Additional Coverage:
- Mama bear beats rival that killed her cub to win Fat Bear crown (newsbreak.com)
Fat Bear Triumphs in Alaska Contest
In a dramatic showdown, Grazer, a resilient mother bear, has emerged victorious in Alaska’s Fat Bear Contest. She defeated Chunk, the massive male who killed her cub earlier this summer.
Fans voted for their favorite corpulent competitor in a tournament-style bracket, selecting the bear that best embodies winter preparedness based on its summer salmon feast. Grazer’s victory marks her as the first working mother to win the contest.
The bears gather at a river’s falls, catching leaping salmon as they attempt to spawn. Tragically, Grazer’s cub fell over the falls and was killed by Chunk, a dominant bear on the river. Grazer’s valiant attempt to protect her cub was captured on live cameras.
Another bear, 402, was killed by a male bear just last week, delaying the tournament’s release. Despite these harsh realities, the Fat Bear Contest celebrates the survival skills of the park’s 2,200 brown bears.
Grazer is described as having blond ears and a strong presence, earning respect from other bears. Chunk is the largest bear on the river, known for his size and aggression.
Despite Chunk’s size, Grazer garnered an overwhelming 71,248 votes, compared to Chunk’s 30,468. Male brown bears typically weigh around 600-900 pounds in mid-summer, while females are about one-third smaller.
The contest highlights the resilience of these majestic creatures and attracts tourists to Katmai National Park and Preserve, where viewing stands provide opportunities to witness the bears’ impressive fishing skills.
Read More About This Story:
- Mama bear beats rival that killed her cub to win Fat Bear crown (newsbreak.com)