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Fat Bear Week Returns to Alaska’s Katmai National Park
Alaska’s heavyweight wildlife showdown returns this week as Katmai National Park launches Fat Bear Week 2025, running September 23-30. This annual celebration showcases one of nature’s most impressive survival strategies as massive brown bears prepare for their six-month winter hibernation.
The competition highlights the incredible relationship between predator and prey that outdoor enthusiasts understand so well. These bears rely entirely on Katmai’s legendary salmon runs, with some bears catching up to 42 fish per hour during peak season. This year, rangers report the bears had access to more salmon than ever before along the Brooks River, setting the stage for some truly impressive transformations.
“Fat bears exemplify the richness of Katmai National Park and Bristol Bay, Alaska, a wild region that is home to one of the largest populations of brown bears and the healthiest run of wild sockeye salmon left on the planet,” said Park Superintendent Mark Sturm.
The tournament follows a March Madness-style bracket where the public votes for bears that “best exemplify fatness and success.” Voting takes place at www.fatbearweek.org, with the bracket revealed September 22 and the champion crowned September 30.
This year’s contenders include some heavyweight returning champions. Bear 128 Grazer, a dominant female who claimed titles in 2023 and 2024, faces competition from 32 Chunk, a massive male making a comeback after recovering from a broken jaw. Other notable competitors include bear 602, nicknamed “flotato” for his habit of napping mid-river while fishing, and bear 503, an up-and-coming male known for his social skills.
Fat Bear Junior, featuring bear cubs, runs September 18-19, giving younger bears their moment in the spotlight before the main event begins.
What started as a single-day event called Fat Bear Tuesday in 2014 has exploded into a global phenomenon. Last year, over 1.4 million people from 60 countries cast votes, demonstrating the universal appeal of watching wildlife thrive in their natural habitat.
Wildlife enthusiasts can watch the bears live through cameras on Explore.org and follow updates on the park’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Additional information about Katmai is available at www.nps.gov/katm.
For anyone who appreciates the raw power and intelligence of these massive predators, Fat Bear Week offers a front-row seat to witness some of the most successful hunters on the planet at their peak performance. These aren’t just any bears; they’re the ultimate survivors who have mastered the hunt.
Voting begins at 9:00 AM EST Tuesday. Join over a million wildlife lovers worldwide and cast your vote for Alaska’s fattest, most successful bear at www.fatbearweek.org. The annual Fat Bear Week Fundraiser Celebration takes place October 4th at 4 PM ET on explore.org’s Brooks Live Events channel.
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