The Rise of the Fat Bear: What Katmai's Annual Contest Reveals About Conservation Efforts The Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska is abuzz with activity this time of year as 16 plump and proud bears compete for the title of Fat Bear Week champion.
Last year alone, over 1. 7 million votes poured in from around the world to crown a winner.
But beyond the humor and novelty of watching these massive creatures gorge on salmon and berries lies a more nuanced story about the health of our planet's ecosystems.