestigious title.

What is Fat Bear Week?

Fat Bear Week allows people to view progress photos of bears from Alaska's wilderness and vote for the one that has gained the most impressive weight. In the bear world, being fat is crucial for survival. These magnificent creatures need substantial fat stores to make it through their winter hibernation.

The Final Showdown

The competition came down to two formidable finalists: Chunk and Grazer.

Chunk, a large adult male bear, earned his name by dominating prime fishing spots to pack on the pounds. His strategy has clearly been effective, helping him reach the finals of this celebrated competition.

Grazer, the eventual champion, is not only a skilled fisher but also a protective mother with a proven track record of defending her cubs successfully—even against much larger bears. Her dedication to both feeding herself and protecting her young has paid off with this victory.

The Transformation

Progress pictures taken from July to September show remarkable transformations for both bears. The photos reveal how they went from relatively slim summer bodies to impressively rotund pre-hibernation forms.

Both finalists displayed excellent weight gain, making the voting decision particularly challenging for Fat Bear Week enthusiasts.

Making History

Grazer's victory is noteworthy as she becomes the first female bear to win the competition since 2019, when a bear named Holly took home the title. This achievement highlights the success of female bears in building up necessary fat reserves while often caring for cubs at the same time.

Why Fat Bears Matter

While the competition is certainly fun, it serves an important purpose in raising awareness about the natural cycles of these animals. A fat bear is a healthy bear, prepared to survive months of hibernation without eating or drinking.

The substantial weight these bears gain represents a successful ecosystem that provides enough salmon and other foods to sustain these magnificent animals through their long winter sleep.