Fat Bear Week Is Here And I’m Fired Up

The annual phenomenon that is "Fat Bear Week" is upon us and kicks off in earnest tomorrow (October 4). The weeklong event celebrates the brown bears that inhabit the Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska as they pack on the weight in preparation for hibernation. Fans can vote for their favorite of the brown bears competing at Explore.org, where people can also observe the bears via live webcam.

According to The Philadelphia Enquirer, Fat Bear Week launched in 2014. It was originally slated as Fat Bear Tuesday but took off in popularity and expanded as a bracket tournament the following year. The first year it was a tournament, Fat Bear Week brought in a few thousand votes. Last year, more than a million votes were cast throughout the week.

I know, I'm a buzzkill.  Enjoy Fat Bear Week.  Like "The Masters" in April, it is indeed an American tradition like none other.

Are you looking to have some fun with animals? Well, I have been contemplating fun things to do and for some reason, a petting zoo has been on my mind. It's probably because I recently went to Disney World and Animal Kingdom was my absolute favorite place. From The Lion King being my favorite movie to the Safari Tour at Animal Kingdom, I have been thinking about animals like crazy. But, there is no Animal Kingdom here in Charlotte for me to enjoy, right? So, I have to think of somewhere else.

Of course, I decided to take matters into my own hands. That means I am looking into petting zoos, zoos, and all types of animal parks in the state. Why not have some animal-friendly fun? Let's enjoy some time with the animals and see what you can do here in North Carolina. Can't wait!

Lazy 5 Ranch is a drive through ranch experience. Whether you are sitting in your car or riding on the back of a wagon, you can ride through the ranch to check out some great animals. Not only will you sight see, but you can also feed them along the way. The ranch is open 7 days a week and has tons of animals like cattle, deer, goats, antelope, and other exotic animals. Doesn't that sound fun?

Of course, we're naming a pretty big one - the obvious, the North Carolina Zoo. The state zoo is located in Asheboro, NC and your chance to see tons of different animals. Explore different animals and plants throughout the zoo during your time there. You can see up close and personal, lions, elephants, river otter, giraffes, zebras, and more! Sounds like a place I need to go for sure.

Want to visit a tiger rescue? Personally, I have never thought of it but it looks pretty cool to me! So, head to the Carolina Tiger Rescue and check out some wild cats. The rescue is your chance to learn more about and see tigers that have found sanctuary at this rescue spot.

Are you a fan of birds? Well, this might be the perfect spot for you. The Carolina Raptor Center is for the  exploration and rehabilitation of birds of prey. Visit and walk a trail to explore the different species that are in house. There are more than 30 birds of prey for you to see up close and personal. Cool, right?