Viewers tuning in for an unusual ‘competition‘ involving bears on a live stream from the top of a mountain were in for a surprise when a desperate hiker appeared on camera, seeking help.
Every year, a peculiar event called ‘Fat Bear Week‘ captures the attention of viewers worldwide. During this event, participants cast their votes for the grizzly bear they believe will pack on the most weight in preparation for hibernation. The popularity of Fat Bear Week has grown so much that viewers now access the live stream on Explore.org throughout the year, hoping to catch a glimpse of these wild bears. However, on a Tuesday afternoon, viewers were met with an unexpected sight – a drenched hiker emerging from the mist and approaching the camera.
While the live feed lacked audio, viewers could discern the man’s plea by reading his lips, as he appeared to utter the words “lost” and “help.” Quick-thinking viewers immediately commented on the feed, expressing concern for the stranded hiker. Explore’s administrators wasted no time and promptly alerted the National Park Service (NPS), leading to the swift mobilization of a mountain rescue team to locate the distressed individual.
As the rescue operation unfolded, worried viewers voiced their relief and support for the hiker. One commenter shared, “Aaaand I’m crying because I’m so relieved. I first noticed that hiker about 3.5 hrs ago. Those rangers made it up there fast!”
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The live stream was broadcasting from Katmai National Park, a remote wilderness area in Alaska. In 2014, the park set up a webcam at Dumpling Overlook, coinciding with the inception of Fat Bear Week. The hike to this vantage point from Brooks Camp involves an ascent of 800 feet over 1.5 miles, and the hiker had unfortunately encountered adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and rain.
Katmai National Park is renowned as one of the world’s premier brown (grizzly) bear viewing destinations, boasting a population of well over 2,000 bears and some of the highest bear densities ever recorded. Access to the park is limited to air or boat travel, making it a remote and pristine wilderness. For those with solid backcountry and navigation skills, the park offers ample opportunities for hiking and camping, despite having only five miles of established trails.
In this unexpected turn of events, the dedicated viewers of Fat Bear Week not only witnessed nature’s majestic giants but also played a vital role in ensuring the safety of a fellow adventurer. It serves as a reminder that even in the world of unconventional online events, real-life emergencies can sometimes take center stage, highlighting the importance of swift action and community support.
