Grazer the two-time bear mom wins Fat Bear Week 2023
In a thrilling competition filled with suspense, Grazer, a female brown bear, has emerged victorious as the champion of Fat Bear Week 2023. This prestigious title was awarded by the National Park Services, after a record-breaking number of votes.
Grazer, often described as “thicker than a bowl of oatmeal,” will now reign as the queen of Katmai National Park and Preserve. This formidable bear defeated Chunk, a large adult male, in the finals of the ninth annual Fat Bear Week competition. The victory for Grazer was nothing short of a blowout, as she garnered 108,321 votes, leaving Chunk with 23,134 votes in her wake.
The public’s enthusiasm for Fat Bear Week was evident, with a total of 1,382,783 votes cast during this year’s competition. Grazer received nearly one-third of these votes, demonstrating her immense popularity among bear enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Grazer, who has successfully raised two litters of cubs, is regarded as one of the fattest bears currently inhabiting Katmai National Park. Her dedication to protecting her cubs has earned her a formidable reputation among other bears in the area.
It is no surprise that Grazer has amassed such a loyal fan base. Posters supporting her have been displayed on Fat Bear Week’s website, testifying to her widespread appeal and admiration.
Despite participating in previous editions of the Fat Bear Week competition, it was only this year that Grazer claimed the crown. She achieved this by defeating the multi-year champion, Bear 747, in the quarterfinals with an impressive vote count of 66,687 to 9,925.
Grazer’s size is a testament to her success as a bear. In preparation for winter hibernation, brown bears consume as much food as possible during the summer and fall. Remarkably, Grazer’s victory reflects her success in this regard.
Katmai National Park expressed its delight in Grazer’s triumph, highlighting her accomplishments and emphasizing that her title in this imaginary contest is a testament to her genuine success as a bear. As winter approaches, Grazer’s well-nourished body will indeed be an advantage for her survival during hibernation.
Fat Bear Week 2023 has come to a thrilling conclusion, and Grazer has emerged as the beloved queen of Katmai National Park. Her reign symbolizes the resilience and beauty of these magnificent creatures, reminding us of the importance of conservation efforts to preserve their natural habitats.