Every fall, millions tune in to observe Alaska’s brown bears as they indulge in salmon before winter hibernation. Fat Bear Week has transformed from a quirky online contest into a beloved wildlife event, drawing attention to the annual salmon run at Alaska’s Katmai National Park and underscoring the significance of healthy ecosystems.

The Stars of Fat Bear Week 2026

This year’s Fat Bear Week features a captivating lineup of contenders, including defending champions, rising stars, and bears with extraordinary survival stories. Among them is 32 Chunk, last year’s champion who triumphed despite a broken jaw. Chunk has become famous for his substantial weight gain during the salmon season, making him one of the river’s largest bears by autumn.

Another notable contender is 164 Bucky Dent, renowned for his exceptional fishing skills. As a younger bear, he represents the new wave of dominant males and has quickly garnered a dedicated fanbase. Additionally, 151 Walker, a seasoned competitor, continues to impress with his size and confidence, securing prime fishing spots at Brooks Falls.

Intriguing Newcomers and Challenges

903 Gully stands out as an interesting participant. The offspring of two-time champion 128 Grazer, he supplements his salmon diet with gulls. Gully has been in direct competition with Walker, giving viewers a peek into the park’s bear hierarchy.

While Fat Bear Week celebrates the bears’ achievements, conservation groups emphasize the need to protect the ecosystems enabling these successes. Healthy salmon runs are crucial for the bears to build sufficient fat reserves to survive hibernation. Any disruption in salmon habitat or water quality can have widespread impacts on the ecosystem, affecting other dependent wildlife.

Climate change poses further threats. Shifts in temperatures and seasonal patterns may alter salmon migration and bear hibernation timings, influencing their survival and reproduction. The growing popularity of the bears has also brought increased attention to the park, making responsible tourism and ongoing research essential.

Voting and Public Engagement

Voting for Fat Bear Week begins with head-to-head matchups, allowing the public to choose their favorite bears based on photographic evidence from summer and fall. Voting starts Tuesday, September 22 at noon ET and concludes on September 29. Each round narrows the field until a champion emerges. Fans can participate online, promoting their preferred bears across social media, transforming the event into an engaging online spectacle.

Newsweek’s reporters used Martyn, their AI assistant, to produce this story. For more information, contact editors Steve Mollman and Anthony Murray.