Fans of the world-famous brown bears on Alaska’s Brooks River are breathing a sigh of relief as their beloved Otis is alive and seemingly well.
“REJOICE!! KING OTIS HAS RETURNED!” Explore.org, which maintains live camera feeds on the river, exclaimed Wednesday after Otis appeared on camera for the first time since last fall.
Otis is an older bear and arguably the most famous brown bear on the planet, a four-time Fat Bear Week champion, known for his fishing exploits at his favorite spot, “the office” at Brooks Falls.
Because of his age – late 20s, well past normal longevity – and his tardiness this summer, fans had become concerned about his well-being.
But on Wednesday, Otis, looking a bit scraggly after what appears to have been a marathon hibernation, was spotted fishing (and catching) as though it were just another day.
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“My kind of bear… sleeps late, keeps everyone guessing, makes a grand entrance,” reads a comment beneath a Katmai National Park – Brooks Falls Facebook post.
The Brooks River is in Katmai National Park. Brown bears arrive on the river when sockeye salmon begin running upstream in late June.
Most of the popular bruins, including reigning Fat Bear Week champion Bear 747, aka Bear Force One, have been spotted routinely during the past several weeks.
REJOICE!! KING OTIS HAS RETURNED! 👑🐻 pic.twitter.com/8Xl6ZllaTz
— explore.org (@exploreorg) July 26, 2023
Some have new cubs, born during hibernation. Larger bears have battled over fishing rights. Bear antics have been showcased daily on camera feeds watched by thousands.
But for many, thoughts were on Otis. Was this going to be the year he did not make it back to the river? Would he be seen again?
Now Otis aficionados are already taking about his chances of claiming a fifth Fat Bear Week title.
“He looked worse two years ago and won fat bear,” one commenter correctly observed.
Stated another: “Since he’s very old, just the fact he’s back is fantastic! Give him time. He’s a zen master when fishing. Expending as little energy possible and reaping the benefits.”
Fat Bear Week, a fan-driven competition held each October, is billed as a celebration of the bears’ success in fattening up in preparation for another long, harsh winter.
