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It’s Fat Bear Week 2023: These Mammals Are Cherished And Chubby!

brown bear

Every year, Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska celebrates being home to the chunkiest bears in all of the United States. The contest celebrates Alaska’s rich ecosystem that provides amazing nutrients to the bears that live on the preserve.

Over a million folks vote annually for their favorite fat bear of the year. Because bears hibernate, fatness is a testament to their health. Thus, the chubbiest of all bears come out of hibernation the healthiest in the spring!

To participate in the voting, head to this site each day of the week to make your selections. Fat Bear Week officially starts on October 4, 2023 and ends on Fat Bear Tuesday, October 10. The rangers pair up bears and each day you’ll need to select your preferred big-bellied bear!

This celebration brings awareness to this incredible park and preserve in Alaska. Some of the most amazing wildlife in the nation lives within this park and, therefore, a celebration is warranted!

To get an early start on preparing for Fat Bear Week 2023, check out some of the bear cam footage posted by Katmai National Park and Preserve. While you watch, observe the brown bears at their most playful, exploring the beautiful terrain of the park.

Folks have even identified which bears they want to see in the contest this year! Get involved and send some love to the brown bears of Katmai National Park. They deserve it!

The featured image for this post is from YouTube.

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