This is the most wonderful time of the year.

We are in the middle of the week Fat Bear. Forget the madness of March. Forget "The single". It is the contest of the year.

OK, what are you talking about?

The bears at Katmai National Park in Alaska spent months regaining the weight they had lost during the hibernation of last year. They emerged this spring with a loose skin and a ravenous appetite. They feasted on many streams of sockeye salmon.

Now the bears are in the final stretch. They eat almost continuously.

I eat nonstop, who cares?

This is not about gluttony. It's a matter of survival.

Bears need this insulating grease to stay warm during the winter of Alaska, where temperatures can reach minus 35 degrees.

You can put a coat. Bears can not. They sleep.

Good for bears. And me?

This is the most exciting part: you can vote for the roundest winner.

Katmai National Park is organizing a single elimination tournament to crown the "Fattest Bear 2018". Voting on the park's Facebook page will continue until Tuesday, October 9th.

Like any good competition, bears have a captivating story.

There is Bear 435, "Holly", who has collected an orphaned bear cub. So comforting.

There is Bear 480, "Otis", who is a champion three times, an old pro in this field.

And there is Bear 854, "Divot", who managed to get caught in a trap.

You can meet all the bears through the fantastic and complete guide of Mashable.

Have a good week!

Read or share this story: https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2018/10/04/fat-bear-week-katmai-national-park-hibernation/1523829002/