Fat Bear Week 2026 Highlights: Meet the Competitors

By September 21, 2026, Fat Bear Week 2026 is in full swing with 16 bears vying for the title at Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska. This popular event, eagerly anticipated by bear enthusiasts, features an expansion from last year’s 12 bears, including the reigning champion, Chunk.

Voting for your favorite bear begins on Tuesday, September 22, and runs daily from 12 to 9 p.m. ET until September 29, when the winner is announced. In 2025, the event drew over 1.7 million votes from more than 100 countries, showcasing its global appeal.

Participate in Live Streams

Fans can watch the bears in their natural surroundings via live streams on Explore.org, in partnership with the National Park Service. Cameras placed throughout Katmai, including Brooks Falls, provide opportunities to see bears catching fish and resting. Park rangers also offer interactive Q&A sessions and ranger talks to answer questions about the bears.

Bears on a Diet of Salmon and Berries

Mike Fitz, a naturalist at Explore.org, stated that the bears have reached their peak fat levels by consuming salmon and berries throughout the summer. Troy Hunt, a ranger at Katmai, explained that this fattening process is crucial as bears can endure four to six months of winter hibernation without eating.

This year, Brooks Camp has seen an increase in cubs, with over 100 different bears identified at Brooks River. Mark Sturm, Park Superintendent, expressed excitement about the new generation of bears thriving and preparing for the winter.

Meet the Contenders

See who’s competing in Fat Bear Week 2026:

• Chunk: Last year’s titleholder is back in action, having recovered from a previous jaw injury.
• 89 Backpack: Known for his quiet toughness, easily spotted by his blond ears against his brown fur.
• 151 Walker: This adult male uses his pear shape to climb the bear hierarchy.
• 164 Bucky: Found a strategic fishing spot at Brooks Falls, bolstering his size.
• 903 Gully: Named for unusual feeding habits, chasing gulls along Brooks River.
• 132: An experienced mother raising three cubs while managing to gain weight.
• 284 Electra: Known for her iconic shoulder hump and competing alongside her cub, 901.
• 610: Smaller in size but resilient, with her first litter of cubs this year.
• 806: Cares for her cub and adopted Biggie, showing her nurturing spirit.
• 901: Recognized for impressive fat reserves and strong fishing ability.
• 620: Enjoying independence after coming from a closely-knit family.
• 694: Found unique areas to fish, avoiding competition.
• 131 Marshmallow: Developed fishing skills early and appears bigger than ever.
• 428 Studious: Daughter of former champion Grazer, focused on fishing.
• 909: Competed previously, lost two cubs this summer.
• 910: Sister of 909, uses various techniques to secure food.

The event celebrates the bears’ adaptability and growth, making Fat Bear Week a beloved annual tradition highlighting the unique ecosystem at Katmai National Park.