Otis Special Fat Bear Report for October 5, 2023: I’m sitting here looking through snaps and remembering July 26, 2023: The day Otis came Home. ♥ I’m searching my Otis Snaps Collection and trying to find the perfect Before and After shots which illustrate a fair comparison ahead of today’s Fat Bear vote featuring Otis.
And I can’t decide. Why is this so hard? I’m crying over the images of his first few days back. And I realize that I can’t decide because it can’t truly be done. There are no two snaps which sum up Otis’ 2023 Transformation.
It’s not about the “Before” and the “After” for Otis. It’s his story that makes Otis… Otis. That makes him a success. A Survivor. That illustrates his Perseverance. It’s his story that makes him special. That brings people from around the globe together in this tiny chat box to ask every single day, “Has Otis been seen today?”
So it’s his story of transformation that we’re going to try to convey. It’s a story of Perseverance. Adaptability. Hope. Transformation. Survival. It’s the story of a Fat Bear. 🙂
—
July 26. It’s exactly 5:55 p.m. here. After our initial confusion over whether that’s Highlights of Otis or the Legend Himself on screen, we toss our precious month-old granddaughter to her mom like a quarterback hands off a football and say “Gotta go! OTIS!” (My granddaughter will undoubtedly be told this story some day, and I will be cast as a Crazy Bear Lady.)
I’m frantically collecting snaps of his first sighting on my cell phone. “FISH!” I yell, in my car (to no one in particular), as I realize I’m crying (also to no one in particular). Otis is HOME! ♥
Another one! He tries all the usual fishing spots. Fish count: 5. It’s a start.
July 27. We get a really good look at Otis. It’s scary. But he made it back to Brooks Falls. That’s something. He’s eating. That’s another something. He will fish day and night and night and day to get fat. He has the Perseverance of 5,000 men.
But the fish are fewer this year. Data indicates that this year is more like the 2012 or 2013 salmon runs rather than the records of the last two years. The fish are just not that plentiful overall, even in the most coveted fishing spots. For the last two years, Otis has been able to (mostly) sit in his Office and the fish come to him. Viewers are, understandably, worried.
July 29. Otis is acting like typical Otis. “Normal.” That gives us Hope.
He is, however, getting displaced from his Office routinely. He sliiiides to the left. He continues fishing. He gets bumped from the Conveyor. He sliiiides to the back. He’s *got* to be weak from hunger, yet he manages 20 fish in four days on cams. Hope and Perseverance meet Adaptability. He continues fishing, no matter his location.
July 30. After fishing the Overnights, he disappears from cams. This is not typical Otis. Chatters begin to ask “Has Otis been seen today?”
August 4. Otis returns. Is he fatter? No. Yes. Maybe… gosh, no one is sure. Debate ensues. We’re all trying to convince ourselves and each other that Otis looks better. That he’s going to be okay.
Just before midnight, Otis finally gets a chance at his Office: 19 FISH! Relief. And more Hope.
When he leaves the Falls for a break in the morning, we see what 19 salmon looks like: Otis is filling out. Rest, Sweet Otis, rest. You go and enjoy that nap. 🙂
August 7. He looks better. We can all agree — he *definitely* looks better. That is not to say he looks good.
This is his new routine due to being displaced during daylight hours by everybear who’s more assertive than he (and Ms. Grazer too). Hope and Adaptability combine to relieve some of viewers’ worry. But Otis is oblivious to us — he’s just being Otis. This is what Otis does. Fish, snoozle, fish, fish, snoozle. Sometimes snoozle while fishing thrown in for a change of pace.
August 8. He fishes all day, save a few hours in the middle to nap. The result? A whopping 36 FISH!
August 9. 35 Fish + 12 High Grades. August 10. 28 Fish + 4 High Grades. Between August 11 and August 22, 216 FISH on cams!
Adaptability, Perseverance, and Hope are having a fine conversation now. 😉
August 22. Otis looks good!
August 23. Otis disappears from cams again. And chatters begin to ask again, “Has Otis been seen today?” They ask every day. Again, we try to convince each other and ourselves he’s okay. He’s going to be fine.
September 8. Otis returns to a collective sigh of relief. Hope returns.
September 9. In prior years, Otis would be still fishing only at the Falls. This year, he’s doing that almost entirely during the night, but in the day, he’s already heading Down River this date. Because Adaptability.
September 10. Transformation enters the chat.
September 15. This date, Otis’ cover shot for Fat Bear 2023 is captured by Katmai Rangers. Otis’ efforts from July 26 to September 15 have achieved the look of a “normal” bear. Some bears come back from hibernation looking this healthy (looking at you, 747!), but for Otis in 2023, this is Total Transformation. Official Fat Bear Photo by W. Whelan is flipped here (Otis No. 7 is on his left shoulder).
September 25. Otis fishes. His Transformation is obvious to even the most novice viewer. In 2021 and 2022, Otis could be found on one cam routinely — Brooks Falls; in his Office (easy fish counting, it was). In 2023, his routine is Lower River, a walk to and through the Falls, a stop in his Office, check out the Sandbar, Up the Fish Ladder, and Up River.
October 4. Up the Fish Ladder like a spring cub. This might be the day viewers finally sigh in relief. Hope and Otis carried us through. Transformation complete.
I said Otis’ story is one of more than just Before and After photos — and it is, without any doubt — but by the time we got this far in, we found the photos that speak to us. From July 26 to October 5 and 398 Fish + 25 High Grades + 315 DOAs + 65 Scraps in — more than 2 Million calories estimated. This is what Adaptability, Perseverance, Survival… a Champion looks like. A reflection of total Transformation. And our Hope from around the globe.
But it’s his story that makes him a Champion. It’s his story that unites us. That makes him Fat Bear 2023, no matter how the vote goes today. His story is the reason we will VOTIS OTIS!
A Vote for Otis is a vote for the best Ambassador Katmai and Explore have ever had or possibly will ever have.
And in the end, I’m not just sitting here looking for snaps of Otis. I’m just sitting here loving you, Otis. ♥
Sending everyone Wishes for Fishes and hopes for a day as calm and smooth as a day fishing with Otis! Remember: Votis Otis!
Bear cam images in this post are copyright National Park Service and/or Explore.org
Dear Nature:
Excellent summary of Otis! I too cried when he finally appeared late summer looking so fragile. Following Otis everyday gave me hope. I think it takes an older person to truly empathize Otis’ life & his continued hardships simply to exist. He is the symbol of everything that everyone should emulate in life. For these reasons I am voting for Otis. Regardless of who wins, I know in my heart Otis is the Winner.
Thank you!! Otis will always be a Champion.
I am so happy to see this. I cannot believe how much behind in votes he was. It makes me so sad that his perseverance was recognised. I cried also when I saw him in July. Life is so hard as an old bear and many don’t make it to his age. Otis is a champion.
Otis is always the Champion, no matter how the (silly) humans vote!
This is the most beautiful thing I have ever read. Had to stop so many times to clean the tears off my glasses. How I love this bear and how I love your reports. Thank you so much for expressing what is in so many hearts and minds.
Oh my goodness, what a sweet, sweet compliment! Thank you. ❤️ You’re so very welcome. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the Reports!
Thank you for entertaining me for months with your fishing reports, and thank you so, so much for this summary. I haven’t been able to put into words why Otis feels so important to me but you’ve gone and articulated it beautifully! Hope and perseverance. ❤️
You’re very welcome, and I’m grateful to be able to put into words what you and so many others feel. Thank you for the nice comment and taking time to post it!
Thank you for this beautiful Tribute to Otis. I have been uset that the photo used for Fat Bear week just does NOT do OTis justice. He gained so much weight since that photo on Sept 15.
But your writings have once again brought a smile to my face. I love OTts, his Zen-ness, his ability to just keep going, no matter what. He will ALWAYS be a champion and the King of Katmai for me.
I know there will come a day when we see him no longer…and I will picture him sleeping in his den, and then he just quietly drifts off to Bear Heaven, no pain, no fear, just a peaceful transitition from this world to the next…where he can run and play and fish and snoozle to his heart’s content.
But until that day comes, I will continue to cheer on OTis, to dleight in his return, to worry when he is thin and pushed around, to cheer again when he defies the odds and finds plenty of fish to eat. I love Otis so much…I admire his patience and his adapability, and his sweet temperment. Fish on, Otis, get nice a fat before your long winter snoozle.
Luckily, Otis doesn’t care about the vote — Fat Bears, Fat Shmears!!
Long Live King Otis!
Your writings have once again brought a smile to my face. I love OTts, his Zen-ness, his ability to just keep going, no matter what. He will ALWAYS be a champion and the King of Katmai for me.
I know there will come a day when we see him no longer…and I will picture him sleeping in his den, and then he just quietly drifts off to Bear Heaven, no pain, no fear, just a peaceful transitition from this world to the next…where he can run and play and fish and snoozle to his heart’s content.
But until that day comes, I will continue to cheer on OTis, to dleight in his return, to worry when he is thin and pushed around, to cheer again when he defies the odds and finds plenty of fish to eat. I love Otis so much…I admire his patience and his adapability, and his sweet temperment. Fish on, Otis, get nice a fat before your long winter snoozle.
Thank you so very much for your kind words, Stacey! Always happy to make a fellow bear lover smile!
Your comments mirror my thoughts exactly.
Thank you…and sorry for all the typos in my comments…obviously typing and proofreading are not my strong suits.
And thank you so much for your Otis Fishing Reports – they are delightful to read. You have quite the knack for writing.
No worries, Stacey — I didn’t even notice your typos. If you don’t mention mine, I won’t mention yours.
You’re very welcome, and I appreciate your saying so! We love to make people smile!
Thank you so much, Nature’s Folio. This is by far the very best Otis Fishing Report. Showing his transformation this year has brought me to tears of happiness. I am very grateful for all the hard work you put into these reports. I love Otis and I definitely votised for Otis.
You’re very welcome! Thank you for your kind words and supporting the Otis Fishing Report!
Thank you for the beautiful Otis posts!
I voted for King Otis!
You’re very welcome!
Thank you for your wonderful multiple daily updates! They have gotten me through this bear season. Every one of them has given me joy watching Otis persevere and do so well. This one was an amazing synopsis of the trials and tribulations Otis and we his fans have gone through this year. I voted Otis! 🙂
You’re very welcome!
Thank you! Well written. I love this bear and root for him always. He is a beautiful example in do many ways.
Thank you so much!
I am happy with Otis’s transformation finally this year. He had me a bit worried about him., He looks great now. Win or not he will always be the champ in my books !! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Always the Champion!
What a wonderful diary of Otis’ movements and diet. I’m new to the Katmai National Park Brooks River viewing and have found it fascinating footage and very addictive. Because of the 17+ hour time difference, I turn on my TV at all sorts of hours and always look for Otis. I love that he is described as being “in the office”. So cool! I agree that there should be a special award for tenacity and dedication, especially for such a beautiful senior brown bear.
Thank you very much — so glad you enjoy the Otis Fishing Report! He’s a very special bear… He unites people around the globe, and your comment is a testimony to that!
As a new east coast member of the Katmai Cam Community, I am in awe of Otis, this Cam Community, and all the brown bears of Brooks River! (Not to mention the breathtaking views!) I have found myself instantly drawn to 480 Otis, just from watching his demeanor, behavior, and his will to thrive. He is simply amazing, and inspiring! Yes, inspiring!! Your ‘Otis Fishing Reoort’ is pure sunshine on the dreary and the brightest of days! Otis has the lead role here, and at Brooks River – and I hope every bear (and human) is learning from him!
♥️Otis always has my vote!!!
Thank you for your awesome reports!
Thank you so much, Angela, for you sweet comment! To be compared to sunshine is among the highest compliments we can receive! ☀️ We’re so glad to brighten your day, and yes, we quite agree that Otis is an inspiration. We should all strive to be more like him — Fish More, Growl Less!
This was beautifully stated. Thank you for keeping us up to date on this most wonderful old bear.
Thank you for saying so, and you’re very welcome! 🙂
Sniff…beautiful and true and inspiring. Like Otis himself.
Thank you 🙂
Thanks.
But more thanks for your tribute to the unbelievably inspirational bear that is Otis. Your words in your report were beautifully written. I too was looking through his early season photos…scary times. More tears . But you’ve reminded me that all that really matters is that the heart-stealer Otis, the King of Katmai gets fat enough to hibernate in comfort and good health. Votes schmotes. He will always be The Comeback King and bear of my heart ❤️
P.S. you are an absolute legend for doing these reports
Hi, Kaz!! Thank you so very much for your kind words!
I cry with everyone else and I worry with everyone else about Otis, but I feel like it would be a disservice to focus on the worry in real time in chat. My goal has been to shine a light on the positive and lift those people who are worrying. If I’ve done that, then goal achieved.
Again, thank you. I appreciate that you took the time to share your thoughts.
King Otis of Katmai will forever reign in the hearts and minds of the many people who love him, I am one of those people. Long live King Otis. <3 <3 <3
Yes, he sure will!
I absolutely loved reading this! Thank you. What a beautiful tribute to a truly beautiful soul, embodied by a beautiful bear. We are all so lucky to have the privilege of witnessing Otis thru the cams, and this making him a part of our lives… what we all can learn from this truly special bear. Man, I love me some Otis… he is without a doubt the King of my Heart! ♥️ Love you Otis, always. xo
Thank you so much, and you’re very welcome!
Thank you for this. Oh Otis you lovely beast. It was watching him fish one day that hooked me on these bears 5 or 6 years ago. Otis quickly became my guy. Now every summer, it’s not summer until Otis is seen at Katmai. My friends think I’m nuts but it’s an obsession until I know he is ok. This year I raised a singleton puppy with the bears and water as part of his socialization exercises. I’m not obsessed…seriously??? Just love Otis.
You’re very welcome! We agree — all the bears are addicting, but Otis especially!
Ten years ago, When I first happened to accidentally come across the Katmai Brown Bears, I was, like Otis, ten years younger and healthier than I am now……not quite a spring chicken, but still adequately weighted, with tireless pep in my step, and verve coursing through my veins I lived and breathed hope eternal, and was a definite creature of habit and ritual. Ten years ago, I was still reeling from a flood of deaths that occurred 2 years prior. With Sanctuaries and confidences gone, I happened upon a realm of tremendous beauty, magnificence, triumph, tragedy, sorrow and delight. What is this wondrous place, who are these incredible creatures and where is this Office and its manager I keep reading about? The Office manager was younger then, not quite a spring chicken, but still adequately weighted, with pep in his step and verve coursing through his veins. Ten years on, I’ve become an oldie, like Otis. We are weighted more sparingly. The step is more cautious than peppy, but it can still travel the miles. Nowadays, the coursing of verve insists upon being fueled by good and plenty eats and lots of anytime rests. Like Otis, parts are creaky and sore, teeths are worn, but the overall rituals and habits of living life as a dignified oldie remain the same until they need to be adjusted. Ten years ago, when I was younger, I found younger Otis. To this now oldie day, he has been my “all is good and well” Sanctuary…. till we meet again next year…Sweet Winter Bear Dreams to you, dear Otis.
This is so lovely! Otis reminds us that we can persevere at any age with dignity and respect. Adaptability is key.
Thank you for this, and thank you for OFR!
♥️
I’m disappointed, but not surprised. The way I see it, it’s a numbers game, and there are a LOT more people aware of the Katmai bears. The audience has expanded and everyone has their favorite.
It’s not strictly choosing the chonk. It’s resilience, adaptation and the greatest gains. Otis met all of those criteria. Those accomplishments didn’t matter to the majority. That doesn’t diminish Otis’s excellence one bit. Otis won just by being out there, fattening up; he doesn’t need another Fat Bear win. I just want him healthy and able to comfortably continue to enchant the world until he decides he has earned his rest. At which point he will be eternally, Otis, King of Katmai.
There was also the issue in simply voting… People said that they were unable to vote for Otis, the page wouldn’t work correctly. I had a problem also, but I exited the page and tried later. It makes me wonder how many other people experienced this… anyway…
Sweet Otis Dreams,
Yes, Otis is a winner without regard for Fat Bear Week! We do believe he’s the best ambassador Katmai and Explore will ever have, but we understand the voting has shifted a great deal to an audience that judges primarily by photos without regard for the story, and that’s okay. The exposure is good for the bears, the salmon, the environment, Katmai, national parks in general, Explore, and even our little Otis Fishing Report. So it’s all good!
What an absolutely beautiful piece of writing about the most wonderful subject matter – Otis. He changes everything when he shows up, and then he changes it again when he gains weight.
Never has a bear had such influence over people. I hope his reign as King of Katmai passes all our hopes.
Thank you for counting those fish!
Aww, Sienna! Thank you so much for your lovely compliment!! Yes, Otis is a game changer, for sure. Long Live the King of Katmai!
Thank you, Nature, for this wonderful recap of Otis’ transformation! With his grit, patience and perseverance, our Otis has once again overcome all odds to have his best shot at surviving the winter.
Your reports are much appreciated—they are humorous and so positive even when we worried about Otis. For me, a day without Otis as well as your report was indeed a day without sunshine! Thank you for your hard work and dedication to our most beloved bear!
Thank YOU so much for taking time to share your appreciation! You’re very welcome — happy to be a part of your day!
Thank you. It’s really incredible the amount of emotion one can feel about a wild animal far, far, away. He brings such joy, hope and inspiration to so many. Your writing captures it beautifully. ❤️
Aw, Jill, thank you so much! Yes, Otis unites people around the globe. I’m glad to be a part of it!
Thank you for this Otis special report! It is beautifully written with great pictures – A perfect wrap-up for a summer of reporting. I will miss Otis as he’e become a pleasant habit for me. Best wishes for a safe winter hibernation for all!
Thank you so much for you nice comment! You’re not alone in missing Otis over the Winter. But summer will come, and we’ll get to enjoy all the bears again!!
Thank you for the special Otis report! It is beautiful and frankly made me tear up a bit. Otis is my inspiration. 🙂
You’re very welcome, Sydney! Thank you so much for reading and taking time to comment. Otis is an inspiration to many!
This special report is resonating with so many bear fans! ♥️ “Read this and tell me why you didn’t vote Otis”
https://m.facebook.com/groups/380742310383236/permalink/851636599960469/
Aww! Thank you so much for the share! I read the comments, and it sounds like a lot of people are surprised by the vote — as am I.
At the end of the day, all that really matters is that Otis is eating. He is a Champion to all who are in the know.
Thank you for sharing. You’re words are very touching. Otis is one of a kind.
He sure is!
You’re very welcome!!
You have summed up beautifully the magic of Otis. Many of us can empathize with Otis because life is hard and it gets harder as we age. We may get pushed around and devalued by others in our orbit. Otis faces these challenges everyday and manages to succeed anyway. If he has to wait for his office–he waits. If waiting doesn’t work, he changes his hours. If the fish aren’t coming to him–he will go to them. He does this all with no drama and a quiet dignity. Otis may not always win the Fat Bear competition–but he will always be the King of Katmai! Not even his eventual death will take this title from him. Your daily reports always bring a bright spot to my day–no matter how hard that particular day may have been. You have done so much Otis’s legacy as well as us chatters who just needed a smile. I can’t begin to express to you how valued all your work has been for me. Thank you so much!!!
Otis’ work ethic is impeccable and his no-drama attitude is perfection in cam viewing. And, yes, he’s lower in the hierarchy now, but he will persevere. An example to be followed!!
I’m so glad to be a part of your day, and I appreciate that you’ve taken the time to comment very much. It keeps me going when I get overwhelmed.
This is so beautiful and touching! I read this 4 times and cried every time. What a lovely and fitting tribute to the bear that has had (and continues to have) such a positive influence on the world. Thank you so much! I have been reading your reports every day this season and have loved every one of them! Also, “Snoozles” is such a great word and one that I will always associate with our beloved Otis 😀
Thank you so much for your comment! I’m glad to be a part of your day andake you smile.
You’re very welcome, and feel free to say “snoozles” often and loudly — it’s so fun!
I’m new this year to the Katmai bear cams and all the wonderful stories of these beautiful animals. I didn’t know Otis before this year but have been so moved by the sense of awe, respect, love, passion, unity, etc…that I experienced when reading any posts or comments about Otis. He’s the Dolly Parton of brown bears…impossible not to love.
I found the Otis fishing report about a month ago and showed it, along with the bear cams, to my 17-year-old son who doesn’t always want to talk to mom. It really caught his attention and he and I have been so entertained by reading the reports and trying to follow Otis’ adventures. We look for them together every day. So thank you fishing report and Otis for giving this “mama bear” a way to stay connected to her beloved cub. I think Otis has transcended competing with other mortal bears for titles and trophies. He certainly has our hearts regardless.
Wow! What a lovely comment — thank you so much for taking time to share your story!
Those teenage years can be rough. They want autonomy and support at the same time, and it’s hard to navigate for both the parent and the child. How wonderful that you were able to connect over Otis — I just love that! And I’m glad to be a part of it.
During winter, maybe you both can dig into the volunteer-curated Katmai Bear Wiki and learn more about Otis and other bears: https://katmai-bearcams.fandom.com/wiki/Katmai_Bearcams_Wiki
Also check out YouTubers who curate video clips. There are many! User McKate is very popular and curates a ton.
Again, thank you for sharing!
Thank you for the suggestions. We are planning a trip to Katmai next year so getting more familiar with all the bears will be a great way to prepare and continue to connect. Thanks again for what you do. The world needs more Otis.
You’re very welcome! I hope your trip is wonderful!
Voting for the handsome Otis
VOTIS OTIS! ✅
It’s a big BOO that he didn’t win his contest, but most important is the exposure for Katmai, Explore, and the environment, and that Otis and all the bears are fat!
I started watching him last year, and was hopeful that he would show up again this year. I love your story. You have captured the essence of Otis. I was driving to work one day, and someone had put out a big huge brown teddy bear, most likely for trash pickup. The bear was sitting against the fence, with his head down. Looked like he was napping. I cracked up laughing, and instantly said……..hey, it’s Otis! We all love Otis, he will always be a winner! Thank you for your story!!
Aw! Floppy teddy bears always remind me of Otis! Thank you so much for your nice comment — glad you enjoy the Reports!
Hello, I had to comment as your posts are incredible! You must be a writer and if not should be. You captured the essence of love we have for Otis so well. I’m writing with tears in my eyes. How in the world can a bear mean so much to me? Will my kids put me in a home with padded walls? (Likely) but Otis is what I believe humans want to be, patient, chill, hard working, and even kind as we see him with 164 learning from him. Otis is that teacher we all wanted He scared me this year really did I didn’t give in to my doubts or worries. When I felt weak I came here to get a smile, see the positive and love for Otis. The incredible patience you have to count fish, organized it all and write with love and humor well…. I need a book from you for my winter. Just a huge hug your way for doing this for us. Your grand baby will be proud seeing how many you helped. Thank you!
Hahaha — your kids adore you for who you are and that includes your love of Otis!
Your comment warms my heart, Mary. Thank you so much for your kinds thoughts and taking the time to leave a comment. I truly appreciate it. It keeps me going to know I’ve touched you and made your days brighter. ❤️