Fat Bear Week 2025: Meet the Bears, Vote for the Champion, and Discover the Science Behind Their Massive Weight
Fat Bear Week 2025 has officially kicked off in Katmai National Park, Alaska, drawing worldwide attention to the largest and most beloved bear contest of the year. From September 23 to September 30, fans can vote online to crown the fattest and most resilient brown bear. The event is not just a playful online competition but also an opportunity to educate people about the survival strategies of these animals, the importance of salmon runs, and the ecological balance of Brooks River.
The Bracket and Matchups: Who Will Win This Year’s Title
This year’s bracket includes 12 contestants, all with unique stories. Voters will decide daily winners through elimination rounds until one bear claims the crown on September 30. Among the highlights:
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Grazer bear Alaska returns to defend her championship after consecutive wins.
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128 Junior, Grazer’s offspring, has emerged as a rising star, showcasing the strength of family legacy.
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Chunk bear Alaska, a fan favorite, continues to compete despite past injuries and is often celebrated for his sheer resilience.
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Bears with playful personalities, like Flotato, attract attention not just for their size but for their behavior and character.
The tournament is more than just about body weight; resilience, resourcefulness, and charisma often sway votes, making each round unpredictable.
Katmai National Park Bears Enjoy Record Salmon Run
In 2025, Katmai National Park bears benefited from one of the most abundant salmon runs in recent memory. The plentiful fish allowed bears to eat more freely without intense competition for space at Brooks Falls. As a result, many contestants entered this year’s tournament larger than ever before, sparking excitement among long-time viewers. Some bears have been so impressively sized that observers jokingly compare them to cruise ships.
Brooks River Bear Cams Bring Nature to the World
Fans who cannot travel to Alaska can still follow the action through the Brooks River bear cams, which stream live footage of the animals as they fish and prepare for hibernation. Explore.org’s network of cameras has become a central part of Fat Bear Week, allowing millions to watch these creatures in real time. The cams provide a raw look at bear behavior, from battles over fishing spots to quiet moments of rest.
Fat Bear Week 2024 vs. Fat Bear Week 2025: What Changed
To better understand the growth of this unique tradition, here’s a look at key differences between last year’s and this year’s contests:
| Year | Number of Contestants | Notable Champion | Salmon Run Conditions | Viewer Engagement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fat Bear Week 2024 | 12 | Grazer | Average salmon availability | Steady online participation |
| Fat Bear Week 2025 | 12 | To be decided (Grazer defending) | Exceptional salmon run | Record global anticipation |
The table highlights how 2025 stands out due to an unusually strong salmon run, potentially leading to one of the fattest lineups in history.
Otis Bear Katmai: The Veteran Contender
No discussion of Fat Bear Week is complete without Otis bear Katmai, the legendary older bear who has long been a fan favorite. Despite his age and worn teeth, Otis continues to display patience and skill, often catching fish with minimal effort. His enduring popularity shows how personality and history can matter as much as body mass when it comes to winning hearts and votes.
How to Participate in Fat Bear Week 2025
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Visit the official voting platform at FatBearWeek.org between September 23 and September 30.
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Watch live streams of Katmai bears through Explore.org’s Brooks River bear cams.
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Vote daily from noon to 9 p.m. Eastern Time to ensure your favorite bear advances.
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Follow bear bios and before-and-after transformation photos to better understand each contender’s journey.
Fat Bear Week 2025 offers not just a spectacle of size but also a deeper appreciation of the survival skills of Alaska’s brown bears, the power of ecosystems, and the global fascination with these extraordinary animals.
