Explore, the nonprofit that manages Alaska’s Katmai National Park, has launched the 2026 edition of Fat Bear Week, a beloved online tournament that celebrates brown bears’ preparation for winter hibernation. The event begins on Tuesday, September 22, and runs through September 29, giving wildlife enthusiasts across the nation a chance to vote for the bear that best exemplifies fatness and success.
How the contest works
Sixteen large brown bears from the Alaska Peninsula are placed into a single‑elimination bracket. Voters select a winner for each matchup on Explore’s website, and the bear that advances through every round is crowned the Fat Bear Week champion. The competition is divided into four categories: bear families, subadults, single adult females, and adult males. This structure ensures a variety of ages and family groups are represented, highlighting the natural diversity of the park’s bear population.
Meet the contenders
The reigning champion, a 32‑year‑old male known as “Chunk,” is seeking a back‑to‑back title. Chunk’s impressive girth earned him the 2025 crown, and his supporters hope he will once again demonstrate the ultimate preparation for hibernation. Other notable entrants include several bear families, where mothers and cubs compete side by side, as well as a group of subadult males that are rapidly gaining weight for the upcoming winter.
Adult females in the single‑female category showcase the crucial role of maternal health, while the adult male bracket features some of the park’s largest and most dominant bears. Each contestant is photographed in the wild, allowing voters to see the genuine condition of the animals as they forage for salmon and other high‑calorie foods.
Voting details
Voting opens on September 22 at 12 p.m. Eastern Time (9 a.m. Pacific) and closes on September 29 at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT). Participants can cast their votes on Explore’s official website, where the bracket updates in real time as each round concludes. The process is simple: select the bear you believe best represents the ideal of fatness and successful preparation for hibernation, then submit your choice.
Why Fat Bear Week matters
Beyond the fun of online voting, Fat Bear Week serves an educational purpose. By spotlighting the bears’ natural behavior, the event raises awareness about the importance of healthy ecosystems and the role of salmon runs in supporting bear populations. The contest also underscores the resilience of wildlife in the face of climate change, as bears must accumulate sufficient fat reserves to survive long, cold winters.
Explore uses the heightened attention to promote conservation messages, encouraging visitors to support park initiatives and respect wildlife habitats. The organization notes that increased public engagement often translates into greater support for funding and protective measures that benefit both bears and the broader Alaskan environment.
How to get involved
Anyone with internet access can join the voting frenzy. Explore encourages families, schools, and community groups to participate together, turning the contest into a teachable moment about wildlife stewardship. Social media platforms are buzzing with hashtags such as #FatBearWeek and #Chunk2026, allowing fans to share their favorite contestants and discuss the science behind bear nutrition.
For those interested in learning more about Katmai National Park, Explore offers virtual tours, educational resources, and opportunities to donate directly to bear‑conservation projects. By combining entertainment with education, Fat Bear Week continues to be a unique bridge between the public and one of America’s most iconic wildlife spectacles.
Key dates at a glance
- Contest start: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
- Voting period: Sep. 22 – Sep. 29, 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. ET
- Final champion announced: September 29, after the last round of voting
- Location: Katmai National Park, Alaska Peninsula
Whether you’re a longtime bear enthusiast or a newcomer curious about Alaska’s wildlife, Fat Bear Week 2026 offers a delightful way to engage with nature, support conservation, and cheer on the fattest bear of the season.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
