Posted on Sep 22, 2023
From hangry to chonky: Fat Bear Week is coming
520
3
1
2
2
0
https://www.npr.org/2023/09/21/ [login to see] /fat-bear-week-2023-preview
If you've ever felt hangry, consider this: Brown bears in Alaska woke up this spring after not eating for about 6 months. And no, "hangry" might not be a technical term. But in this case, it's apt.
"That's the term I use," media ranger Naomi Boak of Katmai National Park and Preserve told NPR, speaking from Alaska.
But ever since the sockeye salmon run began on the Brooks River this summer, the bears have been feasting — and ballooning in size. That means it's time for Fat Bear Week, when fans of famous behemoths like Otis, Holly and 747 will vote for the plumpest bear in the land.
If you've ever felt hangry, consider this: Brown bears in Alaska woke up this spring after not eating for about 6 months. And no, "hangry" might not be a technical term. But in this case, it's apt.
"That's the term I use," media ranger Naomi Boak of Katmai National Park and Preserve told NPR, speaking from Alaska.
But ever since the sockeye salmon run began on the Brooks River this summer, the bears have been feasting — and ballooning in size. That means it's time for Fat Bear Week, when fans of famous behemoths like Otis, Holly and 747 will vote for the plumpest bear in the land.
From hangry to chonky: Fat Bear Week is coming
Posted from npr.orgPosted in these groups: 
WildlifeState of Alaska
WildlifeState of Alaska
Posted 8 mo ago
Responses: 1
1
1
0
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."But ever since the sockeye salmon run began on the Brooks River this summer, the bears have been feasting — and ballooning in size. That means it's time for Fat Bear Week, when fans of famous behemoths like Otis, Holly and 747 will vote for the plumpest bear in the land.
This year's competition runs from Oct. 4 through Oct. 10. Here's a quick guide:
Which bears should people keep an eye out for?
Giants like 747 — whose name evokes the jumbo jet — and 480 Otis, a multiple Fat Bear Week champion, always impress. This year's bear bracket also offers bios, with details about the large animals' equally large personalities.
Two sisters and mothers, Bears 910 and 909, could make a big splash, Boak says. In a striking development, 910 is taking care of both bears' cubs, after adopting her sister's offspring, 909 Jr.
Then there's bear 164, whom the park rangers deem one of the most innovative bears. His fans know him as "Bucky Dent," because of his unique forehead.
"He is fishing where no other bear has dared to fish: right under the lip of the falls in front of what we call 'the jacuzzi,' which is where the most dominant bears like to fish," Boak said.
"He has grown enormously in the last year," she said, "so I'd be on the lookout for him."
The 2023 bear brackets and head-to-head matchups will announced during a live chat on Oct. 2."...
..."But ever since the sockeye salmon run began on the Brooks River this summer, the bears have been feasting — and ballooning in size. That means it's time for Fat Bear Week, when fans of famous behemoths like Otis, Holly and 747 will vote for the plumpest bear in the land.
This year's competition runs from Oct. 4 through Oct. 10. Here's a quick guide:
Which bears should people keep an eye out for?
Giants like 747 — whose name evokes the jumbo jet — and 480 Otis, a multiple Fat Bear Week champion, always impress. This year's bear bracket also offers bios, with details about the large animals' equally large personalities.
Two sisters and mothers, Bears 910 and 909, could make a big splash, Boak says. In a striking development, 910 is taking care of both bears' cubs, after adopting her sister's offspring, 909 Jr.
Then there's bear 164, whom the park rangers deem one of the most innovative bears. His fans know him as "Bucky Dent," because of his unique forehead.
"He is fishing where no other bear has dared to fish: right under the lip of the falls in front of what we call 'the jacuzzi,' which is where the most dominant bears like to fish," Boak said.
"He has grown enormously in the last year," she said, "so I'd be on the lookout for him."
The 2023 bear brackets and head-to-head matchups will announced during a live chat on Oct. 2."...
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google