Fat Bear Week 2026: Meet the Bears Competing for the Katmai Crown
Summary
Fat Bear Week 2026 is an online contest where people vote for the brown bears in Alaska's Katmai National Park that gained the most weight before winter hibernation. The event highlights the bears’ survival and the importance of the salmon run and healthy ecosystems in the park.Key Facts
- Fat Bear Week is a popular annual wildlife event focused on Alaska’s brown bears getting ready for hibernation.
- The contest features bears that have gained the most weight by feeding on salmon in Katmai National Park.
- 32 Chunk is last year’s champion known for gaining a lot of weight despite a broken jaw.
- 164 Bucky Dent is a young bear famous for being a skilled salmon fisher and a fan favorite.
- 151 Walker is a strong and experienced bear that often controls the best fishing spots.
- 903 Gully is a new contender and offspring of a two-time Fat Bear Week champion, known for eating gulls in addition to fish.
- The contest draws millions of viewers and raises awareness about bear survival and ecosystem health.
- Conservation groups see Fat Bear Week as a way to highlight the environmental challenges the bears face.
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