How the Bears at Alaska’s Katmai National Park Became Celebriti…

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Smithsonian Institution

"Fat Bear Week," an online contest that showcases the importance of fat for healthy bears in Alaska, has become a social media juggernaut. I pitched Smithsonian Magazine on a deep dive article exploring the contest's origins. I spoke with park officials, bear cam operators, park fundraisers, and bear enthusiasts for a story that got great feedback from my editors and sources, as well as lots of social visibility.