Alaska’s Fat Bear Week Is Back and the Competition Is Bigger Than Ever—Here’s How to Vote for Your Favorites

The battle between the bears is on in Alaska.

Alaskan bears that are fattest and floppyest Katmai National Park As part of the popular Fat Bear WeekThe annual competition is a head-to-head battle to crown the champion brown bear. And the competition for 2025 will be more intense than before. 

Mark Sturm is the Superintendent of Katmai National Park. “Fat Bear Week allows people to learn about bears and cheer for their favorite competitors,” Mark Sturm said. said in a statement“The incredible salmon runs in Katmai, are essential for the survival of both the brown bears and the ecosystem within the park.”

Voting is open to outdoor and wildlife lovers every day. online For a new set of matches in a March Madness style bracket, you can do so until September 30. Each participant is photographed twice a year, with a slimmer before picture usually taken in July or June and a fatter after shot in September. Adult male bears weigh between 700 and 900 pounds in mid-summer but can reach over 1,200 pounds during the fall when they are eating to prepare for winter. according to the Fat Bear Week contest.

The contest explained that “fat bears make successful bears.” They represent the beauty of Katmai National Park, Alaska. There are more browns bears in this area than there are people, and it is also home to the largest and healthiest sockeye runs on earth.

The 32 Chunk is a male adult with grizzled-brown fur and a “peculiar stomping dance that he displays in moments when his excitement level appears to be high.” He has gained weight despite undergoing treatment for a broken jaw. The 602 contestant has grizzled-brown hair and does a peculiar stomping when his enthusiasm level is high. 

This contest is now in its eleventh year and is organized by Explore.org – an outdoor live camera system – in partnership with Katmai Conservancy – a conservation organization in the area. 

Katmai National Park was established in 1989. one of Travel + Leisure readers’ favorite national parks The area is home to the world’s largest brown bear population. Visitors to the remote and lesser-visited park Bear encounters can be avoided by hiking with a group, making noise where visibility is poor, and staying away from animals. Park goers are not allowed to approach bears closer than 50 yards.