Fat Bear Week Has Begun & The First Bracket is Open For Voting!

For twelve years now, Katmai National Park & Reserve in King Salmon, Alaska, has hosted a bracket more intense than March Madness. OK, maybe not exactly. I've never known excitement over a bear to inspire burning couches in the street, BUT I know there are folks out there who look forward to this contest every year.

Myself included. I'm not ashamed to admit that I am one of those people who totally wishes they could hug a big ol' brown bear and not be eaten alive. They are just SO DANG CUTE I can't help it. ESPECIALLY when they are fat and fluffy!

Which is the whole point of Fat Bear Week. To appreciate the adorable annual plumping of the animals before they go into their hibernation era for the winter. This year, 16 contestants were chosen and matched up for voting, which started today and runs through September 29. You pick which brown bear you think has done the best job of preparing, and as organizers have explained, "A fat bear is a successful bear."

And the more fat bears, the better, as that is a great sign of a healthy ecosystem in the Alaskan National Park:

“There are more cubs at Brooks Camp this year than have been seen in a long time,” said Park Superintendent Mark Sturm in a press release. “A new generation of fat bears is taking shape, and they’re off to a strong start. We’re excited to watch them grow and learn as they prepare for winter in Katmai’s incredible ecosystem.”

You can visit Fat Bear Week to check out the bracket, cast your vote, and take a look at all of the competing cutie pies. There is even a live cam! Some of the bears are identified by number, while others have been named along with their numbers. Like Chunk, the defending champion from 2025. He is a favorite because, despite a gnarly jaw injury, he packs on the pounds like nobody's business.

I highly recommend following Katmai National Park & Reserve on Facebook for pictures, updates, and more info about the bears and their backstories. May the best fat bear win!