The Internet's Favorite Bracket Returns
It’s time to celebrate nature’s most effective bulkers. Fat Bear Week 2026 has officially kicked off at Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska, featuring a bracket of 16 bears competing for the title of the season's heaviest hibernator. The tournament, which expanded this year, includes defending champion Chunk, who is back to defend his crown after recovering from a broken jaw.
Voting for the first round originally opened on Tuesday, but park officials were forced to extend the window through Wednesday after so many people jumped online to vote that the site struggled to keep up. Fans can cast their ballots daily between 12 and 9 p.m. ET through September 29 to decide which bears have packed on the most impressive amount of weight for the coming winter.
Why These Bears Need the Extra Bulk
This isn't just about having a cute, round appearance. According to Explore.org resident naturalist Mike Fitz, these bears have reached “peak fat” after spending the summer gorging on berries and salmon. This extra weight is essentially a survival fuel tank, as these bears will go through a months-long period of famine while they hibernate. Park ranger Troy Hunt noted that the bears can go between four and six months without eating anything at all.
This year’s competition is particularly special, as park officials have observed a significant number of cubs hanging out at Brooks Camp. Park Superintendent Mark Sturm shared his excitement, noting, “A new generation of fat bears is taking shape, and they're off to a strong start.” Fans can watch the bears in their natural habitat via live webcams on Explore.org to see the competitors in action before deciding who gets their vote.
Why it matters
Fat Bear Week highlights the resilience of the Katmai ecosystem while educating the public about the biological necessity of hibernation. It has become a massive global event, pulling in over 1.7 million votes last year from more than 100 countries.
