Fat Bear Week 2025: All You Need to Know About the Annual Bear Competition
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As the much-anticipated Fat Bear Week approaches, bear enthusiasts worldwide are gearing up to witness the impressive transformation of Katmai National Park and Preserve’s brown bears as they prepare for the winter hibernation period. From September 23 to September 30, viewers from all corners of the globe will have the opportunity to cast their votes online for their favourite well-nourished bears. The ultimate winner will be bestowed with the title of the “fattest, most successful” bear in terms of hibernation readiness.
The brainchild behind this spirited event is none other than Charlie Annenberg, the founder of Explore.org, the platform that hosts the competition. Annenberg describes Fat Bear Week as an “election” that honours the triumph, adaptability, and resilience of Katmai’s bears. This year, the likes of Chunk, Grazer, and Bucky have captured the attention of bear enthusiasts with their remarkable stories of growth and survival at Brooks River, fuelled by the abundant salmon run witnessed this summer.
While Fat Bear Week is an engaging contest for spectators, it underscores the critical importance of fat accumulation for the survival of Katmai’s brown bears. Bears can shed up to one-third of their body weight during hibernation, with females requiring a minimum of 25% body fat to successfully carry offspring. The National Park Service emphasises that a fat bear signifies a healthy and well-prepared bear for the looming winter months, reflecting the significance of this competition beyond mere entertainment.
Moreover, the event serves as a platform to shed light on Katmai’s pristine ecosystem, home to one of the most robust sockeye salmon populations globally. The symbiotic relationship between bears and salmon is pivotal, with bears consuming upwards of 40 salmon each day, equating to a staggering 100,000 calories. The integrity of this delicate balance is crucial, as any disruptions in the salmon population can ripple through the entire ecosystem, affecting reproduction rates and overall biodiversity.
In addition to celebrating the resilience of Katmai’s bears, Fat Bear Week serves as a poignant reminder of the environmental challenges posed by climate change. The contest brings into focus the vulnerability of salmon populations to rising temperatures, emphasising the critical need to preserve the health of ecosystems like Brooks River for the benefit of all inhabitants of Katmai National Park.
To participate in this annual celebration of bear magnificence, individuals can cast their votes daily on fatbearweek.org from September 23 onwards, between 12 – 9 p.m. EST / 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. PST. By engaging in bracket-style matchups featuring Katmai’s largest bears, viewers can track the progress of their favourite contenders via Explore.org’s live bear cams. The competition culminates on September 30 with the crowning of the ultimate Fat Bear Week champion.
The legacy of past victors adds an extra layer of excitement to the 2025 competition. Grazer, a two-time winner in 2023 and 2024, stands out as the first mother bear to clinch the title, showcasing her tenacity and fishing prowess. Not to be overlooked is Chunk, a resilient bear despite facing a jaw injury earlier in the year, and Otis, a four-time champion famed for his strategic fishing techniques that have earned him a spot in the hearts of bear enthusiasts worldwide.
In conclusion, Fat Bear Week encapsulates the awe-inspiring journey of Katmai’s brown bears as they prepare for hibernation, highlighting the resilience and vitality of these majestic creatures. Beyond the thrill of the competition, this annual event serves as a poignant tribute to the delicate balance of nature and the enduring spirit of wildlife in the face of environmental challenges.
Make sure to mark your calendars for the upcoming Fat Bear Week and witness the compelling saga of Katmai’s bears as they embark on their remarkable journey towards winter hibernation.