Every winter, bears around the world hibernate, spending months at a time tucked away asleep. To prepare for hibernation, these bears will eat more than usual during the fall to store up body fat to last them throughout the winter hibernation.
The Katamai National Park decided to highlight the success brown bears – who reside in their park – have with preparing for hibernation. They call it “Fat Bear Week” where they have a daily competition between all their bears to find out which one the public thinks is the fattest, and most prepared for hibernation.
Katami Park is known for their annual Fat Bear Week and their awesome “bear cam,” where you can watch their bears at any time of the day! They also post highlights to their Facebook page, like the one below where upwards of 25 bears were seen hanging out in the river!
https://www.facebook.com/KatmaiNPP/videos/2216019728469606/
Fat Bear Week began on September 30th with fans voting for who they think is the fattest bear, in a bracket style voting system.
https://www.facebook.com/KatmaiNPP/posts/3703043409720430
This year’s champion is none other than a bear called 747, who was showing signs in mid-August that he might take home the top prize.
https://www.facebook.com/KatmaiNPP/posts/3551481471543292
The park announced 747’s win on Facebook, saying, “The Earl of Avoirdupois, bear 757, is crowned 2020’s #FatBearWeek Champion! He will celebrate by waddling away from the river and enjoying a comfortable hibernation.”
https://www.facebook.com/KatmaiNPP/posts/3703125189712252
Check out some of his competitors, including last year’s champ, 435 Holly!
https://www.facebook.com/KatmaiNPP/posts/3689948964363208
https://www.facebook.com/KatmaiNPP/posts/3686089901415781
https://www.facebook.com/KatmaiNPP/posts/3680379901986781
Congrats to 747!