Alaskan Bear Paul Wins 2026 Dude Abides Award for Patience
A black bear named Paul in southeastern Alaska has won the 2026 Dude Abides Award from the U.S. Forest Service for his calm demeanor while fishing for salmon. Paul, identifiable by two thin chest lines and a scarred left ear, is known for allowing rivals to steal his catch rather than fighting, prioritizing continued fishing over conflict. This award is part of the annual Anan Bear Awards given to the 39 bears monitored at the Anan Wildlife Observatory in Tongass National Forest, where the bears return each summer to feed on one of the world's largest pink salmon runs.