Science

How to vote during Fat Bear Week 2020

by Nina Pullano
Gerald Corsi /E+/Getty Images

Beck Photography/Cavan/Getty Images

It's Fat Bear Week.

Brown bears Alaska's Katmai National Park have been bulking up for winter.

National Parks Service/Explore.org

Being the Fattest Bear means both winter preparedness and bragging rights.

Starting September 30, you can vote for 2020's Fattest Bear
Beck Photography/Cavan/Getty Images

National Parks Service/Explore.org

Voting takes place in rounds, organized in bracket format, not unlike March Madness.

National Parks Service/Explore.org

Last year's winner, Holly, is in the running again.

Can she pull off another win?

Holly, before and after her big summer gains.

National Parks Service/Explore.org

Holly will be up against the winner of a first-round contest between bears 719 and Chunk.

Chunk (32) before & after.

National Parks Service/Explore.org

National Parks Service/Explore.org

There are 12 bears total in the running. Voting opens every day at noon Eastern.

The winner will be announced October 6 — Fat Bear Tuesday.

Head to the Fat Bear Week website to vote.

National Park Service
And click here for more stories on the science behind Fat Bear Week.
Beck Photography/Cavan/Getty Images