Fat Bear Week: A Unique Celebration in Katmai National Park

Prepare to vote in the annual eating competition among bears at Katmai National Park in Alaska. While it isn’t an election, Fat Bear Week sparks significant interest each year. Organized by the National Park Service (NPS), this elimination-style tournament lets the public decide which bears excel at gaining weight before hibernation.

The voting opens on Tuesday, and the event has a charming history. In 2014, park ranger Mike Fitz read comments on a bear camera live feed. A fan shared before-and-after photos of a bear showing the weight gained from June to September. Fitz was struck by the transformation and devised a way to show the changes bears undergo during summer.

Initially a one-day event, it has expanded into a week-long celebration. Gaining fat is crucial for brown bears, as it fuels them during winter hibernation. During hibernation, a bear’s metabolic rate drops significantly, causing them to lose up to one-third of their body weight while relying on fat reserves.

Participants vote based on their criteria, considering size, the bear’s story, or unique charm. Last year’s winner, Chunk, weighing 1,200 pounds, won despite a broken jaw likely caused by a clash with another bear.

An impressive 1.5 million votes were cast in 2025, reflecting growing interest. To meet the bears participating in the 2026 tournament and cast your vote, be ready by 12 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday. A new champion will emerge by September 29.