Grazer's Triumph: A Fat Bear Contest to Remember

In a dramatic turn of events, Grazer, a formidable brown bear, won her second Fat Bear Contest by besting Chunk, the bear responsible for her cub's death. This annual contest celebrates the brown bears of Alaska's Katmai National Park, attracting over a million votes and showcasing their resilience and survival skills.

In an unexpected climax befitting more of a melodrama than a mere popularity contest, Grazer emerged victorious in her second Fat Bear Contest this Tuesday. She defeated Chunk, a male adversary who was directly involved in the tragic death of her cub earlier this summer.

Grazer triumphed over Chunk by amassing over 40,000 votes, cast by wildlife fans closely watching live streams from explore.org of Alaska's renowned Katmai National Park and Preserve. This fan-favorite event follows a tournament-style bracket featuring 12 bears, with voters supporting the bear they believe best epitomizes winter readiness based on body fat accumulated over the summer.

The contest highlights the natural spectacle of bears fishing for salmon at the Brooks River falls, where Grazer's cub met its untimely demise after slipping and being attacked by Chunk. Despite this personal tragedy, Grazer's resilience and strength, noted for her distinctive blond ears and fearlessness, have captivated audiences globally, fostering an appreciation for the 2,200 brown bears inhabiting the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)