Every fall, as the leaves turn and the air crisps, a unique spectacle unfolds in Alaska's Katmai National Park: Fat Bear Week. This beloved online tournament, now in its 11th year, celebrates the impressive girth of brown bears as they bulk up for hibernation. Kicking off on September 23, 2025, and running through September 30, the event draws millions of votes worldwide, turning wildlife conservation into a fun, bracket-style competition. With fan favorites returning and new challengers emerging, let's delve into the details, the bears, the schedule, and why this event captures hearts globally.
The Basics: What is Fat Bear Week?
Hosted by Katmai National Park and Preserve in partnership with explore.org, Fat Bear Week pits the park's brown bears against each other in a single-elimination tournament. The goal? To crown the fattest bear, symbolizing successful foraging ahead of winter's long sleep. Bears at Brooks River gorge on salmon, packing on pounds—sometimes up to 500 in a season—to survive hibernation. Voters decide via online polls at explore.org, comparing "before and after" photos that showcase each bear's transformation from lean summer form to rotund fall glory.
This year promises to be one of the biggest, with rangers noting exceptionally plump bears due to a bountiful salmon run. The event not only entertains but educates on bear biology, ecosystem health, and the impacts of climate change on salmon populations.
The Contenders: Fan Favorites and Newcomers
The 2025 bracket features 12 bears, selected from over 50 that frequent Brooks River. Reigning champion Grazer (Bear 128), a fierce mother known for her fishing prowess and protective instincts, is back to defend her title. She's up against veterans like Otis (Bear 480), a four-time winner admired for his patient, energy-conserving style, and Chunk (Bear 32), a massive dominant male who's all bulk and brawn.
Other notables include Walker (Bear 151), a strategic fisher; 32 Chunk's rival, 856; and females like 909, a young mom building her legacy. Newer entrants, such as subadults from last week's Fat Bear Junior contest (won by Bear 909's yearling), add fresh excitement. Each bear has a bio on explore.org, complete with stats and stories—think March Madness, but with fur and fish.
The Schedule: How to Join the Fun
Mark your calendars: Voting opens daily at noon Eastern Time (8 a.m. Alaska Time) from September 23 to 30, with matchups revealed progressively. Key events include:
- September 23-24: First-round voting.
- September 25: Live play-by-play commentary at 7 p.m. Eastern, with rangers discussing bear antics via webcam.
- September 26-29: Quarterfinals, semifinals, and more.
- September 30: Championship vote, with the winner announced live.
Watch the action on explore.org's bear cams, which stream 24/7 from Brooks Falls. Last year, over 1.3 million votes were cast—expect more this time.
Why It Matters: Conservation Through Celebration
Beyond the cuteness, Fat Bear Week raises awareness for Katmai's ecosystem, home to over 2,200 brown bears. It highlights threats like overfishing and warming waters affecting salmon, urging support for national parks. As one ranger put it, "These bears are ambassadors for wild places."
Whether you're rooting for the underbear or the reigning champ, Fat Bear Week reminds us of nature's wonders. Tune in, vote, and celebrate the beefiest bruins!
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