Fat Bear Week: Which bear has put on the most weight?

September 21, 2026

Katmai National Park in Alaska is hosting its thirteenth annual Fat Bear Week competition, scheduled to run from September 22-29. The event invites people worldwide to cast online votes determining which brown bear has gained the greatest amount of weight in preparation for winter hibernation by examining comparative photographs taken during early and late summer months. The previous year's competition attracted significant global participation, drawing more than 1.

Who is affected

Brown bears at Katmai National Park in Alaska
Fans and voters from more than 100 countries worldwide
Katmai National Park staff and organizers
Meiying Wu (video creator) and Madeline Gerber (producer)

What action is being taken

Katmai National Park is running the Fat Bear Week competition from September 22-29
Fans can vote online on which brown bear has put on the most weight
Voters are comparing photos from early and late summer

Why it matters

This competition matters because it engages a global audience in wildlife observation and conservation awareness, drawing massive participation (1.7 million votes from 100+ countries in the previous year). It educates the public about brown bears' natural hibernation preparation cycle and the importance of weight gain for their survival during winter months. The event also highlights the health and biodiversity of the Katmai National Park ecosystem.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC