When it comes to their diet, these hefty animals will literally eat just about anything and everything that they can scarf down in the fall months. Gaining weight can also help bears secure mating opportunities and allow the females to support the birth and growth of cubs. The bears, of course, lie low in their dens and rely on their own body fat for survival. During the harsh Alaskan winter, which can last five to eight months, the temperatures are frigid and food is scarce. In order to prepare for hibernation, these omnivorous giants attempt to increase their body mass by eating and drinking nonstop.

Hefty HistoryДЇun as the contest is for humans, for the ursine participants of Fat Bear Week, gaining weight is crucial for survival. Typically, adult male brown bears can weigh up to 1,200 pounds or 544 kilograms.ДЇat Bear Week remains a fall tradition to spread awareness of the brown bears' experiences as they fight for food and survival before Alaska's harsh cold season arrives. The 25-year-old winner, who stands at around 1,000 pounds or 454 kilograms, took home the title for the fourth time since the start of the competition in 2014. Votes are cast online for the fattest bear in a March Madness-style bracket and the audience helps choose the ultimate victor.Д¤80 Otis was crowned this year's chunky champion on Tuesday, amongst the 12 contestants who worked hard to chow down before winter. Brooks River in Katmai National Park, Alaska houses a large population of these hefty bears where the competition takes place. So many reasons to love fall - crisp air, colorful leaves, sweater weather and of course, Fat Bear Week! Each fall, the competition showcases chunky brown bears that are packing on pounds to prepare for winter hibernation.

Fat bear week