Chunk, a remarkable brown bear with a broken jaw, has claimed victory in the 2023 Fat Bear Week competition held in Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve. This year marks Chunk’s first win after previously finishing in second place for three consecutive years. The annual contest invites viewers to observe twelve bears through live webcams and participate in a bracket-style voting system that spans one week.
The final showdown featured Chunk, officially known as Bear 32, against Bear 856, who does not have a nickname. According to totals posted on the contest’s official website, Chunk triumphed with an estimated weight of 540 kg (approximately 1,190 lbs). Contest organisers rely on LIDAR technology to scan bears’ density for weight estimates rather than weighing them directly, which poses safety risks.
Chunk’s Journey to Victory
Despite his injury, Chunk has earned a reputation as one of the most formidable bears in the Brooks River region. Mike Fitz, a naturalist associated with explore.org, stated, “Despite his broken jaw, he remains one of the biggest, baddest bears at Brooks River.” Fitz suggested that Chunk likely sustained his injury during a confrontation with another bear, a common occurrence in the competitive environment where these animals vie for optimal fishing locations.
The Fat Bear Week contest began in 2014 as a creative initiative to educate the public about brown bears, which are coastal relatives of grizzlies. During the summer months, these bears focus on catching and consuming as many salmon as possible to accumulate fat reserves for hibernation through Alaska’s harsh winters.
Voters participating in the contest had the chance to view before and after photos of the bears, showcasing their transformation from lean summer figures to their robust, well-fed states by the end of the season. Many fans selected their favorites based on personal preferences, whether it be the bears’ physical appearance or their intriguing backstories.
Chunk’s victory resonates with fans and wildlife enthusiasts alike, highlighting the ongoing interest in these magnificent creatures and their survival in an ever-changing environment. As the contest wraps up, it serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife preservation and the fascinating lives of the bears in Katmai National Park.
