Page 36 - Breath of the Bear

I LIKE THEM CHUNKY

CELEBR ATION OF FA T BEAR WEEK

In this corner we have Chunk, a massive adult This area sees a sizable amount of bears as they flop, float, and scoop the protein rich Sockeye
male brown bear who uses his considerably salmon headed upstream to spawn. Researchers identify bears by using a combination of photos,
colossal size to dominate the best fishing spots. records, and observation to determine unique physical characteristics and behaviors. Park staff
In the other corner stands Grazer, a whopping assigns an identification number to bears and, over time, they might give them a nickname. While
enormous female bear with blond ears, who bears eat a variety of plants and animals, it is the salmon rich waters of Brooks River where bears
other bears avoid because of her dominant gravitate to in order to pack on the pounds needed before hibernation. By the end of the season in
reputation. The anticipation is palpable as the late October, the most successful bears can reach 1,200 pounds.
audience eagerly waits for the results of Fat Fat Bear Week is a celebration of these amazing bears, who are intelligent, adaptable and
Bear Week! resilient. Their success for the winter depends not only on their hunting and fishing skills and
In the greatest match up the world has ever knowledge passed down from the mothers, but also on the delicate balance of the ecosystem
seen, the first week of October has thousands in Katmai preserve. People can help ensure the health and sustainability of the environment by
of people logging on to their computers getting to know the bears of Katmai and understanding how every species is intricately intertwined
and voting for the biggest, the beefy the in a complex web of interdependence.
fattest bear in all of Katmai National Park and While the bears get no reward for clocking in as the most chunky, the true prize is for the
Preserve. Throughout the season explore.org, observer, who gets to watch the sheer commanding strength of these marvelous creatures as they
in cooperation with the National Park Service, take part in the last of the great salmon runs.
maintains live cameras in Katmai, concentrating
on the area of Brooks River and Brooks Falls. To watch live bear cameras and other amazing wildlife videos, please visit: explore.org
Fat bear week website
www.explore.org/fat-bear-week
Bear cams
www.explore.org/livecams/brown-bears/brown-bear-salmon-cam-brooks-falls
For Teachers
www.nps.gov/katm/learn/kidsyouth/fat-bear-week-in-the-classroom.htm
Bear cam wiki edition
www.katmai-bearcams.fandom.com/wiki/Bear_Book_~_The_Bearcam_Wiki_Edition
Katmai Conservancy
www.katmaiconservancy.org/
TravelGuidebook.com
Travel Guide Book is a proud partner of the Katmai Conservancy.
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