October 8th marks the end of a fun, exciting, and enjoyable Fat Bear Week 2024. This weird yet interesting week is dedicated to the bears of the Katmai National Park. People around the world vote on their favorite fuzzy fat bear!

Since 2014, Fat Bear Week has been reoccurring annually and is becoming increasingly popular. This event is dedicated to watching 12 bears from the Alaska Katmai National Park and Reserve compete for the title of Fat Bear Champion. In the reserve, cameras are set up to broadcast a live stream so people can watch these bears from all over. 

There is an actual purpose for watching these bears for a week. This week they celebrate transformation and preparation for their winter hibernation period. For months, they have been eating to fatten up to survive the upcoming winter. Fans are able to watch them hunt and forage daily on the live streams. 

This year there’s a rematch between the fan favorites of last year: 128 Grazer and 32 Chunk. 32 Chunk is an adult male bear with dark brown fur and weighs a whopping 1,200 pounds! He spends most of his time challenging other bears for fishing spots. 128 Grazer is an adult female bear with light brown fur and the cutest blonde-tipped ears. While she may look adorable, this animal is a fierce momma bear who is currently protecting her third litter of cubs.

128 Grazer was the Fat Bear Champion last year, and this year is no different! 128 Grazer is once again the 2024 Fat Bear Champion, winning by over 40,000 votes. As the fat bears transition into hibernation, people around the world cannot wait for next year’s Fat Bear Week.