Vote for Fat Bear Week 2026 Champion
Fat Bear Week 2026 has begun at Alaska’s Katmai National Park, inviting the public to vote for the park’s fattest brown bear. The reigning champion, Chunk 32, a 1,200‑pound male, is up for re‑defeat amid a field of new cubs and seasoned competitors. Voting runs through September 29 and will determi…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Alaska’s Katmai National Park has reopened its annual Fat Bear Week for 2026, inviting visitors and online audiences worldwide to cast votes for the park’s fattest brown bear. The competition, which runs from September 22 to September 29, is now in its 12th year and has grown into a global event that draws millions of votes each season.
Who is Chunk 32 and why is he a fan favorite?
Chunk 32, a 1,200‑pound male brown bear, captured the title last year after a dramatic showdown that left many viewers stunned. Despite sustaining severe injuries—including a broken jaw, a fractured mandible, and damaged front teeth—Chunk’s resilience and impressive weight gain earned him the crown. Katmai ranger Sarah Bruce highlighted his remarkable recovery, noting that the bear’s broken bones did not impede his ability to bulk up.
Chunk’s comeback story resonates with fans because it showcases the extraordinary adaptability of brown bears during the critical fat‑building period that precedes hibernation. His status as the reigning champion adds a layer of intrigue as the public wonders whether he can maintain his title against a new generation of contenders.
A New Generation of Cubs Takes the Spotlight
Park Superintendent Mark Sturm announced that this year’s Brooks Camp hosts more cubs than in recent memory. The influx of young bears suggests a healthy and growing population, and many of these cubs are poised to become future Fat Bear Week contenders. The presence of these new competitors adds excitement to the tournament, as they bring fresh dynamics to the online voting brackets.
The Voting Process and Historical Context
Voting is conducted exclusively on the Fat Bear Week website, where participants can view live footage and weigh in on each bear’s performance. The format follows a single‑elimination bracket, with online voters from over 100 countries participating each year. In 2025, the contest attracted more than 1.7 million votes, a stark contrast to the 1,700 votes cast during the inaugural event in 2014.
The competition does not offer a physical prize to the bears; instead, the winner is celebrated for “best exemplifying fatness and success in brown bears.” The event’s popularity has grown steadily since its inception, largely due to its engaging format and the public’s fascination with bear behavior.
Why Fat Bear Week Matters to Bears and Conservation
Fat Bear Week coincides with the bears’ peak fat‑building period, which occurs in late summer and early fall. During this time, bears consume massive quantities of food—often up to 200,000 calories a day—to accumulate the energy reserves necessary for hibernation. By spotlighting these bears, the event raises awareness about the importance of healthy ecosystems and the role of salmon and other food sources in supporting wildlife.
Scientists estimate bear weights by observing them from a distance, avoiding disturbance. Adult males typically weigh up to 1,200 pounds, while females can be up to 50 percent lighter. Katmai’s population of approximately 2,200 brown bears coexists with moose, wolves, and bald eagles, making the park a critical habitat for diverse species.
How Fat Bear Week Began
The idea originated in 2014 when former Katmai ranger Mike Fitz noticed a dramatic change in a bear’s appearance between June and September. He organized a one‑day event where visitors could vote on Facebook, sparking interest that led to the first full‑scale Fat Bear Week in October 2015. Since then, the event has evolved into a multi‑day online competition with a global audience.
What to Expect This Year
The competition will feature a mix of seasoned bears and fresh cubs, with the final bracket announced on Friday. Fans can watch live streams, learn about each bear’s feeding habits, and participate in the voting process until September 29. The winner will be announced at the end of the week, adding a new chapter to the Fat Bear Week legacy.
Whether Chunk 32 can defend his title or a new contender will rise to the occasion, Fat Bear Week 2026 promises to be an engaging blend of wildlife observation, community participation, and conservation education.
Key facts
- Chunk 32 is the 2025 champion with a remarkable recovery from injuries
- The event attracts over 1.7 million votes each year
- New cubs at Brooks Camp signal a healthy bear population
- Voting is online and open to a global audience
- The competition raises awareness about bear hibernation and ecosystem health
Why it matters
Fat Bear Week highlights the critical fat‑building phase of brown bears, fostering public interest in wildlife conservation and the health of Alaska’s ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
How can I vote for a bear?
Visit the Fat Bear Week website, watch live streams, and cast your vote before September 29.
Is there a prize for the winning bear?
No physical prize is awarded; the bear is celebrated for its fatness and success.
What is the significance of the fat‑building period?
Bears consume large amounts of food to build fat reserves needed for hibernation.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Voting is now open for Fat Bear Week 2026”
