Katmai National Park & Preserve in Alaska has opened voting for Fat Bear Week 2026, a single‑elimination tournament that lets the public choose the fattest brown bear. The competition runs from Sept. 22 to Sept. 29, with voting open each weekday from noon to 9 p.m. ET.
How the tournament works
Sixteen bears from the Brooks River area will face off in head‑to‑head matchups. Voters select the bear they believe best exemplifies “fatness and success in brown bears.” The bear with the most votes advances to the next round, and the final champion will be crowned on Sept. 29.
Why celebrate the bears’ size
Fat Bear Week is more than a light‑hearted contest; it educates the public about the vital role of body fat for brown bears. As the National Park Service explains, “for bears, fat equals survival.” During the pre‑hibernation period known as hyperphagia, bears gorge on salmon, berries and other calorie‑rich foods to build reserves that sustain them through the winter months when their metabolic rate drops dramatically.
In colder months a bear can lose up to one‑third of its body weight, making the fat accumulated during summer essential for survival.
Public participation and outreach
More than 1.7 million votes have already been cast from over 100 countries, showing the global appeal of the event. Participants can view live cams of the bears on Explore.org, download brackets, and learn more about each animal at fatbearweek.org. The event is a partnership between the National Park Service, Explore.org and the Katmai Conservancy.
Park officials comment
Park Superintendent Mark Sturm noted, “There are more cubs at Brooks Camp this year than have been seen in a long time. A new generation of fat bears is taking shape, and they’re off to a strong start. We’re excited to watch them grow and learn as they prepare for winter in Katmai’s incredible ecosystem.”
The competition underscores the importance of protecting Alaska’s wild places and the wildlife that depend on them.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
