The annual contest celebrates the resilience of brown bears, despite a tragic incident that claimed the life of a beloved competitor.

This year’s Fat Bear Week contest, a cherished autumn tradition in the United States, faced an unexpected delay due to a harrowing bear-on-bear attack in Alaska. The line-up of contestants was revealed late after a shocking incident in which a female bear, known as Bear 402, was killed by the larger male Bear 469 in Katmai National Park and Preserve.

The brutal confrontation occurred on Monday and was captured by livestream cameras installed in the park. The footage revealed Bear 402’s desperate attempts to escape her predator, ultimately leading to her drowning, a tragic event that left many in shock.

Experts from the National Park Service and Explore.Org reviewed the footage and released an edited version on YouTube, discussing the unusual nature of the attack. Mike Fitz, the resident naturalist with Explore.org, expressed his sorrow, saying, “402 is a beloved bear by each and every one of us… This is really difficult to see.” The unexpected violence served as a stark reminder of the raw power of nature and the inherent dangers faced by these magnificent creatures.

Despite the tragedy, Fat Bear Week is celebrating its 10th anniversary, highlighting the survival instincts of the approximately 2,200 brown bears inhabiting the preserve. This annual event showcases the bears as they gorge on the plentiful sockeye salmon, a vital food source that helps them bulk up for the harsh winter ahead. The competition allows the public to vote on their favourite bears, as they pack on the pounds throughout the summer, preparing for the months of hibernation.

The tournament bracket for this year features 12 competitors, with eight bears facing off in the initial round while four advance directly to the second round. In this single-elimination format, bears compete daily in head-to-head matchups, with the bear that garners the most votes moving on to the next stage.

Among this year’s notable contestants is Bear 909 Jr., who recently clinched the Fat Bear Junior title for the second consecutive year. He will face Bear 519, a young female, in the first round. The winner will then compete against Grazer, the reigning champion renowned for being one of the strongest bears on the river.

In another first-round match, Bear 903, an 8-year-old male nicknamed Gully for his unusual taste for seagulls, will go up against Bear 909, the mother of Bear 909 Jr. The victor of this bout will then take on the legendary Bear 747, a two-time champion known for his impressive size and strength.

As the contest progresses from 5 pm UK time today until October 8, the public is encouraged to participate and support their favourite contestants. Despite the unsettling events that led to this year’s delayed start, Fat Bear Week remains a celebration of nature’s resilience and the magnificent creatures that inhabit Katmai National Park.