Drama and Dickwanst: Unusual turn at FAT Bear Wahl!

Drama and Dickwanst: Unusual turn at FAT Bear Wahl!

The “Fat Bear” election in the Katmai National Park in Alaska is again in full swing and is very enthusiastic among bear fans worldwide. This unique event celebrates the plump brown bears in the region and not only brings fun, but also an important awareness of the living space of the animals. With Grazer, last year's winner, who left the competition with her impressive weight, and other candidates will attract a lot of attention this year.

The park, in which over 2000 brown bears live, organizes the “Fat Bear Week” for the tenth time. This year there are 12 bears in the race again, and fans can vote online for their favorite. The competition was expected that many people take part in the screens and look at the funny before and after photos of the bears, which show how they increase from their winter weight to autumn, mostly thanks to the calorie salaries that they catch them. The winner will be announced on the “Fat Bear” Tuesday, October 8th.

fatal audience moments

Not everything runs peacefully in the Katmai Park. Shortly before this year's election began, a tragic event occurred that overshadows the cheerful atmosphere. A struggle between the female 402 and the male 469 was broadcast live via a webcam. It showed how the two bears argued bitterly around the food. The fight ended fatally for the bear, which was shocking for the Park Rangers and the spectators. This type of conflict is unusual because such struggles usually only end with smaller injuries.

Mike Fitz, a naturalist, commented on what was happening, while Ranger Naomi Boak confirms that the bear fought for her life in this incident. The cadaver was partially consumed by the surviving bear, which illustrates the dark reality of survival in the wilderness. The incident caused the presentation of the participants to be postponed by one day, but the election itself should take place on the planned day.

a culinary competition

The “Fat Bear” competition not only serves the entertainment; He also has an educational mission. The competition is made aware of the ecological conditions and living conditions of the bears, as well as the challenges that arise from climate change. Matt Johnson, a ranger in the park, explains that the salmon inflows were a bit late this year and the fish was smaller than usual. Since the summer was relatively warm, rising water temperatures may have negative effects on the salmon stocks, which can be catastrophic for the bears.

salmon play a central role in the diet of the bears. A single fish can deliver up to 6000 calories, which is crucial for the energy supply of the bears. Otis, a recurring “Fat Bear” champion, was observed how he eaten 42 salmon in just five hours. The choice is influenced by various factors, including the weight, the behavior when catching fish and the ability to defend the feed location. Some bears have special features that they distinguish, like Chunk, who weighed over 550 kilos last year, and Jumbo Jet with its extraordinary weight.

The “Fat Bear Week” also offers a platform for the offspring. The “Fat Bear Junior” competition recently took place, in which the weight of four cute young bears was rated. The winner of the past few years, Bärin No. 909, was selected as an example of the attractiveness and charm of the animals, which is enthusiastically followed on social networks.

Overall, the “Fat Bear” week shows the spectators not only the desire for competition and entertainment, but also the serious challenges that the bears face in their natural habitat. Every year the awareness of the importance of protecting these wonderful animals and their habitat is fascinated.