Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) launched its inaugural Fat Squirrel Week this October, inviting Texans to help crown the state’s plumpest squirrel. The competition, modeled after Alaska’s famed Fat Bear Week, ran from Oct. 18 to Oct. 23 and featured contestants from 16 Texas state parks.
How the contest works
Each participating park submitted photos of its most rotund squirrel, highlighting the animal’s preparation for winter. Squirrels, like bears, stockpile food and add extra fat to survive colder months, making this a light‑hearted way to celebrate wildlife adaptation.
Texans could vote by liking, commenting, or tagging a friend on the park’s Facebook post featuring the squirrel. The interactive format encouraged families and community members to engage with their local parks and learn about the habitats that support these busy rodents.
Past winner and this year’s lineup
The 2025 champion was “Chunkosaurus Rex,” a hefty squirrel from Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose. While Chunkosaurus did not return for the 2026 contest, the park entered a new contender, “Acornosaurus Rex,” to carry on its legacy.
The full roster of 2026 competitors includes squirrels from the following parks: Bastrop State Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Caddo Lake State Park, Caprock Canyons State Park, Cedar Hill State Park, Dinosaur Valley State Park, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Garner State Park, Guadalupe River State Park, Hill Country State Natural Area, Lake Texoma State Park, McKinney Falls State Park, Pedernales Falls State Park, Possum Kingdom State Park, Sam Houston National Forest, and Tyler State Park. Each park posted a photo and brief description of its contestant on its official Facebook page.
Why the event matters
Beyond the fun of voting, Fat Squirrel Week serves a public‑education purpose. By spotlighting squirrels’ seasonal behavior, TPWD raises awareness of wildlife health, habitat preservation, and the importance of state parks as custodians of Texas’s natural resources. The contest also aligns with the department’s broader outreach goals, encouraging outdoor recreation and fostering a sense of stewardship among families.
“Our parks are treasure troves of wildlife, and events like Fat Squirrel Week give residents a playful entry point to learn about the animals that share our landscapes,” said a TPWD spokesperson. “When people connect with these stories, they’re more likely to support conservation initiatives and visit the parks themselves.”
How to get involved
Texans who missed the voting window can still follow the competition’s results on TPWD’s Facebook page, where the department will announce the winning squirrel and share behind‑the‑scenes photos. The agency encourages visitors to explore the parks, attend upcoming educational programs, and consider volunteering for wildlife‑monitoring projects.
Fat Squirrel Week is part of a growing trend of wildlife contests that blend education with community engagement. By turning a simple observation of nature into a statewide voting event, Texas demonstrates how local traditions can promote both fun and conservation.
Looking ahead
TPWD plans to expand the contest next year, potentially adding more parks and incorporating additional wildlife categories. The department hopes the growing popularity of the event will inspire more Texans to appreciate the state’s diverse ecosystems and support the continued funding of park programs.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
