Alaska's Fat Bear Week Expands to 16 Bears for 2026

Alaska's plumpest brown bears are ready for their moment in the spotlight, and this year's competition is bigger than ever.

Fat Bear Week returns to Katmai National Park and Preserve with 16 furry contestants, up from 12 in recent years. The expansion reflects a thriving ecosystem where brown bears have produced more cubs than park rangers have seen in years.

"A new generation of fat bears is taking shape, and they're off to a strong start," said Park Superintendent Mark Sturm. His team counted 37 cubs at Brooks River this year, a record-breaking number that signals the health of both the bear population and their salmon-rich habitat.

The annual tournament celebrates bears who've successfully packed on hundreds of pounds to survive winter hibernation. These amazing animals emerge gaunt in spring, weighing as little as 600 pounds, then balloon to over 1,000 pounds by fall after feasting on sockeye salmon.

Among this year's newcomers is Bear 89, nicknamed "Backpack" after an injury as a cub forced him to ride on his mother's back. Another contender is 151 Walker, one of the river's most dominant males who commands prime fishing spots.

Last year's champion, Bear 32 "Chunk," ate his way to victory despite suffering a broken jaw. Weighing over 1,200 pounds, he impressed voters by maintaining his appetite and even playing with younger bears while injured.

The competition isn't just about size. Bear 806 adopted an older cub while raising her own newborn, doubling her feeding responsibilities. Bear 909 showed remarkable resilience, preparing for hibernation after losing both her cubs this year.

The Ripple Effect

What started as a small park education program in 2014 has grown into a global phenomenon. More than 1.7 million people from over 100 countries cast votes last year, watching bears live on webcams at Explore.org.

The tournament teaches millions about brown bear behavior, salmon ecosystems, and the incredible adaptations animals make to survive harsh winters. An estimated 2,200 bears live across Katmai's 4.2 million acres, and each Fat Bear Week introduces the world to these individual personalities and their survival stories.

Public voting begins September 22 and runs through September 29, when a new champion will be crowned. Fans can watch the bears fish, eat, and interact in real time through online cameras, offering a joyful break from daily stress.

These bears remind us that nature's rhythms continue beautifully, and sometimes the best competition celebrates simply being well-fed and ready for winter.