Fat Bear Week: A Unique Annual Tradition at Katmai National Park

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Prepare to participate in the annual Fat Bear Week competition at Katmai National Park, Alaska. This event, organized by the National Park Service (NPS), invites the public to vote for bears competing to gain the most weight before hibernation season. Voting begins on Tuesday.

The event began in 2014 when Park Ranger Mike Fitz, noticing drastic weight changes in a bear through live feed comments, suggested showcasing these transformations. Originally a one-day event, it has evolved into a week-long celebration.

According to the NPS, fat accumulation is critical for the survival of brown bears. It serves as the primary energy source during winter hibernation, a time when bears can lose up to one-third of their body weight due to reduced metabolic rates.

Voting is open to all, with participants encouraged to choose based on any criteria, such as weight gain, personal stories, or unique traits. The reigning champion is 1,200-pound Chunk, who won despite a jaw injury, likely from a bear altercation.

Last year’s contest recorded approximately 1.5 million votes. You can meet the contestants in the 2026 tournament and prepare to vote starting at 12 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday. The new winner will be announced on September 29.