It’s time to prepare for the annual bear eating contest at Katmai National Park in Alaska. This event, known as Fat Bear Week, invites the public to vote for the bears that have gained the most weight as they prepare for hibernation. Voting for this year’s competition starts on Tuesday.
History of Fat Bear Week
Fat Bear Week began somewhat accidentally in 2014. Park ranger Mike Fitz noticed a fan posting before-and-after images of a bear on a live camera feed, highlighting the bear’s significant weight gain from June to September. Inspired, Fitz sought to showcase the dramatic changes these bears experience over the summer.
Importance of Fat for Bears
The National Park Service emphasizes the essential role fat plays in brown bears’ survival. As bears enter hibernation, their metabolic rate reduces significantly, and they rely on their fat stores. During this period, they can lose up to one-third of their body weight.
How to Participate
Participants are encouraged to vote based on any criteria they choose. This might include size, the bear’s backstory, or its unique characteristics. Last year’s winner, Chunk, managed to win despite suffering from a broken jaw, likely a result of a fight with another bear.
An estimated 1.5 million votes were cast in the 2025 competition. Meet the contenders of the 2026 tournament and prepare to vote starting at 12 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday. The winner will be announced on Sept. 29.