Fat Bear Week, an annual competition held in Katmai National Park in Alaska to determine the fattest bear of the year, has been delayed after a shocking incident occurred between two of the contestants. The competition, which usually takes place in early October, has been put on hold following the death of one of the bears at the hands of a rival.
The incident occurred when two of the bears, known as Bear 747 and Bear 856, got into a violent altercation over a prime fishing spot along the Brooks River. The confrontation quickly turned deadly as Bear 747, the larger and more dominant bear, attacked Bear 856, ultimately killing him in a brutal display of dominance.
Park rangers were called to the scene to intervene, but it was too late to save Bear 856. The decision was made to delay Fat Bear Week in order to allow for a period of mourning for the fallen bear and to assess the safety of the other contestants.
Fat Bear Week is a popular event that attracts thousands of viewers from around the world who tune in to watch live streams of the bears as they prepare for their winter hibernation. The competition allows viewers to vote for their favorite bear based on their size and weight gain over the summer months.
This year, Bear 747 was considered a strong contender for the title of fattest bear, having put on an impressive amount of weight in preparation for hibernation. However, the incident with Bear 856 has cast a shadow over the competition, raising questions about the safety of the bears and the potential for future conflicts.
In a statement released by the park, officials expressed their condolences for the loss of Bear 856 and emphasized the importance of respecting the natural behavior of the bears. They also announced that they would be conducting a full investigation into the incident to determine the cause and prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the park works to ensure the safety of the remaining contestants, Fat Bear Week will be rescheduled for a later date. In the meantime, viewers are encouraged to continue following the bears’ progress on the live streams and to show their support for these incredible animals.
Christina