Alaska’s Fat Bear Week: “Chunk” Secures First-Time Championship Win with More than 1.5 Million Votes Cast

Chunk Claims Victory in 2025 Fat Bear Week Competition

Published October 1, 2025 at 11:07 AM

Katmai National Park and Preserve has announced Chunk as the champion of its annual “Fat Bear Week” contest. The sizable brown bear,estimated too weigh around 1,200 pounds,secured the title on Tuesday,October 30th,marking his first win after several years as a finalist. This victory is especially noteworthy given Chunk’s ongoing recovery from a jaw injury.

Chunk, the champion, showcases his extraordinary bulk. (Katmai National Park and Preserve)

A Decade of Celebrating Success

Fat Bear Week, a beloved tradition as 2014, allows the public to witness the unbelievable transformation of brown bears as they prepare for winter hibernation.The competition, hosted by Katmai National Park and Preserve, utilizes a bracket-style elimination process based on online voting. This year’s event drew over 1.5 million votes from around the globe, with Chunk ultimately defeating Bear 856 in a closely watched final round.

Resilience and Recovery

Despite a previous jaw injury – believed to be sustained during a territorial dispute – Chunk has proven himself to be a formidable hunter and a prime example of survival. Naturalist Mike Fitz noted that the injury hasn’t diminished his strength, a testament to the bear’s determination.According to the National Wildlife Federation, brown bears typically gain 1-3 pounds per day during hyperphagia, the period of intense feeding before hibernation, to build up essential fat reserves.

Over 1.5 million votes were cast in this year’s competition. (Katmai National Park and Preserve)

Abundant Salmon Contribute to Success

This year’s unusually high salmon run – estimated at approximately 200,000 fish returning upstream – played a role in the bears’ success. The plentiful food source led to less competition among the bears, and even allowed for occasional opportunities for humans to observe the animals fishing peacefully nearby, according to Park Spokesperson Sarah bruce. Data from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game indicates that salmon runs have been fluctuating in recent years, influenced by climate change and ocean conditions.

Bear	Estimated Weight (lbs)	Key Feature	final Ranking
Chunk (No. 32)	1,200	Jaw Injury, resilience	Champion
Bear 856	Unknown	Strong competitor	Finalist

The annual competition serves as more than just a lighthearted spectacle. It provides a valuable possibility to educate the public about the incredible adaptations brown bears make to survive the challenging alaskan winters. Through side-by-side comparisons of the bears’ spring and autumn appearances, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the importance of resourcefulness and planning in the natural world.

Understanding Brown Bear Hibernation

Brown bears do not experience true hibernation likewise as some other mammals. Rather, they enter a state of torpor, which is a deep sleep but with a lower drop in body temperature and heart rate. This allows them to wake up more easily if disturbed. During this period, bears rely on the fat reserves accumulated during the hyperphagia phase to sustain them throughout the winter. The success of Fat Bear Week highlights the crucial link between food availability and survival for these magnificent creatures.

Did You Know?: Brown bears can smell food from up to 20 miles away!

Pro Tip: Support organizations dedicated to bear conservation to help protect their habitats and ensure healthy populations for future generations.

Frequently asked Questions About Fat bear Week

• What is Fat Bear Week? It’s an annual online competition celebrating the brown bears of Katmai National Park and Preserve as they prepare for winter.
• How are the bears judged in Fat Bear Week? Viewers vote for the bear they believe has gained the most weight and is best prepared for hibernation.
• Why is Fat Bear Week crucial? It raises awareness about brown bear ecology and the challenges they face.
• What do brown bears eat to get so fat? Primarily salmon, but also berries, plants and sometimes small mammals.
• where is Katmai National Park and Preserve located? Southwest Alaska,known for its incredible bear viewing opportunities.
• What happens to the bears after Fat Bear Week? They enter a period of torpor to survive the winter months.
• how can I learn more about brown bears? Visit the National Park Service website or the Alaska department of Fish and Game website for more facts.

what did you think of Chunk’s victory? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What ecological factor is central to teh success highlighted by Fat Bear Week?

The Reign of Chunk: A New Champion Emerges

In a landslide victory, bear 747, affectionately known as “Chunk,” has been crowned the champion of Fat Bear Week 2025! The annual competition, hosted by Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska, saw a record-breaking 1.5 million+ votes cast as fans worldwide celebrated the amazing transformations of these brown bears preparing for winter hibernation.This marks Chunk’s first championship win, solidifying his status as a fan favorite and a testament to his remarkable weight gain.

Understanding Fat Bear Week: A Party of Survival

Fat Bear Week isn’t just a fun online contest; it’s a powerful illustration of ecological success.the event highlights the incredible journey of brown bears as they gorge themselves on salmon throughout the summer months,building up crucial fat reserves to survive the long Alaskan winter.

Here’s a breakdown of what makes Fat Bear Week so special:

* the Goal: To showcase the health and success of Katmai’s bear population.

* The Timeline: Typically held in late september and early October, coinciding with the end of the salmon run.

* The Format: A single-elimination bracket-style tournament where the public votes for the “fattest” bear based on before-and-after photos.

* The Location: Katmai National Park and Preserve, a prime habitat for brown bears and salmon in Alaska.

Chunk’s Journey to the Top: A Look at the Competition

Chunk faced stiff competition throughout the week, battling against othre well-known bears like 901 (a former champion) and 856. However,his sheer size and impressive transformation resonated with voters.

Here’s a quick look at some of the key matchups leading to Chunk’s victory:

1. Round 1: Chunk defeated 32 Penelope.
2. Round 2: A close call against 503, but Chunk prevailed.
3. Semi-Finals: Chunk triumphed over 901, a meaningful upset for many fans.
4. Finals: Chunk secured the championship against 856 with a commanding led.

The voting process is designed to be engaging and educational, allowing people to learn about individual bears and the challenges they face.

Why Bears Get So Fat: The Science Behind the Bulk

The dramatic weight gain observed during Fat Bear Week isn’t just about overeating; it’s a complex biological process. Brown bears can gain up to 4 pounds per day during peak salmon season. This incredible feat is achieved through:

* Hyperphagia: A state of increased feeding driven by hormonal changes.

* Salmon-Rich Diet: Salmon is packed with protein and fat, providing the necessary calories for weight gain.

* Reduced Activity: Bears conserve energy by reducing activity levels outside of feeding.

* Fat Storage: The excess calories are stored as fat, which serves as their primary energy source during hibernation.

This stored fat is crucial for survival. Bears don’t eat,drink,urinate,or defecate during hibernation,relying entirely on their fat reserves for months.

The Importance of salmon to the Katmai Ecosystem

The success of Fat Bear Week is directly linked to the health of the salmon population in Katmai National Park. Salmon are a keystone species, meaning they play a vital role in the ecosystem.

Here’s how salmon benefit the Katmai ecosystem:

* Bear Food Source: as highlighted by Fat Bear Week, salmon provide the primary food source for brown bears.

* Nutrient Cycling: Salmon transport marine nutrients into freshwater ecosystems when they return to spawn.

* Supporting Other Wildlife: Eagles, foxes, and other animals also benefit from the salmon run.

* Economic Impact: Salmon fishing supports local communities and economies.

How to Participate and Learn More

Want to get involved in future Fat Bear Weeks? Here’s how:

* Visit the NPS Website: https://www.nps.gov/katm/learn/fat-bear-week.htm for updates,bear profiles,and voting information.

* Follow Katmai National Park on Social Media: Stay informed about the latest news and events.

* Educate Yourself: Learn more about brown bears, salmon, and the Alaskan ecosystem.

* Spread the word: Share Fat Bear Week with your friends and family!

Fat Bear Week: Historical Data & Trends

While Chunk’s 2025 win is recent, Fat Bear Week has a rich history. Here’s a look at past champions:

* 2014: Winner not officially recorded.

* 2015: Holly

* 2016: chunk (runner-up in 2025)

* 2017: Otis

* 2018: 435 Holly