The History:[]
The History of Katmai National Park & Preserve Fat Bear Week Tournament
Fat Bear Week: A Very Short History.
The contest started in 2014 with Fat Bear Tuesday . It was a one day event, but proved to be extremely popular. 480 Otis beat 410 that year.
In 2015 , the tournament was expanded into a whole week and has kept the same format since. 409 Beadnose defeated 480 Otis in the 2015 contest.
In 2016 , 480 Otis defeated 435 Holly and won Fattest Bear on Fat Bear Tuesday and Alaska Day !
In 2017 , 480 Otis defeated 747 and won Fattest Bear on Fat Bear Tuesday .
In 2018 , 409 Beadnose defeated 747 to win fat bear for the second time.:
Overcoming the Misconception Surrounding Fat Bear Week:[]
On September 16, 2019 at 14:45, Mike Fitz comments to help overcome the misconception surrounding Fat Bear Week:
"I know that a few people, even park rangers, have stated that the Fat Bear Week contest is based on who gained the most weight, but that's a misconception. It's who you think is the fattest and you can base your "vote" on any number of factors. It could be who you think is the biggest. It could also be who you think gained the most weight or who gained the most weight proportionally. You could weight your vote on life history influences such as whether a female had to care for cubs. You could combine all of those aspects of their lives or add more. That's what makes the contest and the debate surrounding who's the fattest so much fun. I expect the bearcam audience will campaign vigorously for their favorite candidate by letting everyone else know why their bear's platform is the fattest. Who's your early favorite?"
The Purpose:[]
The purpose of the tournament: In the words of former KNP&P ranger Michael Fitz: "No matter what, Fat Bear Week is about connecting bears to their survival adaptations. It doesn't really matter who wins, because more people now recognize the efforts bears go through to gain weight to survive the winter."
The Fat Bear Week Campaign Trail:[]
747's Long-Time Campaign Manager, Mike Fitz Continues to Stand His Ground:[]
Mike Fitz' September 29, 2019 Wandering At Large blog: Fat Bear Week 2019 Endorsement
Take a look back at Mike's 2017 endorsement of 747: Blog by former KNP&P ranger, Mike Fitz ~ 747 Should Be Your Choice For Fat Bear Week
Bearcam Viewers Campaign with Posters They Created:[]
Explore.org bearcam viewers participate in campaigning for their candidates in the Bearcam comment thread::[]
Blu's ma created this poster to endorse 747 . Blu's ma created this poster endorsing 775 Lefty . Blu's ma created this poster to endorse 435 Holly . MickeyMartin created this poster endorsing 435 Holly .Tralfamadore created this poster to endorse 435 Holly using this before video source and this after source video (both videos created by Lani H) for the images in their poster. Cruiser wants "them all to win" and created posters supporting 435 Holly , 482 Brett's blonde yearling , and 775 Lefty .CarolineB created this poster endorsing 775 Lefty . LuvBears created this poster supporting 435 Holly . IRl Joanie created these posters (#1 & #2 ) endorsing 435 Holly. BMDdad created this poster endorsing 747 . Lani H created this poster to endorse 747 CorrWest created this poster to endorse 435 Holly and also created this poster to endorse 435 Holly . Barbara-10 created these posters (#1 & #2 ) endorsing 435 Holly. Phillydude created this poster to endorse 747 . Goldilocks Canada created these posters (#1 & #2 ) endorsing 480 Otis. Goldilocks Canada created these posters (#1 , #2 & #3 ) supporting 435 Holly. Goldilocks Canada created these posters (#1 & #2 ) to endorse 775 Lefty. Papa 42 NY created this poster endorsing 747 . LuvBears created this poster supporting 480 Otis . MMT created this poster endorsing 480 Otis . BearPause created this poster to endorse 480 Otis .Barbara-10 created this poster endorsing 435 Holly . MChez created this poster in support of 435 Holly .Rosematoes created this poster to support 480 Otis . Phillydude created this poster endorsing 503 Cubadult . Maritza created this poster to endorse 435 Holly .Kam created this poster supporting 435 Holly .Honeybear27 created this poster to endorse 435 Holly . BetterThanWatchingWimbledon created thisposter in support of 480 Otis . Cruiser created this poster endorsing 128 Grazer . Barbara-10 created this poster in support of 435 Holly . Team503 created this poster endorsing 503 Cubadult . Team503 created this gif with 503 Cubadult. FrogsOn created this poster endorsing 32 Chunk . Patty65 created this poster in support of 775 Lefty . Goldilocks Canada created this poster endorsing 32 Chunk . Goldilocks Canada created this poster in support of 747 . Cruiser created this poster endorsing 32 Chunk . FrogsOn created this poster to support 747 . FrogsOn created this poster to endorse 775 Lefty . PaPa 42 NY created this poster endorsing 747. IslandDunesGal created this poster supporting 747 , PaPa 42 NY created this poster in support of 747 . FrogsOn created this poster endorsing 747. Barbara-10 created this poster to endose 435 Holly .Lesleezee created this poster endorsing 435 Holly . KCanada created this poster supporting 435 Holly and this poster also endorsing 435 Holly. Brenaba created this poster to endorse 435 Holly :
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2019 Fat Bear Week Bracket Revealed September 24, 2019 Explore blog
The Media Hype:[]
Katmai Conservancy Ranger Naomi is interviewed on Living On Earth September 27, 2019:
From approximately 24:00 to 32:50 into this audio recording Naomi is interviewed to discuss "Fat Bear Week is a yearly competition to celebrate the fattest, healthiest brown bears in Katmai National Park." This is worth listening to, new research was done at Brooks Camp this year...you won't want to miss this news!!!!
The competition in 2019's Fat Bear Week is particularly heated Mashable.com article by Mark Kaufman September 30, 2019
Why reigning fat bear isn't in the contest this year Mashable.com article by Mark Kaufman October 1, 2019
2019 Fat Bear Week Tournament:[]
2019 Fat Bear Week Dates Are Announced:[]
The 2019 Fat Bear Week dates are announced in KNP&P's September 21, 2019 09:00 Facebook post :
2019 Fat Bear Week Bracket Drops:[]
2019 Fat Bear Week Tournament:
Have you been waiting to find out who this year’s contenders will be for the Fat Bear Week Contest? Wait no more. Make sure to come back each day from Oct 2nd through Oct 8th to cast your vote!
Welcome to Fat Bear Week 2019:[]
Explore video with Resident Naturalist, Mike FItz:
On October 4, 2019, Mike Fitz, Resident Naturalist with Explore.org hosted a reddit event "It's Fat Bear Week on explore.org's bearcams! Ask me anything about brown bears, salmon, Katmai and national parks."
Day 1: Wednesday, October 2, 2019[]
Explore.org's October 2, 2019 07:00 AKDTFacebook post :
Round 1: 775 Lefty vs 480 Otis :[]
KNP&P's October 2, 2019 06:00 AKDT Facebook post : 480 Otis vs 775 Lefty
"Welcome to Fat Bear Week Round 1! Today's first match-up features a nervous nelly vs. a cool customer. Known as the head bobbing lip-fisher, 775 Lefty, entertained many a Brooks Camp visitor with his fishing prowess . 775 Lefty didn’t settle for leftovers. His spot on the river fed him a slippery salmon buffet. Two-time Fat Bear Week champion, 480 Otis, gets his substantial size by practicing a "move less, eat more" fishing technique. This zen-master ’s famous figure has earned him this spot in the fat bear bracket for the 5th time."
(NOTE: IS THE SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 PHOTO LABELED 775 LEFTY ACTUALLY 879 AND NOT 775 LEFTY?)
Team503 created this poster of 480 Otis. Team503 created this poster :
Take a look at these videos from September 21, 2019. Both 775 Lefty and 879 were both observed on the lower Brooks River that day.:
775 Lefty September 21, 2019 video by Lani H. It may be important to note that on September 21, 2019, 775 Lefty's scar is clearly visible in this video.:
879 September 21, 2019 video by Lani H.:
Round 2: 854 Divot vs 402 :[]
KNP&P's October 3, 2019 12:24 Facebook post : 402 vs 854 Divot
"In round two it's all about the ladies. The sexy single sow is pitted up against the 7 time working mom. 854 was busy being the Brooks River's resident heartbreaker this season, but it didn't stop this curvaceous creature from being one of our heavy weight females in the 2019 bracket. Her competitor, 402 is the ultimate multitasker. She managed to put on a healthy heft, keep her cubbies chubby, and throw in some fishing lessons along the way. 402 may not be the largest bear in the competition, but she definitely worked the hardest!"
Fat Bear Week Live Chat with Katmai Conservancy Ranger Naomi Boak & Explore.org Resident Naturalist Mike Fitz:[]
Video by Brenda D.:
Day 1 Results ~ Round 1 Winner 775 Lefty & Round 2 Winner 402 :[]
KNP&P's October 2, 2019 18:00 Facebook post :
"Your votes are in and today's winners are:
775 Lefty, the tubby titan of the lip, overcame longtime fan favorite 480 Otis in round 1. Will 775 Lefty be ready to trounce the chunkiest of bears, 32 Chunk?
402's full figure overshadowed 854's buxom behind. Will 402's motherly instincts be enough to topple the giant 747? Tune in for both matches on Oct. 4th."
Day 2: Thursday, October 3, 2019[]
Round 3: 151 Walker vs 128 Grazer []
KNP&P's October 3, 2019 06:00 Facebook post : 151 Walker vs 128 Grazer
"Our 3rd round of Fat Bear Week brings together the congenial 151 against the combative 128. A student of the zen-master, 151 embraced the calorie conservation techniques of 480 resulting in the corpulent caniform we see today. 151 is not going to let the competition walk all over him. Without 3 cubs to look after, 128 Grazer grew into her ears. A fisher with finesse, mastering the lip of the falls was a piece of cake for this fabulous fatty."
Round 4: 482 Brett's Light Yearling vs 909 []
KNP&P's October 3, 2019 12:00 Facebook post : 482 Brett's Light Yearling vs 909
"Round 4 of Fat Bear Week features the competition's Jr. league. They may be young but they have worked to almost double their body weights since the spring. As our lone subadult in this year’s bracket, 909 is ready to squash the competition. Independence looks good on this mischievous young bear. In her salmon sleuthing she solved the age old question, how does a bear balance work and play? As one of 482's yearlings, this cub showed great skill in fishing and fattening up. Two skills that will serve her well into adulthood. Her coat may be light, but her haunches are hefty. Let’s see how this chubby cubby handles the Fat Bear bracket."
Day 2 Results: Round 3 Winner 128 Grazer & Round 4 Winner 909 []
KNP&P's October 3, 2019 18:20 Facebook post :
"The votes are in and today's winners are:
128 Grazer did not let 151 walk all over her. Will voters succumb to the charms of bear 503 or will the pudgy porker 128 emerge victorious?
The tempestuous teenager 909 trampled the white wonder for her first win in the Fat Bear Week competition. Will her ample abdomen beat out the roly-poly 435 in round 8 of the Fat Bear bracket? Come back to vote Oct. 5th and see who makes it to the next matchup."
Day 3: Friday, October 4, 2019[]
Round 5: 32 Chunk vs Round 1 Winner 775 Lefty []
KNP&P's October 4, 2019 06:00 Facebook post : Round 1 Winner 775 Lefty vs 32 Chunk
"In this morning's matchup, first time contender 775 Lefty carries his success from round 1 into this head to head with 5 time contestant 32 Chunk. The name Chunk says it all. The Chunkster waddles his way up and down the river devouring every succulent salmon in sight. Which one of these big-bellied bruins will best his competitor?"
Interestingly 13 and 14 days after the September 21, 2019 photo labeled as 775 Lefty (that may actually be 879), 775 Lefty and his easily identifiable scar were observed on the live cams and in person at Brooks Camp.:
775 Lefty NPS photos by Ranger Tammy Carmack from KNP&P Flickr (photo #1 & #2 ):
Please see this October 3, 2019 video by Lani H of 775 Lefty in the far pool where his scar is clearly visible.:
Please see these October 5, 2019 snapshots by cam viewers where 775 Lefty's scar is still clearly visible.:
Owl_and_Osprey_Lover_CA2017 captured this snapshot . Bookmom captured this snapshot . TinyJulz captured this snapshot . Xander-Sage captured this snapshot .:
Lani H created this October 5, 2019 video of 775 Lefty below the falls.:
Round 6: 747 vs Round 2 Winner 402 []
KNP&P's October 4, 2019 12:00 Facebook post : Round 2 Winner 402 vs 747
"Round 6 brings back mega-mom 402. With many balls in the air, will she be able to throw the butterball of a boar 747 out of the competition? A name like 747 evokes images of jumbo jets and boy does this bear live up to his namesake. Just because his belly touches the ground doesn’t mean this behemoth has stopped fishing, instead he will continue until he’s in a food-coma. Your votes will decide which bear moves on to the semi-finals!"
Day 3 Results ~ Round 5 Winner 775 Lefty & Round 6 Winner 747 :[]
KNP&P's October 4, 2019 18:00 Facebook post :
"Your votes are in. 775 Lefty came out of left field to sink the submarine-sized 32 Chunk. The whale of a bear 747 whomped the lardaceous leviathan 402. Whose titanic transformation will win the day in Sunday's semifinal showdown?"
Day 4: Saturday, October 5, 2019[]
Round 7: 503 Cubadult vs Round 3 Winner 128 Grazer []
KNP&P's October 5, 2019 06:00 Facebook post : 503 Cubadult vs Round 3 Winner 128 Grazer
"128 stole the show and "grazered" the competition. Will she do it again or find herself bewitched by the burly boar 503? Known for an eventful cub-hood, 503 is showing that anything is possible if you just eat! This young bear has fished among the giants of the Brooks River and charmed his way into lanky loaf-dom to come out a true contender for today’s match-up."
Round 8: 435 Holly vs Round 4 Winner 909 []
KNP&P's October 5, 2019 12:00 Facebook post : 435 Holly vs Round 4 Winner 909
"From famished to fat, 909 was clearly able to balance work and play. Her girthy glow-up is now put to the test against inflated icon 435 Holly. The senior sow is ready to eat up the competition. After emancipating her cubs in the spring she became a Brooks River empty nester. A snorkeling sensation, this gal was able to keep every salmon for herself and it shows."
Day 4 Results ~ Round 7 Winner 128 Grazer & Round 8 Winner 435 Holly []
KNP&P's October 5, 2019 18:00 Facebook post :
"Your votes are in: The voracious vixen, 128 Grazer, trampled the chubby charmer 503. 435 Holly's fab flab buried 909's bulging bulk. Which head turning hippo will hog the spotlight in Monday's seismic semifinal?"
Day 5: Sunday, October 6, 2019[]
Round 9: 775 Lefty vs 747[]
KNP&P's October 6, 2019 06:00 Facebook post : 747 Round 6 Winner vs 775 Lefty Winner of Rounds 1 & 5
"The ballooned boars 747 and 775 compete belly to belly in a beefy brawl to the final. Which overweight omnivore will pull off a weighty win?"
Goldilocks Canada created this poster for the 775+879 (aka NOT775) scandal. DTB created this poster for the 775+879 (aka NOT775) scandal.
Mike Fitz, Resident Naturalist with Explore.org answered a question regarding the cotroversial September 21, 2019 photo of 775 Lefty during his reddit event on October 4, 2019:
Day 5 Results ~ Round 9 Winner 775 Lefty + 879 = NOT775 []
KNP&P's October 6, 2019 18:00 Facebook post :
"The votes are in:
775 Lefty leaped ahead of 747 to lance the inflated giant's hopes of a win. 775 Lefty lunges on to the finals. Which female fatty will he face? Will it be the humongous Holly or the gargantuan Grazer? Only you can decide."
Day 6: Monday, October 7, 2019[]
Round 10: 128 Grazer vs 435 Holly[]
KNP&P's October 7, 2019 06:00 Facebook post : 128 Grazer Winner Rounds 3 & 7 vs 435 Holly Winner Round 8
"Two of the Brooks River's fattest femme fatales, 435 Holly and 128 Grazer, face off in today's battle of the bodacious beauties. You decide which of these fecund females will fight to the finish in the final round!"
Day 6 Results ~ Round 10 Winner 435 Holly []
KNP&P's October 7, 2019 18:00 Facebook post .:
"435 Holly was plump enough to pummel 128 Grazer, but is her avoirdupois adequate to annihilate an astonishingly obese 775 Lefty? Are you ready to bear the weight of your decision in tomorrow’s colossal conclusion?"
Katmai Conservancy's October 7, 2019 18:37 Facebook post :[]
Day 7: Fat Bear Tuesday, October 8, 2019[]
Round 11: Round 9 Winner 775 + 879 = NOT775 vs Round 10 Winner 435 Holly[]
KNP&P's October 8, 2019 06:00 Facebook post : Round 9 Winner 775 + 879 = NOT775 vs Round 10 Winner 435 Holly
"It’s Fat Bear Tuesday and you get to decide which hulking heavyweight will walk off with the championship title. Will it be 775 Lefty or 435 Holly?"
Fat Bear Tuesday Live Chat with Mike Fitz, Resident Naturalist at Explore.org and Katmai Conservancy Ranger Naomi Boak brought to you by Katmai National Park & Preserve, Katmai Conservancy and Explore.org:[]
Video by Brenda D.:
Please note: At approximately 3:57 into this live chat, Katmai Conservancy Ranger Naomi Boak states that 435 Holly has had 3 known litters of cubs. 435 Holly has actually had 4 known litters of cubs; 1 spring cub in 2006, 1 spring cubs in 2009, 1 spring cub and 1 adopted yearling in 2014 and 2 spring cubs in 2017.
2019 Fat Bear Champion: 435 Holly []
KNP&P's October 8, 2019 18:00 Facebook post : 435 Holly 2019 Fat Bear Week Champion
She is fat. She is fabulous. She is 435 Holly. And you voted her the 2019 Fat Bear Week Champion. All hail Holly whose healthy heft will help her hibernate until the spring. Long live the Queen of Corpulence!
