Fat Bear Week 2026: Meet Backpack, Bucky & Other Chunky Contenders

What Is Fat Bear Week?

Every February, the remote wilderness of Katmai National Park in Alaska becomes a global stage for a unique wildlife showdown. Fat Bear Week pits the park's brown bears against each other in a light‑hearted competition to see which animal has stored the most fat before the long winter.

Origins and Purpose

The event began in 2009 as a way to celebrate the bears' natural preparation for hibernation. Over the years it has grown into a major online voting phenomenon, drawing millions of viewers and raising awareness about bear ecology and conservation.

The 2026 Lineup: Meet the Contenders

Sixteen bears are slated to battle for the title of the chunkiest bear in 2026. While each animal is a star in its own right, a few have captured public imagination in past years.

Backpack – A large male bear known for his distinctive brown coat and playful demeanor. He earned his nickname after being photographed with a backpack‑like fur pattern.
Bucky – A veteran of the competition, Bucky’s round shape and steady weight gain make him a perennial favorite.
Hannah – One of the few females in the lineup, Hannah’s sleek silhouette hides a surprising amount of stored energy.
Grizzly G – A younger bear who made a splash in the 2024 tournament with a rapid weight increase.
Other Notable Contenders
- Rocky – Known for his curious interactions with tourists.
- Silver – A silver‑tipped male who often tops the early season rankings.
- Olive – A matriarch with a reputation for protecting cubs.
- Various newcomers – Six additional bears will join the competition, each hoping to surprise the voting public.

How the Voting Works

Fans worldwide cast votes for their favorite bear through an official online platform. The process is simple, transparent and free of charge.

Online voting platform

Visitors to the National Park Service page can view live camera feeds, read daily updates and select a bear for each round of voting. The competition runs for one week, with the field narrowing after each round.

Log in to the voting site using an email address.
Watch the daily video highlights to see which bears are gaining the most weight.
Choose a bear for the current round and submit your vote.
Repeat the process each day until the final showdown.

All votes are counted in real time, and the park publishes a live leaderboard that updates as the day progresses.

Why the Contest Matters

Bear health and hibernation

Brown bears in Katmai must accumulate enough fat to survive up to seven months of hibernation. The competition provides a visual reminder of this critical biological process. According to National Geographic, a healthy bear can gain up to 30 percent of its body weight in just a few weeks, a feat that showcases the species’ remarkable adaptability.

Economic impact on local communities

Fat Bear Week drives tourism to the remote region, supporting local businesses in nearby towns such as King Salmon and Naknek. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game reports that the event generates significant revenue through online merchandise sales, virtual tours and increased interest in guided bear viewing trips.

Tips for Watching the Competition

Live streams and social media

The park operates several high‑definition cameras that broadcast the bears’ daily activities. Follow the official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service social channels for real‑time updates, behind‑the‑scenes footage and expert commentary.

Set a reminder for the daily voting deadline (usually 6 p.m. Alaska time).
Use the “watch party” feature on the voting site to discuss the bears with other fans.
Check the “Bear of the Day” highlight to see which animal made the most progress.

What to Expect This Year

Backpack enters the competition with a strong start, having already added a noticeable layer of fat in the first half of February. Bucky, meanwhile, is relying on his consistent weight gain pattern that helped him win the title in 2021.

Newcomers such as Rocky and Silver are expected to challenge the veterans, especially as the salmon runs peak and provide abundant food. Observers note that weather conditions this year have been unusually mild, which could affect the bears’ foraging efficiency.

Regardless of who claims the crown, the event continues to highlight the delicate balance between wildlife health and human interest. By voting, sharing, and learning about each bear’s story, participants become part of a broader conversation about conservation and the future of Alaska’s iconic brown bears.