Fat Bear Week competition set to return this month

• Fat Bear Week, an annual competition celebrating the “heftiest” brown bears, is set to return for its 11th year in Katmai National Park, Alaska.
• The main event will run from September 23 to 30, with a “Fat Bear Junior” competition for younger bears taking place from September 18 to 19.
• Fans can vote online daily for their favorite “chunky” bears, which can weigh up to 1,200 pounds as they prepare for winter hibernation.
• Last year's champion was Grazer 128, who won while caring for a cub, besting the 1,200-pound 32 Chunk.
• The competition, initiated in 2014 by former ranger Mike Fitz, highlights the bears' success in gaining crucial weight for survival during their hibernation period.

IN FULL

Fat Bear Week is coming – and the competition will be chunky