'Fat Bear Week' to return with internet voting on Alaska's chunkiest ursine ahead of hibernation

Published 1w ago · Updated 1w ago

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Internet users worldwide are preparing to crown the champion of Alaska's most robust bears in the upcoming annual tournament.

Fat Bear Week is returning for another tournament-style internet voting competition celebrating the heavy ursines of Alaska before their winter hibernation. Fans from around the world will engage in a bracket-style contest to crown the chunkiest bear. The annual event highlights local wildlife conservation efforts and generates massive online engagement.

Participants vote through an online tournament bracket to select their favorite bear.
The competition celebrates the survival and health of bears before they enter hibernation.
A returning fan-favorite bear is expected to draw substantial attention during the tournament.

Written from 2 of 3 outlets — 1 has since joined this story.

Timeline

Sep 16News coverage highlights the upcoming return of Fat Bear Week and its internet voting system.
Sep 17Additional reports detail the return of fan-favorite bears and provide guides for the tournament.

Why it matters

Fat Bear Week has grown into a major viral phenomenon that raises public awareness about the ecosystem and wildlife preservation in Alaskan national parks.