Fat Bear Week Returns: Bears Compete in a Salmon Feast

Fat Bear Week has officially kicked off in Katmai National Park, Alaska, providing a momentary distraction for many amid the hectic news cycle of 2025. The annual contest, which began on Wednesday, invites audiences to vote for their favorite bear as they compete to gain weight in preparation for hibernation. This unique event has transformed into a global phenomenon, with hundreds of thousands expected to participate.

Bears Battle for the Title

During Fat Bear Week, bears, identified only by their numbers, engage in a friendly competition, stuffing themselves with salmon. The contest comprises a series of head-to-head voting rounds, culminating in the crowning of a champion bear at the week’s end. The winner is determined by which bear voters believe has gained the most weight, a fun yet insightful way to highlight the natural behaviors of these magnificent animals.

The event has seen exponential growth since its inception in 2014, which attracted only a few thousand voters. Last year, approximately 1.2 million votes were cast by participants from over 100 countries. According to a statement from the organizing bodies, Katmai Conservancy and Explore.org, “Like a bear’s body mass in late summer, anticipation for the tournament continues to grow.”

Highlighting Conservation Efforts

The competition raises awareness about the plight of brown bears and their habitats, emphasizing the threats they face from human activity. Each fall, around 2,000 bears in Katmai begin to bulk up, consuming as much as 100 pounds (45 kilograms) of salmon daily to prepare for their long hibernation. During this period, they enter a deep sleep, awakening in spring considerably thinner and in need of nourishment.

Last year’s champion, bear 128 Grazer, made history by becoming the first mother bear to win the title. Organizers are curious if she can achieve a three-peat this year. Voters have the opportunity to view before-and-after photos of the participating bears, comparing their sizes and conditions to determine which bear is best equipped for survival during the lean months ahead.

Voting for this year’s competition is open until 5:00 pm Tuesday in Alaska (01:00 GMT Wednesday). Those interested can cast their votes at explore.org/fat-bear-week, joining a global community in celebrating these remarkable creatures and their natural behaviors.