Fat Bear Week is an annual event held in October by Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska, commemorating the seasonal preparations made by Alaska peninsula brown bears inhabiting Katmai as they ready themselves for their winter hibernation.

Spectators from around the world are invited to cast online votes to determine the bear that has most effectively accumulated fat reserves.

During the summer and autumn months, bears often exceed 1,000 pounds, when they feed on salmon in anticipation of their extended hibernation period.

[8] This behavior, known as hyperphagia, allows them to accumulate the fat reserves needed to survive months of hibernation, which typically begins in November.

[9] These bears are known to consume as much as 120 pounds (54 kg) of salmon in a single day, sometimes catching as many as 30 fish daily.

[11] In addition to simple survival, fat reserves are also needed for pregnant bears; success of pregnancies is related to the adequate accumulation of fat reserves during the autumn months,[12] which give the mothers sufficient energy stores to nurture their cubs through the winter.

[13] The competition is intended to raise awareness,[14] help generate interest in conservation,[9] and allow people to engage with wildlife via the webcams.

[15] Rangers associated with Fat Bear Week have also cited a desire to increase accessibility to the otherwise remote Katmai National Park.

An investigation by park officials found that Holly had received 9,000 votes in a short span of time.

Park officials delayed the opening day of Fat Bear Week to host a live Q&A.

The event is organized by the National Park Service and Explore.org, and anyone can participate by voting online for their preferred bear.