480 Otis, Alaska’s fattest bear overcame health obstacles before becoming 2021’s glutton before the winter hibernation in Alaska’s Katmai National Park. Here’s all about 480 Otis, the winner of Alaska’s Fat Bear Week contest.
All hail 480 Otis-the fattest bear
Authorities of the Katmai national park on Tuesday announced 480 Otis as the winner. The top bear came out victorious and with a dramatic transformation after a 2.5 months-long eating frenzy. The bear packed in all the salmon he wished for before the winter started. Otis, the 25-year-old brown bear got over 51,000 votes and overcame 151 Walker. “The people have spoken! The portly patriarch of paunch persevered to pulverize the Baron of Beardonkadonk in the final match of Fat Bear Week 2021. 480 Otis can now boast a bevy of bests w/ this fourth 1st place finish. As we celebrate, like a true champ 480 is still chowing down,” stated the National park authorities.
The Fat Bear Week is an online contest that celebrates the glutton or glories of bears before their winter hibernations. Brown bears gather near Alaska’s waterways and feast on salmon between late July and mid-October. They aim to gain as much as mass needed to survive a cold, long and harsh winter. “Each winter curled snug in their dens, brown bears endure a months-long famine. During hibernation, bears will not eat or drink and can lose one-third of their body weight. Their winter survival depends on accumulating ample fat reserves before entering the den,” states the official website.
More about the winner of the fat bear week
Additionally, despite being crowned the winner, Otis was “still chowing down”. After all what else can you expect from a true champion? According to a New York Times report, brown bears can put on as much as 4 pounds a day. And, Otis was estimated to weigh 900 pounds in 2019. Moreover, this is Otis’ fourth time winning. According to the authorities, he just recovered from health issues.
Additionally, Otis had a late start this year and was extremely thin in July. He is also missing two of his canines and was greatly worn. “Otis must also compete with younger and larger bears who want access to his fishing spots. While Otis occasionally appears to be napping or not paying attention, most of the time he’s focused on the water, and he experiences a relatively high salmon catch rate as a result,” reads his bio.