Grazer, a female brown bear, won the annual Fat Bear Contest for the second time by defeating Chunk, a male bear that had killed one of her cubs earlier in the summer. The contest, which is based on public voting to determine which bear has accumulated the most fat for winter hibernation, takes place at Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve. The bears feed on sockeye salmon that return to Brooks River, often seen perched at the top of a waterfall catching fish.
Grazer’s cub died when it slipped over the waterfall and was killed by Chunk, who is known as the most dominant bear on the river. Despite her loss, Grazer was able to come out on top in the contest, showcasing her fearlessness and strength. Chunk, on the other hand, is the largest bear on the river with a bulky form and a successful fishing record.
The annual Fat Bear Contest, which drew over 1.3 million votes last year, celebrates the resiliency of the brown bears in the preserve. The bears in Katmai have become a popular tourist attraction, with viewing stands built along the river for visitors to watch them fish for salmon. This year’s contest was not without tragedy, as another female bear was killed by a male bear just as the brackets were expected to be released.
Overall, the contest highlights the adaptability and survival skills of the brown bears in preparing for hibernation, where they can weigh over 1,000 pounds after feasting on salmon.
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