Fat Bear Week 2026: A Thrilling Tournament in Katmai National Park

By September 21, 2026, CBS News has highlighted the excitement around Fat Bear Week 2026 at Katmai National Park and Preserve. This year, 16 bears compete, including last year’s champion, Chunk. The single-elimination contest has expanded from 12 competitors in 2025. Fat Bear Week invites fans to vote online from September 22 to September 29, selecting the bear which has gained the most weight for winter hibernation.

Bears in the contest will be streamed live via Explore.org, allowing viewers to watch them at Brooks Falls. Rangers offer interactive talks to answer questions about these impressive creatures.

Resident naturalist Mike Fitz shared that the bears have reached ‘peak fat’ after indulging in salmon, berries, and other foods throughout the summer. Fat is crucial for enduring the winter months without food. Park ranger Troy Hunt emphasized that these bears can survive four to six months without eating.

This year, Brooks Camp observes more cubs than usual, with over 100 distinct bears spotted at Brooks River. Park Superintendent Mark Sturm noted the promising development of young bears preparing for winter.

Meet the contenders of Fat Bear Week 2026:

• 32 Chunk: Last year’s champion, recovering from a jaw injury, ready to claim the title again.
• 89 Backpack: Known for endurance and identifiable blond ears.
• 151 Walker: A male bear using his unique body shape to climb the hierarchy.
• 164 Bucky: Size gained from a strategic fishing spot at Brooks Falls.
• 903 Gully: Named for his gull-chasing feeding technique.
• 132: A large mama bear at Brooks River, raising three cubs.
• 284 Electra: Competing against her cub, noted for her shoulder hump.
• 610: A resilient bear raising two cubs after an injury.
• 806: Adopted another bear, Biggie, while protecting her family.
• 901: Exceptional at fat-building and fishing, passing skills to her cub.
• 620: An independent bear from a large close family.
• 694: Avoids older bear competition by finding new feeding spots.
• 131 Marshmallow: Developed strong fishing skills, fatter than ever.
• 428 Studious: Known for focus while fishing, daughter of past champion.
• 909: A seasoned competitor, lost two cubs recently.
• 910: Sister to 909, proficient in multiple fishing techniques.

This popular competition, started in 2014, continues to captivate audiences worldwide with over 1.7 million votes from more than 100 countries last year. As the bears prepare for hibernation, enthusiasts eagerly follow their journey during Fat Bear Week.