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Extremely chill bear named Paul wins a Dude-approved award
Yahoo • • science
Key Points:
- Paul, a bear living in southeastern Alaska's Anan Creek, won the 2026 Dude Abides Award from the U.S. Forest Service for his patient and nonchalant behavior, reminiscent of the character "The Dude" from the film The Big Lebowski.
- Known for choosing kindness over combat, Paul often lets other bears steal his fish rather than wasting energy fighting, as Anan Creek has one of the largest salmon runs in the world.
- The U.S. Forest Service team in Tongass National Forest is recognizing 39 bears at the Anan Wildlife Observatory with Anan Bear Awards, highlighting their unique fishing styles and behaviors.
- Tongass National Forest, the largest in the U.S., covers much of Southeast Alaska and includes popular natural attractions such as Mendanhall Glacier and Anan Creek, a key habitat for both black and brown bears feeding on pink salmon.
- The bears at Anan Creek, including 31 black bears and eight brown bears, return annually to feed on salmon and teach their cubs survival skills, each exhibiting distinct habits and quirks.
