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Alaska’s ‘Fat Bear Week’ Is Back In All Its Full-Figured Glory For 2023

Author Phil Harris
A brown bear prepares to eat a sockeye salmon while fishing on August 12, 2023 at Brooks Falls, Alaska. The bears feast at the falls in large numbers between July and September, as millions of sockeye salmon swim upstream to spawn within the vast Katmai National Park and Preserve. Many of the same bears return to the falls annually, gorging on salmon to fatten up before hibernating for winter. The bears have become something of an internet sensation, as "bearcams" livestream bear activity at and around the falls to viewers worldwide. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

The annual phenomenon known as “Fat Bear Week” kicks off on Wednesday, October 4th at Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve. This isn’t some cruel exercise in ursine body shaming. The event celebrates the brown bears packing on enough pounds, mostly in the form of sockeye salmon, to be comfortable during hibernation. It’s what they need to do to survive.

We humans get to have a little fun during “Fat Bear Week,” too. According to Explore.org, fans can vote for their favorite of the brown bears in a bracket-style competition. If you’re undecided, you can observe the massive mammals via live webcam and find your spirit bear that way.

Bears competing are given numbers and names. Bear 747 was the 2022 champion and is competing again this year. Last year, park officials estimated that 747 weighed over 1,400 pounds. Other 2023 contestants include Walker, Otis, Holly, Bucky, Grazer, and Chunk. The winner will be crowned the “2023 Fat Bear Week” champion on October 10th, also known as “Fat Bear Tuesday.”

You can start filling out brackets as head-to-head match-ups are announced during a live chat on the official website. You can also see some of the bears chowing down on the Explore.org Instagram page. By they way, because “Fat Bear Week” is held at a national park, this year’s event almost didn’t happen due to the threat of a government shutdown in Washington. Thankfully, the folks in Congress got their act together three hours before the deadline.

Phil Harris is 50% of "Phil & Mel in the Afternoon" on K104.7. He has been with the station since 2013 and on the air in Charlotte since 2000. Before coming to the Queen City, Phil worked for radio stations in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Seattle. In addition to the weekly "Throwback Threesome" music video feature, Phil writes about things that matter to Charlotte sports fans and pet owners. He happens to be both.

Best Places in North Carolina to Explore Different Animals

Are you looking to have some fun with animals? Well, I have been contemplating fun things to do and for some reason, a petting zoo has been on my mind. It’s probably because I recently went to Disney World and Animal Kingdom was my absolute favorite place. From The Lion King being my favorite movie to the Safari Tour at Animal Kingdom, I have been thinking about animals like crazy. But, there is no Animal Kingdom here in Charlotte for me to enjoy, right? So, I have to think of somewhere else.

Of course, I decided to take matters into my own hands. That means I am looking into petting zoos, zoos, and all types of animal parks in the state. Why not have some animal-friendly fun? Let’s enjoy some time with the animals and see what you can do here in North Carolina. Can’t wait!

  • Lazy 5 Ranch

    Lazy 5 Ranch is a drive through ranch experience. Whether you are sitting in your car or riding on the back of a wagon, you can ride through the ranch to check out some great animals. Not only will you sight see, but you can also feed them along the way. The ranch is open 7 days a week and has tons of animals like cattle, deer, goats, antelope, and other exotic animals. Doesn’t that sound fun?

  • North Carolina Zoo

    Of course, we’re naming a pretty big one – the obvious, the North Carolina Zoo. The state zoo is located in Asheboro, NC and your chance to see tons of different animals. Explore different animals and plants throughout the zoo during your time there. You can see up close and personal, lions, elephants, river otter, giraffes, zebras, and more! Sounds like a place I need to go for sure.

  • Carolina Tiger Rescue

    Want to visit a tiger rescue? Personally, I have never thought of it but it looks pretty cool to me! So, head to the Carolina Tiger Rescue and check out some wild cats. The rescue is your chance to learn more about and see tigers that have found sanctuary at this rescue spot.

  • Carolina Raptor Center

    Are you a fan of birds? Well, this might be the perfect spot for you. The Carolina Raptor Center is for the  exploration and rehabilitation of birds of prey. Visit and walk a trail to explore the different species that are in house. There are more than 30 birds of prey for you to see up close and personal. Cool, right?

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