Countdown to Fat Bear Week: Get Ready for the Chubbiest Showdown at Katmai National Park

Fat Bear Week, a bracket competition held at Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska, celebrates the success of brown bears as they prepare for hibernation by bulking up. The competition, which begins next month, allows fans to vote for their favorite bear, with the winner crowned at the end of the week. The event highlights the importance of the bears' fat reserves for survival and the unique ecosystem that supports them. Fat Bear Week also provides an opportunity for people to learn about and connect with nature, with millions of viewers tuning in to explore.org's bear cam livestreams.