Summer at Katmai National Park in Alaska is coming to a close, and Fat Bear Week is upon us. Since 2014, the bracket competition put on by Explore.org has drawn an increasing number of voters and fans—1,700 people voted the first year; last year, that number topped 1 million.
The uniqueness of the bears themselves (always numbered, sometimes nicknamed) is the biggest draw. Each bear has its own history, personality, and method of gaining mass, and the voting can get intense. Favorites emerge, fat bears win and lose, and we, the viewers, experience the thrill of competition and the heartbreak that comes with loving these giant, truly wild beasts.
An excellent way to pick your bear for each day of the bracket is to try to figure out which one speaks to you the most—the real you, if you were a bear lucky enough to live in the salmon-rich waters of Katmai. We’ve made that process easier by building a quiz to help you determine your match.
Who will be the ultimate ursine?
Take Our Fat Bear Quiz
To take our quiz, answer each question and jot down your answers, a through d, as you go. When you’re done, tally up your score to see which letter you chose the most.
1. When you get to hang out at a body of water, do you…
a) Chill on the shore
b) Float with the waves
c) Go for a big swim
d) Play mermaids with your friends
e) Find the roughest water
2. When you’re faced with a challenge, do you…
a) Stand your ground
b) Chill, bro. No need to fight.
c) Back down
d) Avoid facing a challenge entirely
e) N/A: no one is stupid enough to challenge me
3. Do people think of you as…
a) Nice, but standoffish
b) The strong and silent type
c) The new kid on the block
d) An outgoing social butterfly
e) The queen bee
4. Have you lost loved ones?
a) Yes, several
b) My past is very mysterious
c) Not many—I’ve been lucky
d) Yes, a few
e) I’ve lived so long it’s unavoidable
5. What do you think about kids?
a) I love being a parent!
b) Not my scene
c) I’d like a family one day
d) I’m too young to think about kids!
e) I love my big family and hope to continue to grow it
6. What’s your biggest strength?
a) My resiliency
b) My dedication
c) My skills
d) My confidence
e) My reputation
7. What’s your biggest weakness?
a) My stubbornness
b) My really long naps
c) My lack of support—I’m alone in the wilderness!
d) My lack of experience
e) My age
Which Fat Bear Are You?
Mostly A’s…
You’re 901! At 9 years old, 901 is a female bear who’s never been fatter—or more favored to win Fat Bear Week. She’s loved and lost (she lost three cubs last year alone), but in a possible comeback, she’s looking big enough to potentially carry another pregnancy next year. She’s a total beach bum and isn’t afraid to let the rangers know she’s not interested in changing spots when they try to move her. We love a diva at heart.
Mostly B’s…
You’re 602, aka “Floatato” (seriously). This big boy showed up to the Brooks River in July and hasn’t left. He’s not interested in using his dominating size to fight and would rather float along, eat a big meal, and take a nap. In addition to his massive belly, 602 is known for the “mashed potato dance” he does when he gets overstimulated.
Mostly C’s…
You’re 609! Welcome, young one. After being surrounded by family for her first four years of life, 609 is striking out on her own this year and learning the ins and outs of being miss independent. She’s currently at the bottom of the bear hierarchy but has shown smarts and skills that give her loads of potential. We think this is just the beginning for 609.
Mostly D’s…
You’re 128 Jr.! Winner of Fat Bear Junior and nicknamed Baby, 128 Jr. is still hanging out with Mom and benefitting from her immensely. In her second summer, she’s becoming strong and confident—and loves looking for playmates and trying to fish by herself at the lip of the falls.
Mostly E’s…
You’re 128 Grazer! A queen among bears, 128 Grazer is 20 years old (!) and has raised generations of cubs, teaching them the secrets of fishing salmon at the falls of Brooks River and getting truly fat along the way. She’s extremely graceful, with flowing blond fur, and her long life and many progeny mean she’s known to the bears in Katmai.
This quiz features 5 of the 12 bears that are competing this year; learn more about all 12 bears at Explore.org.
The post Take the Quiz: Which Fat Bear Are You? appeared first on Outside Online.
