Every year, Katmai National Park in Alaska hosts Fat Bear Week, a competition celebrating the brown bears' preparation for hibernation. This year, a bear named Backpack emerged triumphantly. Demonstrating an impressive combination of size, skill in catching fish, and strategic laziness, Backpack was declared the winner, securing 103,344 votes.
Backpack narrowly surpassed his closest rival, Bear 910, who earned 98,253 votes. Notably, Bear 910 also showcased astoundingly nurturing behavior by caring for both her young and an adopted niece, illustrating the complex dynamics of bear communities.
Now in its thirteenth year, the competition has captivated a global audience, highlighting the bears’ survival strategies as they prepare for their prolonged winter sleep. This preparation is crucial since bears cease eating during hibernation, relying instead on the fat reserves accumulated during the vibrant summer months.
During this period, the bears consume vast quantities of salmon and other food from the rivers, exponentially increasing their body weight. This significant food intake is vital for sustaining them over several months without nourishment.
Backpack's victory not only underlines his already notable presence but also draws attention akin to that of his famous mother, Holly, the celebrated 2019 champion. Fans are charmed by Backpack's enormous size and the nostalgic tale of his youth, when he joyfully rode on his mother’s back, capturing the hearts of many.
Original news source: 'Backpack' declared Alaska's Fat Bear Week winner – BBC News (BBC)
🎧 Listen:
📖 Vocabulary:
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
1. Discuss a time you participated in or observed a unique competition.
2. Share your thoughts on animal competitions and their ethical considerations.
3. Have you ever witnessed an event that drew a global audience? Describe it.
4. Explain the concept of hibernation and why it is vital for certain animals.
5. Discuss how animals prepare for seasonal changes in the wild.
🤔 Comprehension Questions:
It is a contest celebrating the brown bears' preparation for hibernation.
Bear 910 was Backpack's main competitor.
Bear 910 received 98,253 votes.
Bear 910 cared for her young and an adopted niece.
It has been running for thirteen years.
They eat salmon and other river fare.
She was the celebrated champion in 2019.
🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
Every year, Katmai National Park in Alaska hosts Fat Bear Week, a competition celebrating the brown bears' preparation for . This year, a bear named Backpack emerged . Demonstrating an impressive of size, skill in catching fish, and strategic laziness, Backpack was declared the winner, securing 103,344 votes. Backpack narrowly surpassed his , Bear 910, who earned 98,253 votes. Notably, Bear 910 also showcased astoundingly nurturing behavior by for both her young and an adopted niece, illustrating the of bear communities. Now in its thirteenth year, the competition has captivated a global audience, highlighting the bears’ survival strategies as they prepare for their winter sleep. This preparation is crucial since bears cease during hibernation, relying instead on the fat reserves accumulated during the vibrant summer . During this period, the bears consume vast quantities of salmon and other food from the rivers, exponentially their body weight. This significant food intake is vital for sustaining them over several months without nourishment. Backpack's victory not only underlines his already notable presence but also draws attention akin to that of his mother, Holly, the celebrated 2019 . Fans are charmed by Backpack's size and the nostalgic tale of his , when he joyfully rode on his mother’s back, capturing the hearts of many.
💬 Discussion Questions:
1. What are your thoughts on the popularity of animal-focused events like Fat Bear Week?
2. Is it ethical to have contests involving wild animals? Why or why not?
3. How do you feel about the internet's role in bringing attention to wildlife events?
4. How important is it for humans to understand animal survival strategies?
5. Have you ever visited a national park? What was your experience like?
6. Why do you think some individuals connect emotionally with animals they have never seen in person?
7. Discuss the role of social media in promoting events like Fat Bear Week.
8. How might understanding animal behavior influence conservation efforts?
9. What can be learned from the way animals prepare for harsh conditions?
10. Would you be interested in voting for this type of contest? Why or why not?
11. How do such events impact local tourism?
12. Should there be more educational content incorporated into contests like Fat Bear Week?
Individual Activities
📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:
Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.
