ANCHORAGE, Alaska — In an unexpected twist reminiscent of a dramatic narrative, Grazer emerged victorious in her second Fat Bear Contest on Tuesday, triumphing over the impressive Chunk, the very bear responsible for the death of her cub earlier in the summer.
Grazer secured victory with a substantial margin, amassing over 40,000 more votes from fans who observed live footage from Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve via online cameras.
The annual contest invites fans to vote online for their favorite burly bear, utilizing a tournament-style bracket that starts with 12 competitors. Participants select the bear they believe best demonstrates readiness for winter through the weight they have amassed during the summer season while feasting on the returning sockeye salmon along Brooks River.
These bears often position themselves atop a waterfall, snatching at jumping salmon as the fish strive to leap upstream to spawn.
Tragically, Grazer’s cub met its demise after slipping over the falls, where it was killed by Chunk, regarded as one of the river’s most dominant brown bears. Grazer attempted to rescue her cub during the incident, which was monitored on live cameras.
Adding to the somber atmosphere, another fatality occurred just the week before the contest, postponing the tournament bracket’s release by a day. Bear 402, a female intended to compete in this year’s contest, was killed by a male bear on the day the brackets were expected to be announced.
Grazer is easily recognizable by her notably blonde ears and elongated, straight muzzle, as detailed on her profile at explore.org. “She commands a formidable presence along Brooks River. Her blend of fearlessness and strength has garnered her widespread respect, leading most bears to steer clear of potential confrontations with her,” the profile notes.
Additionally, her surviving cub from her third litter recently secured second place in the Fat Bear Junior contest two weeks ago.
Chunk, on the other hand, is reputedly the largest bear on the river, featuring narrow-set eyes, dark brown fur, and a characteristic scar across his muzzle. His profile highlights how he has leveraged his sheer size to ascend the river’s hierarchy, effectively claiming the best fishing spots for himself.
“Chunk’s boldness and aggression proved advantageous, as he managed to consume 42 salmon within a mere 10 hours,” his profile states, emphasizing his impressive physique.
In mid-summer, adult male brown bears typically weigh between 600 to 900 pounds (approximately 270 to 410 kilograms). By the time winter hibernation approaches, after gorging on the salmon migration—where large males may ingest up to 30 fish daily—they can exceed 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms). Female bears tend to be about one-third smaller in comparison.
This annual competition celebrates the resilience of the estimated 2,200 brown bears residing in the preserve on the Alaska Peninsula, which stretches from the state’s southwestern corner toward the Aleutian Islands. Last year, the contest garnered over 1.3 million votes, showcasing its popular appeal.
In combination with the live streaming capabilities, Katmai National Park has established itself as a sought-after tourist destination. Viewing platforms have been constructed along the river to provide visitors the opportunity to observe these magnificent brown bears as they hunt for salmon.
