Fat Bear Week 2025 Has Crowned a Winner! See the Results and Meet the New Champion

**Fat Bear Week 2025 Announces the Champion**

In a thrilling finale, Fat Bear Week 2025 has crowned its winner! The week-long event, held at Alaska’s Katmai National Park, saw Chunk emerge victorious after a fierce competition that had fans around the world on the edge of their seats.

The final round of the single-elimination, bracket-style contest pitted Chunk, also known as Bear 32, against Bear 856. After a tight race, Chunk secured the title with an impressive 96,362 votes, surpassing Bear 856’s 63,729 votes.

The annual Fat Bear Week competition allows enthusiasts to vote online for the bear they believe is most prepared for hibernation by virtue of their size and success in bulking up for the winter. This year, Chunk’s tenacity and perseverance despite a challenging start set him apart from the competition.

Arriving at Brooks River with a broken jaw, likely from a skirmish with another bear, Chunk faced an uphill battle. However, the resilient bear quickly adapted, mastering the art of catching salmon even with his injury. His ability to thrive and pack on the pounds impressed voters and earned him the accolade of 2025 Fat Bear Champion.

Bear 856, a formidable contender in his own right, showcased his expertise in preparing for hibernation. With his distinctive habit of licking his lips and years of dominance in the park, Bear 856 was a worthy finalist alongside Chunk. Despite his age, this seasoned bear proved that he still had what it takes to compete at the highest level.

The bracket-style tournament, which took place from September 23 to 30, provided a platform for bear enthusiasts to engage with the process of selecting the fattest bear in Katmai National Park. As the bears feasted on salmon to build up their reserves, fans followed their progress and cast their votes in this unique competition.

Katmai National Park’s livestream cameras offered a glimpse into the bears’ daily routines as they indulged in the rich food source of salmon. With approximately 2,200 brown bears inhabiting the park, the significance of Fat Bear Week goes beyond just determining a winner.

Aside from the thrill of the competition, Fat Bear Week serves as a reminder of the delicate balance within ecosystems and the crucial role that species like salmon play in sustaining wildlife. The event sheds light on the impact of climate change on habitats and the importance of preserving healthy ecosystems for the survival of all species.

As Chunk emerges victorious and Bear 856 continues his journey towards hibernation, the spirit of competition gives way to a broader message of conservation and awareness. Every bear that participates in Fat Bear Week, regardless of the outcome, contributes to the larger narrative of wildlife preservation and ecological sustainability.

In the end, Chunk’s triumph is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and the support of fans who recognised his efforts in preparing for the long winter ahead. As the 2025 Fat Bear Champion, Chunk embodies the spirit of determination and survival that defines the natural world, inspiring us all to appreciate and protect the wonders of the wilderness.