Grazer, the undeniable champion of Fat Bear Week 2023, is joyfully celebrating her victory in style. The robust adult female brown bear, affectionately known as Bear 128, emerged as the clear winner in the finals by an overwhelming margin, amassing more than 108,000 votes.
In an exclusive interview with Google Discover, Grazer graciously shared her thoughts on her triumph and the significance of being crowned the plumpest bear in Katmai National Park and Preserve.
“It’s an immense honor to claim the title of Fat Bear Week champion, I toiled diligently throughout the summer to pack on those extra pounds, and it’s truly rewarding to see my hard work pay off.”
Grazer expressed with humility
Grazer humbly admitted that she held no secret to her success but stressed the importance of a steady diet of salmon.
“Salmon is the ultimate bear food,” Grazer elucidated. “It’s brimming with protein and essential fats, precisely what I needed to bulk up for the winter.”
Though uncertain about the exact weight gain she experienced over the summer, Grazer estimated her current weight to be well over 1,000 pounds.
“I’m feeling robust and well-prepared for the winter,” Grazer affirmed. “While I might shed some pounds during hibernation, I’ll return next year bigger and stronger than ever.”
In addition to her celebration, Grazer utilized her newfound prominence to advocate for the significance of well-rounded, fat bears.
“Fat bears are synonymous with healthy bears, They possess better odds of enduring the winter and rearing robust offspring.”
Grazer emphasized
Grazer expounded on the necessity for bears to accumulate a substantial fat layer before winter sets in to endure the extended period of hibernation. During hibernation, the bears’ heart rates and body temperatures plummet, and their stored fat serves as their primary energy source.
fat bears exhibit greater resilience in the face of climate change. With warming temperatures, bears are required to cover longer distances in search of sustenance. Fat bears, due to their enhanced energy reserves, can better weather periods of food scarcity.”
Grazer noted
Grazer passionately encouraged all to rally behind fat bears and contribute to safeguarding their habitats.
“Fat bears hold an integral role in the ecosystem,” Grazer underscored. “They aid in regulating salmon and other fish populations and contribute to seed dispersal. It is imperative that we take every possible measure to safeguard these remarkable creatures.”
