- Fat Bear Week, an annual competition celebrating the “heftiest” brown bears, is set to return for its 11th year in Katmai National Park, Alaska.
- The main event will run from September 23 to 30, with a “Fat Bear Junior” competition for younger bears taking place from September 18 to 19.
- Fans can vote online daily for their favorite “chunky” bears, which can weigh up to 1,200 pounds as they prepare for winter hibernation.
- Last year's champion was Grazer 128, who won while caring for a cub, besting the 1,200-pound 32 Chunk.
- The competition, initiated in 2014 by former ranger Mike Fitz, highlights the bears' success in gaining crucial weight for survival during their hibernation period.
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