Fat Bear Week 2026 Kicks Off: Meet the 16 Contenders at Katmai National Park
Discover the 16 bears competing in Fat Bear Week 2026 at Katmai National Park. Vote for your favorite as they prepare for winter.
POLICY WIRE — Katmai, Alaska — The annual Fat Bear Week is back, with 16 bears from Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska vying for the title of fattest bear of the season.
The event, which began in 2014 as a one-day showcase, has grown into a global online competition. This year’s bracket features 16 contenders, including defending champion Chunk, who will look to defend his crown after recovering from an injury last year.
Voters can cast their ballots daily from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET through Sept. 29, with the winner announced on the final day. The competition is streamed live via Explore.org, offering fans a chance to watch the bears in their natural habitat along Brooks Falls and other locations within the park.
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Experts note that the bears have reached peak fat after feasting on salmon, berries, and other food sources throughout the summer. Park rangers and naturalists are also available for live Q&A sessions, giving viewers insights into the animals’ behaviors and survival strategies.
This year’s competitors include a mix of seasoned veterans and new faces, such as 89 Backpack, known for his distinctive blond ears, and Bucky, who has thrived by finding a prime fishing spot. Other notable entrants include 132, a large mother bear with three cubs, and 610, a resilient female who has overcome past challenges to raise her young.
With more cubs spotted at Brooks Camp than in recent years, the park is witnessing a new generation of bears preparing for hibernation. Officials say the increased number of bears highlights the health of the ecosystem and the success of conservation efforts.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
