Fat Bear Week Voting Delayed After Bear Attack

This year's Fat Bear Week contest, celebrating the resilience of brown bears in Katmai National Park, faced a delay due to a fatal bear-on-bear attack. Bear 469, a male, killed Bear 402, a beloved female contestant, during a live-streamed altercation, prompting organizers to postpone the unveiling of the competition brackets. The annual event, now in its 10th year, allows the public to vote on their favorite bears as they prepare for winter hibernation. Although the contest aims to educate viewers on bear ecology and habits, the attack serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of nature. Voting begins today and will continue until October 8, with the winner announced that evening. The incident has reignited discussions about the challenges faced by wildlife in their natural habitats.