Open Post: Hosted By The Bears Of Fat Bear Week 2022!
It’s the “spooky season” as some people like to say, but I implore you to put away your pumpkin hats and witch pies and take a moment to celebrate the greatest time of year: FAT BEAR WEEK! If you like scrolling through pictures of plump animals of the ursine persuasion going about their daily business, then this is your time. Every year, the Katmai National Park holds a competition where the general public can vote for the beast that they think is the chunkiest of all. It’s like March Madness but for super fat bears.
Every year, twelve bears compete for the illustrious title of Fattest Bear. For 2022, odds are in favor of Otis, four-time champion and last year’s winner. In the past, he’s weighed more than 900 lbs!
Meet Otis, the 2021 champion and four times winner of "Fat Bear Week" at Alaska's Katmai National Park. pic.twitter.com/601C6B5H90
— A happier day (@AHappierDay) October 6, 2022
These bears ain’t joking when it comes to packing on the pounds. In fact, a fat bear is a healthy bear according to the US Department of the Interior. These animals need to fatten up for winter as its necessary for their survival during the cold winter months. Because the park tracks these bears over time, voters can see how much weight they’ve gained via the Fat Bear Week site. As it currently stands, six bears are left in the running including reigning champ Otis.
Bear Force Won, 747, took advantage of clear skies to circumnavigate his competitor w/ 360° of fat. While 435 Holly claimed a clear-cut win w/ a behind so big it has its own gravitational orbutt; she’s positively planetary. Vote 10/8 at 8am AK https://t.co/thJwxpa4kn #FatBearWeek pic.twitter.com/dPFjkUtxAI
— Katmai National Park (@KatmaiNPS) October 8, 2022
I’m personally for Holly (#435). She’s not only chunky but she has a heart of gold. She’s raised multiple bears and even adopted one after he was left alone as a young cub. According to the Fat Bear Week site, “A bachelorette’s life this summer afforded her the opportunity to concentrate on her own needs.” So, Holly is going for the gold this year! There’s still time to vote for your favorite bulky boy (or girl) as the tournament runs from October 5-11. Happy Octo-bear!
And here’s a live stream of the bears:
Pic: NPS Photo/L. Law