UPDATE: Fat Bear Week 2025 kicks off today, September 23, 2025, at 9:00 am EST, inviting bear enthusiasts worldwide to vote for their favorite chubby competitor! This beloved event celebrates the remarkable brown bears of Katmai National Park in Alaska, highlighting their weight gain before the winter hibernation.
This year, two previous champions are back in the spotlight: 32 Chunk, a colossal male aiming for redemption after a broken jaw, and 128 Grazer, the reigning champion of the past two years. Both bears are vying for the crown in a thrilling, March Madness-style voting bracket designed to showcase not just weight but the heartwarming stories behind these magnificent creatures.
Naomi Boak, a media ranger at Katmai, shared the excitement, stating, “You can vote for the bear who is fattest, you can vote for the bear whose story touches your heart – it’s up to you!” The contest has captured global attention, with over 1.4 million votes cast in 2024 from 60 countries, and it’s only expected to grow this year.
In addition to the main contest, there’s a separate Fat Bear Junior event for younger bears, but the focus remains on the main event. Other contenders include 503, a friendly male bear known for his sociable nature; 26, a nurturing female raising her cubs after a previous loss; and 602, affectionately nicknamed “flotato” for her lazy fishing style.
This year’s contest is particularly special, as rangers report an abundance of salmon in the Brooks River, providing the bears with ample food to bulk up before hibernation. The excitement culminates with the announcement of the winner on September 30, 2025.
In addition to voting, bear lovers can support the cause by donating to the Otis Fund, dedicated to protecting Katmai National Park. This fund honors the legacy of Otis, the original Fat Bear Week champion, who captured hearts with his impressive fishing skills and is remembered fondly by fans.
Fat Bear Week began as a one-day event in 2014, attracting 1,700 votes. The overwhelming response led to its expansion into a week-long celebration, complete with live feeds and regular updates. The event has since become a cultural phenomenon, bringing joy and awareness to wildlife conservation.
As the excitement builds, bear lovers are encouraged to engage with the event online, sharing their favorite bears on social media. With an urgent call to action, now is the time to participate in this unique celebration of nature and conservation.
Don’t miss the chance to cast your vote and witness the heartwarming stories of these captivating bears. Join the excitement of Fat Bear Week 2025 and help determine the winner! Voting is open now!