Fat Bear Week 2026 has arrived, with sixteen of the heftiest bears at Katmai National Park and Preserve competing in this unique contest. The event, originally a one-day showcase in 2014, now garners international fame. This year marks a larger bracket, moving from last year’s 12 competitors to include the defending champion, Chunk.
Voting Details and History
Fans can participate in voting from September 22 to September 29. Voting is open daily from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET. In 2025, the event drew more than 1.7 million votes from over 100 countries. Winners are determined by votes from bear enthusiasts worldwide.
Watch the Bears Live
Explore.org facilitates live streaming of the bears in their natural environment at Katmai. Cameras capture scenes at Brooks Falls, where bears fish and rest. Viewers can also join live Q&A sessions with park rangers, enriching their understanding of these bears.
Understanding the Bears’ Preparation
“Bears get fat to survive, and fat is the fuel that powers their ability to endure the months-long famine that is winter hibernation,”
Mike Fitz of Explore.org explained. These large mammals can endure up to six months without food.
This year, Brooks Camp has seen a notable increase in bear cubs. Over 100 individual bears have been identified via webcams, indicating a thriving bear population and a promising future for these animals.
Meet the 2026 Contenders
- 32 Chunk: The reigning champion, recovered from a past injury, aims to retain the title.
- 89 Backpack: Recognizable by his distinctive blond ears, known for resilience.
- 151 Walker: An adult male maximizing his pear-shaped physique to climb the bear hierarchy.
- 164 Bucky: Found a prime fishing spot, excelling in salmon catching.
- 903 Gully: Named for his feeding style of hunting gulls.
- 132: A veteran mother bear, balancing cub-raising and personal preparation for competition.
- 284 Electra: Known for her iconic shoulder hump and competing while raising young cubs.
- 610: A petite but strong contestant, notable for overcoming injury and early independence.
- 806: Caring mother to her cubs, including an adopted one, ready to defend her family.
- 901: Known for her superb fat-building and fishing abilities.
- 620: From a large family, learning independence last year.
- 694: Finds his own niche to feed, avoiding competition with older bears.
- 131 Marshmallow: Exhibiting a growth spurt in weight alongside developed fishing talents.
- 428 Studious: Daughter of a former champion, characterized by her focused fishing habits.
- 909: A competitor with a difficult summer, having lost two cubs.
- 910: 909’s sister, adept in diverse food-finding techniques.