Alaska’s Katmai Bears Compete in Largest Fat Bear Week Bracket Ever

Alaska’s iconic brown bears are preparing for the sixth annual Fat Bear Week, which has expanded this year to feature a record-breaking 16 competitors in its single-elimination tournament. The bracket, released on Friday by the nonprofit Explore.org, highlights the robust health of the ecosystem in Katmai National Park and Preserve.

Park Superintendent Mark Sturm noted a significant increase in population vitality, stating that more cubs have been spotted at Brooks Camp than in recent memory. “A new generation of fat bears is taking shape, and they’re off to a strong start,” Sturm said in a news release, adding that staff are eager to observe how the younger bears develop throughout the autumn feeding season.

The expanded field includes notable newcomers such as Bear 89, affectionately known as “Backpack.” The male earned his nickname as a cub after an injury required him to ride on his mother’s back. Also returning is Bear 151 Walker, recognized as one of the most dominant males at Brooks River. Last year’s champion, Bear 32, nicknamed “Chunk,” is also in the running. Weighing over 1,200 pounds, Chunk won in 2025 despite recovering from a broken jaw, a redemption arc that followed controversy after he was involved in the death of a cub belonging to the previous year’s winner, Grazer.

Katmai Ranger Sarah Bruce encouraged voters to consider the unique difficulties each bear faces. She pointed out that single adult females must work harder to ensure their cubs accumulate enough calories for winter hibernation. “When you’re voting, consider the challenges of a bear’s life,” Bruce advised during an online chat unveiling the bracket.

Public voting begins on Tuesday, Sept. 22, and will pause over the weekend before a new champion is crowned on Sept. 29. Viewers can follow the competition live via webcams at Brooks River on Explore.org, where the bears’ fishing and feeding activities offer a distraction from global political and economic concerns.