Fat Bear Week 2024

2024 - 10 - 2

When Grizzlies Go WWE: Fat Bear Week Takes a Dark Turn!

Bear 402 - Bear 469 - Fat Bear Week - grizzly bears - Katmai National Park

Fat Bear Week 2024 begins with a bang—literally! A shocking bear brawl postponed the festivities. Catch the drama and fun!

Get ready to cozy up with your favorite furry friends because Fat Bear Week 2024 has officially kicked off! Set in the stunning backdrop of Katmai National Park in Alaska, this annual event celebrates some of the biggest and bulkiest brown bears in the wild—Pssst! Did we mention that voting for the audience's favorite chunky grizzly recently began? However, this year’s contest was met with an unexpected twist that no one saw coming: a gruesome bear-on-bear attack!

Drama unfolded when Bear 402, a contestant favored for his rotund figure, was tragically killed by another male bear during a fierce showdown that was broadcasted live. Some spectators were treated to a live version of 'Bear Wrestling Federation,' although this is one match that has left viewers with a somber atmosphere instead of excitement. The fatal skirmish led to a slight delay in revealing this year's competing bears, transitioning the contest from lighthearted to a grizzly affair.

As the dust settles and the brackets are unveiled, fans can now start casting their votes for the heaviest competitors in this legendary contest. The bears, who have been preparing for their season of feasting in the picturesque Alaskan wilderness, are now ready to strut their stuff. From Bear 469, affectionately known as 'Patches,' to other fluffy contenders, they’ll be vying for the title of “Fattest Bear.” Just a reminder, each pound gained is due to the relentless chase for salmon and ample munching on berries—because who doesn’t love a good buffet?

While the events of the past week may have cast a shadow on the festivities, Fat Bear Week continues to bring joy, inspiration, and fierce competition among these furry giants. So, grab your snack, pool your votes, and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of the largest brown bears on the planet. Best of luck to all contestants!

And did you know? Fat Bear Week is not only a celebration of the bears’ sizes but also serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation! Observing these mighty creatures helps researchers understand the environment and the role these top predators play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Surprisingly, the winner of Fat Bear Week can gain up to 30% of their body weight in preparation for winter—talk about hitting the gym!

In case you were curious, the tradition of Fat Bear Week started in 2014 to raise awareness about the brown bear population and promote the appreciation of these amazing animals. So, let’s send some love to our furry friends and keep voting—because in this contest, every vote counts!

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Image courtesy of "CNN Travel"

A deadly attack shakes up the bracket reveal for 2024's Fat Bear ... (CNN Travel)

The contestants for 2024's Fat Bear Week contest were revealed Tuesday night, but only after a deadly bear-on-bear attack at Alaska's Katmai National Park ...

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Alaska's Fat Bear Week begins late after contestant killed by another ... (The Guardian)

Voting opens in 10th annual contest after Bear 402 was killed by a male bear on Monday in Katmai national park.

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

Fat Bear Week 2024 takes grisly turn as fatal fight is caught on camera (The Independent)

While this year's bracket was set to be unveiled on Monday, September 30, a fatal fight between two Alaskan grizzlies has postponed the competition. The two ...

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Image courtesy of "CBS News"

Voting begins in Alaska's Fat Bear Week contest after one grizzly ... (CBS News)

Fans can now cast their votes for the bulkiest grizzlies in Alaska's Katmai National Park, as the 2024 Fat Bear Week contest begins.

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Image courtesy of "New York Post"

Fat Bear Week delayed after rival bear deathmatch — what started ... (New York Post)

In this screenshot from a live-streamed video, two bears in Katmai National Park 8. A male bear, with the identification number 469 and referred to as “Patches ...

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Image courtesy of "FOX 10 News Phoenix"

Fat Bear Week starts a day late after bear kills rival on live webcam (FOX 10 News Phoenix)

Fat Bear Week is back, but the annual contest that celebrates brown bears and their healthy appetites was delayed after a bear killed another bear on a live ...

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Image courtesy of "American Songwriter"

Fat Bear Week 2024: A Playlist for Katmai National Park's Yearly ... (American Songwriter)

Fat Bear Week kicked off in Katmai National Park recently, so here's a playlist to put on repeat while you're checking the bracket.

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Image courtesy of "IFLScience"

Fat Bear Week 2024 Plans Delayed After Bear Fight Ends In Death (IFLScience)

Although she never won, 402 was popular with fans for mothering at least eight litters of cubs. Image credit: N.Boak/Katmai National Park and Preserve via ...

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