Drama at Brooks Falls

This year’s Fat Bear Week kickoff took an unexpected turn when the highly anticipated reveal of the contenders was postponed due to a dramatic event in Katmai National Park. A fierce confrontation between two Alaskan grizzlies, captured live on Explore.org’s streaming service, resulted in the tragic death of one bear. The organization collaborates with the National Park Service to host this beloved annual bear competition, sharing footage for fans to watch and vote on their favorites.

“Earlier today, a bear attacked and killed another bear on the river, and we felt it was important to address this incident before proceeding with our Fat Bear Week bracket reveal,” explained Mike Fritz, the resident naturalist at Explore.org, during a special livestream. The unveiling of the 2024 Fat Bear Week bracket has now been rescheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET.

The clash unfolded at the Brooks River, where a male brown bear faced off against Bear 402, a renowned contestant from last year. This confrontation unfortunately led to the death of Bear 402. This protected area attracts some of the largest grizzlies as they feast on sockeye salmon during the final days of the seasonal run, preparing for the upcoming hibernation. “National parks like Katmai safeguard not only nature’s marvels but also its harsh realities,” remarked Matt Johnson from the National Park Service. “Each bear visible on our webcams is in a relentless struggle for survival.”

Want to see the bears yourself? Check out our Brooks Falls Bear Viewing package and experience these Unforgettable Alaskan Adventures up close!

Image shot at Brooks Falls