Stranded Hiker Rescued During Livestream Ahead of “Fat Bear Week”
In a remarkable turn of events, a stranded hiker in Alaska found himself rescued after being spotted on a live camera stream just ahead of the highly anticipated “Fat Bear Week.” Last Tuesday, at approximately 4 p.m., a disheveled hiker was observed on Dumpling Mountain within the breathtaking landscape of Katmai National Park and Preserve.
On the livestream, one of the twelve cameras operated by Explore.org captured the hiker’s distressing moment. It appeared as though he was silently pleading for help as he mouthed the words, “help me,” while the weather raged behind him, with strong winds and heavy rain diminishing visibility.
Quick-thinking viewers, who were tuned in to the livestream, promptly alerted the chat moderator, who wasted no time in contacting a Katmai Park Ranger.
Responding swiftly to the distress call, Katmai National Park dispatched a search and rescue team. The stranded hiker remained at the camera site until 6:48 p.m. The heartwarming footage shared by Explore.org shows a team of rangers guiding the hiker safely down the mountain to Brooks Camp.
For privacy reasons, the hiker’s name is being kept confidential.
It’s worth noting that more viewers were tuned in to the livestream, not just for the breathtaking scenery, but also in anticipation of the upcoming “Fat Bear Week.” This yearly tradition involves viewers voting for the bears residing in the park that have most significantly bulked up in preparation for hibernation.
Each year, from late June to September, Katmai becomes a haven for bears drawn by the abundant salmon. These bears gorge themselves in preparation for the long winter ahead, during which they retreat to their dens and abstain from eating or drinking until spring. In this time, they may shed up to a third of their body weight, relying solely on their fat reserves for sustenance.
While the specific dates for this year’s “Fat Bear Week” have yet to be announced, tradition dictates that voting typically takes place in early October.
In a twist of fate, this stranded hiker’s dramatic rescue added an unexpected plot twist to the picturesque landscapes and the upcoming celebration of bear plumpness in Katmai National Park.