Every year, as winter approaches in the wilds of Alaska, a fierce competition takes place. But it’s not a race or a fight. It’s a contest to see who can get the fattest! Welcome to Fat Bear Week, an annual online event where people from all over the world vote for the chunkiest brown bear in Katmai National Park and Preserve.

A Battle of the Bulge

For one week in the fall, a dozen of Katmai’s biggest bears are pitted against each other in a tournament-style competition. Live webcams allow everyone to watch as the bears feast on salmon from the Brooks River, packing on the pounds for their long winter hibernation. The bear that gets the most online votes is crowned the champion.

This year, the winner was a massive bear named Chunk (Bear 32). He had a tough journey to the top, even suffering a jaw injury. But he persevered and ate enough salmon to beat out all the other contenders, including last year’s champion, Grazer.

As the rangers at Katmai say, “fat bears are successful bears.” [1] The more weight a bear can gain, the better its chances of surviving the long, cold winter when food is scarce.

Why Fat is Good for Bears

Unlike for humans, being fat is a sign of health and success for a brown bear. During hibernation, they don’t eat or drink, and they can lose up to one-third of their body weight. The fat they store up during the summer and fall is their only source of energy until they emerge in the spring. This is especially important for mother bears who give birth and nurse their cubs during hibernation.

Fat Bear Week, which started in 2014, is a fun way to learn about the amazing adaptations of these animals and the incredible ecosystem they live in. It’s a celebration of their survival and a reminder of the importance of protecting wild places like Katmai.

Q&A

Q: How much weight can a bear gain?

A: A large male brown bear can gain over 500 pounds in just a few months, and can weigh over 1,000 pounds before hibernation!

Q: Is it safe to watch the bears?

A: The webcams are placed in safe locations so that we can watch the bears without disturbing them. It’s important to remember that these are wild animals and should always be treated with respect.

Q: How can I help protect bears and other wildlife?

A: You can learn more about wildlife conservation from organizations like the National Wildlife Federation and the World Wildlife Fund. Supporting national parks and voting for your favorite fat bear are also great ways to show you care!

Sources

[1] Marcus, L. (2025, October 1). Fat Bear Week 2025 crowns bear 32 ‘Chunk’ the winner. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/01/travel/fat-bear-week-2025-winner

[2] Katmai National Park & Preserve. (n.d.). Bears of Katmai. National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/katm/learn/nature/bears-of-katmai.htm

[3] explore.org. (n.d.). Fat Bear Week. https://explore.org/fat-bear-week