An array of entrants in the Fat Bear Week contest. (NPS via SWNS)
By Dean Murray
Fat Bear Week has returned for its 13th year.
The contest pits the brown bears of Alaska's Katmai National Park and Preserve against each other to see how well they bulk up for winter hibernation.
Marshmallow the brown bear is one of the contestants of Fat Bear Week. (C Loberg / NPS via SWNS)
The U.S. National Park Service said it has launched this season's competition to see which bear has "done the best job packing on the pounds for winter."
The bears go head-to-head in a bracket-style tournament, with the public choosing which bear will be crowned Fat Bear Week champion.
A bear named "Fat" is photographed with her two Spring cubs. (C Loberg / NPS via SWNS)
Last year, over 1.7 million votes were cast from more than 100 countries before Bear 32, nicknamed "Chunk", was crowned champion.
Park Superintendent Mark Sturm said: "There are more cubs at Brooks Camp this year than have been seen in a long time.
"A new generation of fat bears is taking shape, and they're off to a strong start.
Here in her "skinny" state is bear 910, the daughter of former Fat Bear Week champion, 409 Beadnose. (C Loberg / NPS via SWNS)
"We're excited to watch them grow and learn as they prepare for winter in Katmai's incredible ecosystem."
Fat Bear Week is a partnership between the National Park Service, Explore.org and the Katmai Conservancy.
The champion will be crowned on Sept. 29.
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