Barb Stop

Fat Bear Week returns to Katmai National Park & Preserve in Alaska on September 22, with 16 brown bears competing for this year’s crown.

The annual competition celebrates the bears of Brooks River as they pack on as much weight as possible before heading into hibernation. Fans vote in head-to-head matchups based on each bear’s transformation and success preparing for winter.

Defending champion Bear 32, better known as Chunk, is back in the bracket after winning last year’s competition.

And Fat Bear Week has become a worldwide event. More than 1.7 million votes were cast during last year’s competition, with people participating from roughly 100 countries.

Voting begins September 22 and runs through September 29.

You can vote at FatBearWeek.org

Shared on behalf of Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement

On June 3, 2026, a grizzly bear sighting near the Grande Cache Elementary School was reported to Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement. This bear is believed to be one of two grizzly bears that have been seen at the Grande Cache Golf and Country Club and around the townsite in recent weeks.

The best way to prevent human-wildlife conflict is to secure attractants that may draw animals to your area, such as food and garbage. Until the morning of your garbage collection day, store garbage bins in a garage, shed or another secure location.

The same principles apply to barbecues. After each use, scrub your grill clean and store it in a secure location.

Taking simple steps to manage attractants helps keep bears wild and communities safe.

Report bear encounters to the Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800 or online at alberta.ca/report-poacher

For more information about bear safety, visit alberta.ca/alberta-bearsmart-program-overview

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First hike of spring, and higs and Daphne found a gopher in a pipe.