Fat Bear Week Round 2: Walker vs. Bucky Dent
In Fat Bear Week’s second round, Walker battles Bucky Dent while sisters Bear #909 and Bear #910 square off. Other matchups include Bear #132 vs. Bear #806 and Bear #620 vs. Bear #89. Voting runs from noon to 9 p.m. EDT.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Fat Bear Week’s second voting round is underway, offering fans a mix of high‑stakes battles and heart‑warming family drama. The marquee match pits Walker (Bear #151) against Bucky Dent (Bear #164), two seasoned salmon‑hunters who have dominated the Brooks River for years. Meanwhile, sisters Bear #909 and Bear #910 face off, adding a familial twist to the competition. Other notable duels include Bear #132 with her cubs against Bear #806, and subadult Bear #620 against Backpack (Bear #89). Voting opens at 12 p.m. EDT and closes at 9 p.m. EDT, giving viewers a full nine hours to decide who will advance to the next round.
Walker vs. Bucky Dent: The Big Boys Battle
Walker, a 10‑year‑old brown bear who has competed since 2018, has never won Fat Bear Week but has become a fan favorite for his playful demeanor and dominance during salmon runs. Bucky Dent, a 7‑year‑old male who first appeared in 2019, is known for his inventive fishing technique—standing in the deepest plunge pool beneath Brooks Falls to catch fish that jump up from the cascade. Both bears have shown remarkable resilience; Walker has recently emerged as a more aggressive competitor, while Bucky has grown into one of the largest bears in the river.
The matchup is a classic David vs. Goliath story: Walker’s experience and size versus Bucky’s speed and tactical ingenuity. Viewers will be watching how Walker’s established hierarchy skills measure against Bucky’s fresh, aggressive approach to salmon hunting. The outcome will shape the river’s power dynamics for the rest of the season.
Sisters Face Off: Bear #909 vs. Bear #910
Bear #909 and Bear #910 are sisters who have both survived dramatic events this summer. #909 lost her only surviving cub to an attack by Bear #806, while #910’s own cub was adopted by her sister’s family in a rare inter‑family adoption. Both bears have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, navigating the river’s challenges with determination. Their sibling rivalry adds an emotional layer to the competition, as each seeks to prove her dominance while honoring her family’s legacy.
Bear #132 and Bear #806: A Family Drama
Bear #132, a mother with a history of separating from her cubs, returned this year with three spring cubs. One cub briefly wandered alone before rejoining the group, highlighting the risks cubs face without maternal protection. In contrast, Bear #806 made headlines after a shocking incident on July 28, when she attacked, killed, and ate an unrelated cub. This event marked the first documented case of infanticide by a female adult in the Brooks River. Both bears are competing for the first time in Fat Bear Week, bringing a mix of hope and tension to the bracket.
Subadult Showdowns: Bear #620 vs. Backpack
Subadult Bear #620, part of the “Brady Bunch” blended family, was raised alongside cousin Bear #690, a 2022 Junior champion. Backpack, the 10‑year‑old son of 2019 champion Holly, overcame a severe leg injury in 2007 to become a regular at Brooks Falls. Their duel represents a clash between a young, adaptable competitor and a seasoned, resilient veteran. The match will test Backpack’s recovery and #620’s ability to hold her own against a more experienced opponent.
Voting Details and How to Support
Voting is open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. EDT (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PDT, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. AKDT). Fans can cast their votes on the Explore website. The overall winner will be crowned on Tuesday, September 29. Support for the bears can also come through donations to the Katmai Conservancy’s Otis Fund, which matches contributions made between September 22 and October 3.
As the competition heats up, viewers can expect intense battles, unexpected twists, and moments that showcase the resilience and adaptability of these magnificent animals. Stay tuned to see who will advance and who will become the next champion of Fat Bear Week.
Key facts
- Walker vs. Bucky Dent is the headline matchup of Round 2.
- Sisters Bear #909 and Bear #910 compete in a rare sibling showdown.
- Bear #132’s cub survived a solo wander, while Bear #806 committed infanticide.
- Subadult Bear #620 faces Backpack, a seasoned veteran with a comeback story.
- Voting runs from noon to 9 p.m. EDT, with the winner announced on September 29.
- Donations to the Otis Fund are matched during the event period.
Why it matters
Fat Bear Week highlights the complex social dynamics of brown bears, offering insight into their behavior and the challenges they face in a changing environment.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fat Bear Week?
Fat Bear Week is an annual event that follows brown bears in Katmai National Park during the salmon run, showcasing their hunting, social interactions, and family dynamics.
How can I vote?
Votes can be cast on the Explore website between 12 p.m. and 9 p.m. EDT during the voting window.
What is the Otis Fund?
The Otis Fund is a donation program run by the Katmai Conservancy to support bear conservation efforts, with contributions matched during the event period.
Sources
- [1] popsci.com — originally reported as “Fat Bear Week, Round 2: Big boys Walker vs. Bucky Dent, and a sister battle”
