This year’s Fat Bear Week has been full of twists and turns, but online voters have crowned 128 “Grazer” as the champion! This is a first-time win for the mother and salmon connoisseur, defeating 32 “Chunk” by more than 85,000 votes. She is also the 3rd female bear (sow) to claim the Fat Bear throne. She joins Holly, who won in 2019, and 2018 winner 409 “Beadnose.”
The champion is described as “a particularly defensive mother bear who has successfully raised two litters of cubs,” according to the contest’s website. “She often preemptively confronts and attacks much larger bears —even large and dominant adult males—in order to ensure her cubs are safe. Her behavior produced benefits beyond the protection of her cubs. In summer 2023, many other bears remembered her reputation and Grazer maintained a high level of dominance even though she was single. For example, a large adult male, 151 Walker, regularly avoided her approach. Grazer’s combination of skill and toughness makes her one of Brooks River’s most formidable, successful, and adaptable bears.”
With her blonde ears and expert angler abilities, Grazer is a shining example of a mother warrior. Her sass has even led fans to turn her name into the verb, “Grazered.” Even her little “Grazerette” babies are beloved by Explore.org’s live cam-watching community.
Her victory even took out four-time winner 480 “Otis” who took the title in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2021. But as the National Park Service announcement says “She’s beauty and she’s grace, she stuffed so much salmon in her face.” And you really cannot argue with those before and after photos.
So congratulations to Grazer on dominating 2023’s Fat Bear Week. We hope to see you all back next year for more adorably pudgy bears.
