Fat Bear Week Voting 2025: Meet the Bears, Brackets, and How to Cast Your Vote
Every autumn, the world tunes in to Katmai National Park in Alaska for one of the most delightful wildlife traditions: Fat Bear Week. The event, now underway for 2025, invites the public to participate in fat bear week voting, deciding which brown bear will be crowned the fattest and most resilient of the year. While the competition is lighthearted, it draws attention to the extraordinary survival strategies of bears preparing for winter hibernation.
Every autumn, the world tunes in to Katmai National Park in Alaska for one of the most delightful wildlife traditions: Fat Bear Week. The event, now underway for 2025, invites the public to participate in fat bear week voting, deciding which brown bear will be crowned the fattest and most resilient of the year. While the competition is lighthearted, it draws attention to the extraordinary survival strategies of bears preparing for winter hibernation.
How Fat Bear Week Voting Works
Fat Bear Week runs from September 23 to September 30, with daily matchups posted online. Voters can cast one vote per email address between 12:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Each bear is pitted against another in a bracket-style tournament, with the winner advancing to the next round until one champion emerges on September 30.
The votes are not only a measure of girth but also a celebration of survival stories, family legacies, and remarkable recoveries.
Why Fat Bear Week Matters
The contest is more than a playful popularity vote. It underscores the bears’ reliance on salmon from Brooks River to pack on critical pounds before hibernation. This year’s salmon run has been especially strong, helping many bears reach impressive sizes.
Katmai officials emphasize that voters should consider not just size but also the resilience and challenges each bear has faced. A once-injured bear thriving against the odds can be just as compelling as the biggest contender.
Fat Bear Week Participants
This year’s bracket features 11 adult bears plus the winner of the Fat Bear Junior competition. Among the most talked-about participants are long-time veterans and rising stars, each with their own story.
Notable Bears in the 2025 Bracket
| Bear Name | Notable Traits | Highlights 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Grazer (128) | Two-time reigning champion | Returning to defend her title |
| 32 Chunk | Large, dominant male | Runner-up last year despite prior jaw injury |
| 128 Jr. “Biggie” | Offspring of Grazer | Won Fat Bear Junior, first appearance in main bracket |
| 602 “Flow-tato” | Known for stomping dance | A fan favorite for quirky behavior |
| 503 | Strong, resilient | Regular Brooks River presence |
| 901, 909, 26, 99, 856, 910 | Experienced and adaptive | Key contenders with unique backstories |
The diversity of this lineup makes for one of the most competitive years in recent memory.
Fat Bear Junior: The Younger Generation
Before the main contest began, Fat Bear Junior gave younger bears a chance to shine. The two-day competition (September 18–19) crowned 128 Jr. “Biggie” as the winner, securing him a spot in the adult bracket alongside the established contenders. This addition brings fresh energy and excitement to the tournament.
Watching the Bears Live
Fans around the world can follow every moment through Explore.org’s Katmai brown bears live cameras, stationed along Brooks River. These streams provide an intimate look at how the bears fish, interact, and fatten up during the crucial pre-hibernation season.
Grazer Bear and the Quest for a Three-Peat
One of the biggest storylines of the year is Grazer bear’s attempt to win her third consecutive title. Known for her bold fishing strategies and ability to raise cubs while competing against much larger males, Grazer has become a global icon of strength and endurance.
32 Chunk Bear Returns Strong
Another fan favorite is 32 Chunk bear, who despite suffering a broken jaw in the past, remains a dominant figure along the Brooks River. After finishing runner-up last year, many see him as a top challenger to dethrone Grazer.
How to Join the Fat Bear Week Voting
To take part in fat bear week voting, participants can visit www.fatbearweek.org. Each matchup lasts 24 hours, and the bear with the most votes advances. The competition blends education with entertainment, making it one of the most engaging ways to connect people with conservation efforts.
Explore the Brooks River Bears
Beyond the tournament, the Brooks River bears themselves are the true stars. Each has a unique role in the ecosystem, and through their stories, viewers gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of Alaska’s wilderness.
