UPDATE: The highly anticipated Fat Bear Week 2025 bracket has just been announced, with 12 bears from Katmai National Park in Alaska competing for the title of the world’s fattest bear. Voting kicks off on September 23 and runs daily until September 30, from 12 PM to 9 PM ET. This exciting event promises to engage bear enthusiasts worldwide as they cast their votes for their favorite contenders.
For over a decade, Fat Bear Week has highlighted the incredible size and resilience of brown bears preparing for hibernation along the iconic Brooks River. Sarah Bruce, a park ranger at Katmai, stated, “It’s a really great way to showcase these bears in southwest Alaska.” With Fat Bear Week, those unable to visit the remote park can still connect through live streams on Explore.org, the multimedia organization partnering with the National Park Service.
The competition was initiated in 2014 by former ranger Mike Fitz to celebrate the bears’ remarkable weight gain as they prepare for winter. During this period, bears can gain up to 700 pounds, resulting in some weighing over 1,400 pounds. Bruce emphasized, “A fat bear is a healthy bear,” highlighting the importance of their weight gain for survival.
This year’s contenders include previous champions and newcomers alike. The announcement of the bears took place during a live stream, a stark contrast to last year’s event, which was delayed due to an unfortunate incident involving two grizzlies.
Among the notable contenders is 128 Jr., affectionately known as “Biggie,” the reigning Fat Bear Jr. champion. This 1.5-year-old bear is looking to make her mark against 609, a five-year-old with a notable lineage and large ears. Both bears will compete in the bracket’s first quadrant against 602, dubbed “Flow-tato,” who has captured attention for his playful antics and impressive size.
In the second quadrant, 503, a resourceful twelve-year-old, will face off against 901, who is reported to be “bigger than ever” after enduring the loss of her cubs last season. They will compete against 32 Chunk, last year’s runner-up, who is currently recovering from a broken jaw but remains a strong contender.
The third quadrant includes 26, a mother bear with lively twins, and 909, renowned for her fishing prowess. Lastly, in the fourth quadrant, 856, the oldest bear on the river, faces 910, noted for her massive size, likened to a “cruise ship.”
The winner of Fat Bear Week will not only bask in glory but also ensure survival through the challenging winter months. Bruce remarked, “Their prize is winning and surviving another winter season, which is the most difficult season for these bears.”
Bear fans and wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to engage in the festivities by voting and watching the bears live. The event is not just a competition; it fosters awareness about these magnificent creatures and their habitats.
As the excitement builds for Fat Bear Week 2025, don’t miss your chance to participate in this unique celebration of wildlife. Vote daily from September 23 to September 30, and witness the spectacular bears of Katmai National Park in action!
