Fat Bear Week 2019
October 1, 2019 11:39 AM Subscribe
It is that time of year again: Katmai National Park is hosting its 5th annual Fat Bear Tournament.
In this single elimination tournament, bear boosters can vote to crown the park's 2019 fattest bear on the park's Facebook page starting with the first dramatic head-to-head matchups on Wednesday, October 2nd. You can prepare by checking out the bracket and then boning up and downloading the park's extensive 2019 Bear Guide for information on each tubby competitor. You may also catch them gorging their way to victory in the highlight reels of the Brooks River bear cam. Fans of each bear are campaigning furiously for your votes in the comments, and with last year's winner Beadnose mysteriously missing from the park and the bracket, an older champion, Otis, is back for a chance at a repeat title.
The park would like to remind you that fat bears only exist because of clean water and healthy ecosystems (and the organizations that support that within and near the park).
Previously- Fat Bear Week 2018
In this single elimination tournament, bear boosters can vote to crown the park's 2019 fattest bear on the park's Facebook page starting with the first dramatic head-to-head matchups on Wednesday, October 2nd. You can prepare by checking out the bracket and then boning up and downloading the park's extensive 2019 Bear Guide for information on each tubby competitor. You may also catch them gorging their way to victory in the highlight reels of the Brooks River bear cam. Fans of each bear are campaigning furiously for your votes in the comments, and with last year's winner Beadnose mysteriously missing from the park and the bracket, an older champion, Otis, is back for a chance at a repeat title.
The park would like to remind you that fat bears only exist because of clean water and healthy ecosystems (and the organizations that support that within and near the park).
Previously- Fat Bear Week 2018
As much as I would, on general principles, like to support a ladybear in this important race to the top of the ursine heap, I feel that 747 has clearly put in the training time this season and is really the bear to beat.
posted by charmedimsure at 1:53 PM on October 1, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by charmedimsure at 1:53 PM on October 1, 2019 [2 favorites]
i love all bears and look forward to this bear time every year. thank u for posting
posted by zdravo at 2:05 PM on October 1, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by zdravo at 2:05 PM on October 1, 2019 [1 favorite]
It's hard to tell from the photo, but I feel like Holly might be a viable competitor to 747.
posted by invitapriore at 3:57 PM on October 1, 2019
posted by invitapriore at 3:57 PM on October 1, 2019
I was sincerely expecting a different kind of bear.
posted by Gymnopedist at 5:23 PM on October 1, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by Gymnopedist at 5:23 PM on October 1, 2019 [4 favorites]
They're good bears, Brent.
posted by dazed_one at 6:39 PM on October 1, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by dazed_one at 6:39 PM on October 1, 2019 [3 favorites]
It's not from Alaska, and it's not from this year, but I cannot overstress how crucial this photo of a fat bear momma giving hugs is.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 8:04 PM on October 1, 2019 [12 favorites]
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 8:04 PM on October 1, 2019 [12 favorites]
747 is certainly the Largest Boy, but I feel like Holly just...has panache to her. Look at those rolls! That fur!
Anyway this is my first Fat Bear Week and I'm so excited.
posted by kalimac at 8:56 PM on October 1, 2019 [3 favorites]
Anyway this is my first Fat Bear Week and I'm so excited.
posted by kalimac at 8:56 PM on October 1, 2019 [3 favorites]
I'M READY! I've been Fat Bear evangelizing in all my classes.
posted by ChuraChura at 6:11 AM on October 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by ChuraChura at 6:11 AM on October 2, 2019 [1 favorite]
Okay. Today: Otis (two time champ looking for a threepeat) vs. Lefty. I admire Otis’ stated philosophy (“move less, eat more”) and commend his longevity and consistent performance over time...but I believe Lefty has the edge here in terms of sheer mass.
posted by charmedimsure at 12:45 PM on October 2, 2019
posted by charmedimsure at 12:45 PM on October 2, 2019
Eat fish, go sleep for a while. Those are excellent plans.
posted by fluttering hellfire at 2:04 PM on October 2, 2019
posted by fluttering hellfire at 2:04 PM on October 2, 2019
Would you like to be a fat bear cam operator? Too bad!
posted by jeather at 9:02 AM on October 7, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by jeather at 9:02 AM on October 7, 2019 [1 favorite]
Okay, guys, this is it, Fat Bear Tuesday. Lefty vs Holly: the future is in your hands.
posted by charmedimsure at 9:46 AM on October 8, 2019
posted by charmedimsure at 9:46 AM on October 8, 2019
Holly! Holly!
From this article: Katmai Conservancy Media Ranger Naomi Boak says Holly earned her title.
"It was very hard to get a good picture [of Holly] out of the water," she says, "because she was a submarine for the entire month. She did not stop fishing, except to dig a belly hole big enough for her to sleep in."
posted by charmedimsure at 8:48 AM on October 9, 2019
From this article: Katmai Conservancy Media Ranger Naomi Boak says Holly earned her title.
"It was very hard to get a good picture [of Holly] out of the water," she says, "because she was a submarine for the entire month. She did not stop fishing, except to dig a belly hole big enough for her to sleep in."
posted by charmedimsure at 8:48 AM on October 9, 2019
Boom! I knew Holly had the potential. I am surprised Lefty beat out 747, but between Lefty and Holly the choice was obvious. I would love to wish her congratulations personally were it not for the likelihood that she'd eat my face.
posted by invitapriore at 10:53 AM on October 9, 2019
posted by invitapriore at 10:53 AM on October 9, 2019
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these chonky bois (and girls) are magnificent!!
posted by supermedusa at 12:26 PM on October 1, 2019 [7 favorites]