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[CULTURE] · United States · 2 sources

Part of situation: Katmai National Park Fat Bear Week competition (6 clusters)

Katmai National Park hosts largest Fat Bear Week ever

Fat Bear Week brown bears Katmai National Park salmon fishing Alaska wildlife

The 2026 Fat Bear Week competition has launched in Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve. The annual event features brown bears that feast on salmon along the Brooks River to prepare for hibernation.

This year’s bracket is the largest to date, featuring 16 bears compared to the previous 12. Park Superintendent Mark Sturm noted a generational shift in the ecosystem, observing a high number of cubs at Brooks Camp. Notable contenders include Bear 89, nicknamed ‘Backpack,’ and 151 Walker. Defending champion Bear 32, known as ‘Chunk,’ remains a significant figure in the competition after winning last year despite a broken jaw.

The single-elimination tournament begins public voting on Tuesday, Sept. 22, with a champion to be crowned on Sept. 29.

Entities

Brooks River · Katmai National Park and Preserve · Mark Sturm

Sources

Alaska's salmon-feasting bears face off in biggest Fat Bear Week ever [www.ksfr.org]
Alaska's salmon-feasting bears face off in biggest Fat Bear Week ever [www.kpbs.org]