There are large, living legends in the wilderness of Alaska.
They're the internet-famous bears of the National Park and Preserve, and they grow impressively fat over the summer. Many of these bears return to the park to feast on salmon that is rich in calories. The Fat Bear Week contest in the fall is a celebration of the success of these wild animals.
Every bear is a winner when it comes to survival in the wilderness. The fattest bear will be voted on by the public in a tournament. This is a great way to learn about the fascinating lives of these animals.
The ursine competitors are always very difficult to beat by October. There is no clear favorite in 2022. There are rotund bears in the pictures.
The tournament is wide open this year, according to Mike Fitz.
Fitz said that some of the choices are going to be difficult. The competition is going to be very exciting.
"This year the tournament is pretty wide open."
The bears are fat because of their environment. The Trump administration tried to give a company the chance to build an unprecedented mining district in the region, but it was unsuccessful. Salmon thrive in the area's rivers and streams. The fat bears like salmon.
Fitz said that "none of this would happen without the fish."
Alaska's Bristol Bay Watershed, home to a vast network of largely protected waterways, saw its largest ever run of salmon. Many of the fish swam up a river that feeds into a town. The bears were watching the salmon being eaten.
The official 2022 Fat Bear Week bracket. Credit: explore.org
Holly is a former Fat Bear Week champion who has raised manycubs.
Fat Bear 435, "Holly." Credit: Top: T. Carmack / NPS // Bottom: E. Johnston / NPS
Bear 856 has been the most aggressive bear of the past decade.
Bear 856. Credit: Top: C. Rohdenburg / NPS // Bottom: L. Law / NPS
The biggest bear the park rangers have ever seen is Bear 74. He was a fat bear week champion. He seems to be more of a bear than a Hippopotamus, according to a Ranger.
Bear 747. Credit: Top: C. Rohdenburg / NPS // Bottom: L. Law / NPS
Her young are protected by her fierce bear. One of the most dominant bears is her.
Bear 128, "Grazer." Credit: L. Law / NPS
Otis may be the most famous bear on the planet. He waits to catch salmon on the bear cam.
Bear 480, "Otis." Credit: Top: C. Rohdenburg / NPS // Bottom: L. Law / NPS
Walker is the largest bear of the river. A new generation of fat bears is being led by him. He puts a lot of weight on his hindquarters.
Bear 151, "Walker." Credit: Top: T. Carmack / NPS // Bottom: K. Grossman / NPS
Chunk has scars on his face and body. Few bears can deter Chunk from fishing.
Fat bear 32, "Chunk." Credit: L. Law / NPS
The yearling bear is in its second year of existence. The summer was a good time for the Cub to grow.
Bear 909's yearling cub. Credit: L. Law / NPS
The bear is the offspring of Holly.
Bear 335. Credit: Top: K. Moore / NPS // Bottom: T. Carmack / NPS
Bear is not one of the most dominant men. He catches fish in areas where the most dominant bears aren't fishing.
Bear 164. Credit: T. Carmack / NPS
The twocubs were old enough to survive on their own. She grew fat and didn't have to share fish with her little friends. She has the right to fish some of the best spots on the river.
Bear 854, "Divot." Credit: K. Moore / NPS
902 is described asfiercely independent. She is one of the biggest sows this season.
Bear 901. Credit: Top: C. Rohdenburg / NPS // Bottom: L. Law / NPS
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