# @nationalparkservice on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/Cxd2ng2P-ax
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/21021182-nationalparkservice-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/2c33e4b65d.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-09-21T19:59:01.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** National Park Service (@nationalparkservice) — https://gondola.cc/nationalparkservice

## Caption

My job…is just fat bear. 

The weight is over! #FatBearWeek returns to Katmai National Park & Preserve this October 4 – 10, and we need your help to crown the fattest bear!  The brown bears of Brooks River have spent the summer fattening up to survive winter hibernation…and to be crowned “Fat Bear Week Champion.” It’s kind of BIG deal. 

What is Fat Bear Week? It’s a global tournament-style bracket competition in which the public votes for their favorite fattest bear. The National Park Service launched Fat Bear Week in 2014, with the goal of celebrating the Brooks River brown bears at Katmai and its healthy and remarkable ecosystem. In 2022, over one million votes were cast all over the world from classrooms, offices (don’t tell the boss), homes, and even bars (don’t tell the boss). 

So, what does a bear need to get your vote? Is it proven adaptability, max body size, refined fishing skills, or the best beardonkadonk? 

Learn more about this year’s competition and how to participate at: fatbearweek.org

Image: Bear 747, Fat Bear Week 2022 champion, stands in a rushing river. NPS/F. Jimenez @katmainpp 

#letsgo #bear #alaska #bracket #gotime #bears #katmainationalpark

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 130,537
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- **Comments:** 481

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National Park Service | @nationalparkservice | https://gondola.cc/nationalparkservice | Government Organization |

## Tags

letsgo, katmainationalpark, alaska, bracket, bears, fatbearweek, bear, gotime

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