In the Fat Bear Contest held at Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve, Grazer emerged as the winner for the second time, defeating Chunk by more than 40,000 votes. The contest, which involves fans voting for the bear they believe best exemplifies winter preparedness based on the fat accumulated over the summer from feeding on sockeye salmon, features 12 bears in a tournament-style competition.
Grazer, a female bear known for her blonde ears and long muzzle, tragically lost her cub to Chunk earlier in the year when it slipped over a waterfall and was killed by the dominant male bear. Despite her loss, Grazer went on to win the contest, showcasing her strength and fearlessness on Brooks River. Chunk, with his dark brown fur and distinctive scar across his muzzle, is noted for his size and aggressive fishing tactics, allowing him to secure prime fishing spots and feast on numerous salmon.
The annual Fat Bear Contest, which drew over 1.3 million votes last year, aims to celebrate the resiliency of the 2,200 brown bears in the region. The bears, which typically weigh between 600 to 900 pounds in mid-summer, can reach well over 1,000 pounds by the time they hibernate after feasting on migrating and spawning salmon. The popularity of the contest, coupled with the live cameras and viewing stands at Katmai National Park, has turned the area into a popular tourist destination for bear-watching.
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