A grisly murder of a female brown bear named 402 by a younger male bear named 469, also known as Patches, has led to the postponement of Alaska’s annual Fat Bear Week competition. The incident occurred at Katmai National Park and Preserve, a prime feeding spot for bears looking to gain weight before winter hibernation. Viewers watching a livestream of the park witnessed the violent attack as 402 and 469 engaged in a fierce battle, resulting in the death of the matriarch and her subsequent consumption by the younger male bear. Sarah Bruce, a ranger at Katmai, stated that while it is not uncommon for bears to eat one another if the opportunity arises, the exact cause of the attack is unknown. Both bears had been familiar to rangers for over 20 years, with 402 being a contender for Fat Bear Week.
402, known as a “killer angler” and the mother of at least eight litters, had been a prominent figure in previous Fat Bear Week competitions, showcasing the triumphs and challenges of a long-lived mother bear. Patches, on the other hand, earned the nickname “Digger” in 2012 after being spotted guarding the remains of another bear. It is uncertain whether Patches was responsible for the death of that bear. Officials at Katmai National Park acknowledged the harsh reality of bear-on-bear violence in a statement, emphasizing that the competition for survival is inherent in nature. Fat Bear Week, which began in 2014, invites the public to vote on which Brooks River bear has been the most successful at gaining weight during the season.
Last year, around 1.4 million votes were cast during Fat Bear Week, and over 10 million viewers watched the livestream from Katmai National Park. The competition has garnered significant attention over the years, with The Associated Press dubbing it “Alaska’s most-watched popularity contest” in 2023. This year’s 12-bear bracket for Fat Bear Week will be announced on Tuesday night, as the postponed event resumes after the tragic incident between 402 and 469. The competition serves as a way to engage the public in bear conservation efforts and raise awareness about the challenges faced by these animals in the wild.
The brutal reality of bear-on-bear violence was highlighted by the recent attack at Katmai National Park, underscoring the harsh conditions faced by predators in nature. The incident involving the death of 402 and the consumption of her body by Patches has prompted reflection on the dynamics of bear behavior and the unpredictability of wildlife interactions. Despite the tragic outcome, Fat Bear Week continues to draw attention to the importance of conserving bear populations and preserving their natural habitats. Through the competition, viewers are encouraged to appreciate the resilience and survival instincts of bears as they prepare for the challenges of hibernation and winter.
