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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Mike Taylor

Half-a-ton bear nursing serious injury crowned champion

  • Chunk, officially known as Bear 32, secured his first victory in the annual Fat Bear Week contest after three consecutive years of finishing in second place.
  • The online competition invites the public to vote for their favourite brown bears in Alaska’s Katmai National Park, observing their weight gain for winter hibernation.
  • Estimated at 1,200 pounds despite a distinctive broken jaw, Chunk triumphed over Bear 856 in the final bracket of the popular tournament.
  • This year's contest featured a record abundance of fall salmon in the Brooks River, which reduced conflict among bears and allowed humans to fish alongside them.
  • Attracting over 1.5 million votes, Fat Bear Week aims to educate the public about the crucial importance of bears fattening up for their lean winter hibernation period.

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