Katmai National Park Expands Fat Bear Week to Include Bear Families

Katmai adds bear families to Fat Bear Week competition

Alaska Public Media • 23 Sep 23:08

Katmai National Park and Preserve expanded its annual Fat Bear Week bracket to include whole bear families, highlighting the effort of mother bears and drawing a record number of online voters.

Alaska’s Fat Bear Week Returns with Champion Chunk Seeking Back-to-Back Title

NBC News • 22 Sep 10:53

The annual Fat Bear Week contest in Katmai National Park has opened voting for 16 brown bears, with last year’s winner Chunk aiming to defend his title against rivals such as Gully.

Sixteen Bears Compete in Katmai's Fat Bear Week 2026

CBS News • 22 Sep 01:02

The National Park Service’s Fat Bear Week returns with 16 contenders, including defending champion Chunk, as online voting runs from Sept. 22 to Sept. 29.

Katmai National Park launches online voting for Fat Bear Week contestants

Alaska Public Media • 21 Sep 18:06

Katmai National Park and Preserve will hold its annual Fat Bear Week competition, featuring 16 bears and allowing the public to vote online for the animal that has accumulated the most weight over the summer.

Katmai National Park expands Fat Bear Week bracket to 16 bears for 2026 competition

npr.org • 18 Sep 21:13

The annual Fat Bear Week tournament in Alaska will feature 16 brown bears, up from 12, as officials note a surge in cub numbers and a new generation of bears preparing for hibernation.