Fat Bear Week Kicks Off with Voting Open, but Government Shutdown Threatens Event

Fat Bear Week, an annual celebration of the brown bears in Alaska, has begun with voting now open. The event, which aims to determine the fattest bear, sees the animals gorge on salmon to prepare for hibernation. The competition takes place in Katmai National Park and involves 12 bears competing in a bracket-style competition. However, the event is at risk due to a looming government shutdown. If the shutdown occurs, it could delay or even cancel Fat Bear Week. Despite this, fans are encouraged to vote for their favorite bear on the official website.