Get ready for an epic showdown of size, survival, and pure bear determination! Fat Bear Week 2025 is officially underway, and the competition is fiercer—and chubbier—than ever. But here's the twist that gets everyone talking: Why are people from all around the globe obsessively voting for the fattest bear in Alaska’s wilderness? The answer might surprise you.
So, what exactly is Fat Bear Week? Since 2014, this quirky-yet-profound event has showcased the impressive transformations of brown bears at Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska as they bulk up for winter hibernation. What started as a single-day celebration, thanks to park ranger Sarah Bruce and naturalist Mike Fitz, has exploded into a worldwide event where the public votes online for their favorite burly bear. Voting runs from September 23 to September 30, every day between noon and 9 p.m. ET, giving fans ample opportunity to rally behind their preferred contestant.
And here’s something that keeps Fat Bear Week uniquely accessible: Thanks to the partnership with Explore.org and the National Park Service, anyone can watch these magnificent creatures on livestream, witnessing firsthand the dramatic difference between their summer lean and autumn heft. For many, this is the only way to experience Alaska’s wild wonders without ever setting foot there—making Fat Bear Week feel almost magical.
But the science behind the spectacle is no joke. Bears here can put on as much as 700 pounds in just five or six months, reaching a staggering 1,400 pounds for the heaviest. As Sarah Bruce notes, intuition might make us think of fat as unhealthy, but in this world, 'A fat bear is a healthy bear.' These animals gorge themselves while they can because, during hibernation, food stops but life goes on—their survival depends on those fat stores.
And what does the champion win? Here’s the part most people miss: Fat Bear Week isn’t about shiny trophies or cash awards. The true prize is survival. For these bears, making it through another punishing Alaskan winter is the ultimate victory.
Now, let’s meet the heavyweight contenders of 2025! This year, 12 charismatic bears were announced during a drama-free livestream (a notable change from last year’s bracket, which was delayed by a dramatic bear scuffle that sadly ended in one bear’s death—how’s that for controversy?). These finalists were selected from roughly 80 bears frequenting the Brooks River, based on factors like distinct before-and-after photos and observable personality quirks, as described by rangers like Ashleigh Monaco.
And just to stir the pot: the voting itself is entirely subjective. It’s not about who is objectively the biggest, but who captures the heart (and many would argue, the appetite) of the general public.
Here are the stars of the show:
- 128 Jr.: Nicknamed 'Biggie,' this 1.5-year-old has already faced tragedy, losing a sibling last summer. Yet her resilience is a testament to the tough life on the Brooks River.
- 609: A proud five-year-old and Fat Bear Jr. 2022 winner, known for her striking ears and lengthy snout. She squares off against 128 Jr. in round one.
- 602: This relative newcomer, affectionately called 'Flow-tato,' dominates not just with size but with quirky riverbank dances—always a crowd-pleaser!
- 503: At twelve years old, 503 is resourceful, playful, and remarkably tolerant, often allowing younger bears to sneak a snack from his leftovers.
- 901: According to ranger Naomi Boak, 901 has never looked bigger. She lost her three cubs last year, but could motherhood be on the horizon again?
- 32 Chunk: Last year’s runner-up, 32 Chunk, stunned many by soldiering on after a broken jaw—likely from a fight over a mate. His comeback sparks debate: Is toughness as impressive as size?
- 26: Known as an energetic mother of twins, bear 26 is all heart, with photographer Christine Loberg highlighting her playful spunk.
- 909: Daughter of 2018’s champ Beadnose, 909 is a fishing expert whose mouth-only catches earn her a loyal fanbase.
- 128: Also called Grazer, this nearly 20-year-old bear (and mother of 128 Jr.) is easily recognized by her unique blond fur.
- 99: With his distinctive chocolate-milk hue, Bear 99 may be young, but he’s already earned his spot among the elite thanks to a successful fishing season.
- 856: Affectionately called 'the old man of the river,' 856 is a living legend among local bear watchers.
- 910: Dubbed both a 'rectangle' and a 'cruise ship,' 910’s sheer size is turning heads this year.
And this is where DEBATE heats up—should the winner be decided by actual girth, resilience, personality, or a mix of all three? Is it fair to crown a bear that overcame injuries over one who effortlessly packed on pounds? Should tragedy and survival factor into our vote?
Now, it’s your turn—whose story tugs at your heart most? Who do you believe deserves the title this year, and what SHOULD matter most when we pick a winner? Does this competition help us connect with Alaska’s wildlife, or trivialize the hard fight these bears face each year? Drop your thoughts, your favorites, or your hot takes in the comments—this is one contest where every vote and every opinion counts!
