Fat Bear Week 2026 Finalists: Backpack and Bear #910 Advance
Two bears with remarkable survival stories compete for the annual Katmai National Park title.
1Fat Bear Week semifinals results
Bear #910 defeated Bear #132 and her three cubs in the first semifinal, while Bear #89 (Backpack) narrowly won against Bear #164 (Bucky Dent) in the closest match of this year's competition. The final voting begins September 29 at noon EDT, with only these two contenders remaining. This annual event at Alaska's Katmai National Park celebrates bears' summer weight gain through public voting, drawing attention to wildlife conservation efforts.
2Backpack's survival story
The 20.5-year-old Backpack, son of 2019 champion Bear #435 (Holly), earned his name by riding on his mother's back as a cub. He survived a severe leg injury in 2007 that rangers feared would be fatal. Now a consistent Brooks Falls resident, he exhibits quiet strength without aggression, preferring to fish downstream on his favorite rock. His recovery and temperament make him a fan favorite in this competition.
3Bucky Dent's fishing innovation
The 9.5-year-old Bucky Dent invented a unique fishing technique as a subadult when competing for spots at Brooks Falls. He positions himself in the deepest plunge pool, catching fish that jump up or fall from above—a method no other bear uses. Now one of the largest bears, he intimidates others from prime spots, rapidly climbing the bear hierarchy. His size and skill made him Backpack's toughest semifinal opponent.
4Bear #132's family challenge
Nicknamed 'Spaghetti' for her three 'meatball' cubs, Bear #132 faced drama when one cub separated mid-summer. Cubs alone face starvation or attacks, but hers survived days apart before reuniting. This first-time Fat Bear Week competitor is recognizable by the inverted V pattern above her muzzle. Her story highlights the challenges mother bears face raising cubs in the wild.
5Bear #910's rare adoption
Called 'Dancing Queen' for her head-tossing quirk, Bear #910 made history in 2022 by adopting her sister's 2.5-year-old cub while raising her own—only the second such adoption recorded at Katmai. Now fishing solo, she's known for successful fishing at Brooks Falls' lip. Her short ears and brow ridge distinguish this 2025 Fat Bear Week debutante.
6Katmai's bear identification system
Bears receive three-digit IDs after being observed using Brooks River on three separate occasions in a season. While fans create nicknames (like 'Backpack'), the National Park Service avoids official names to prevent humanizing wildlife. This system helps researchers track individual bears' life histories, fishing techniques, and family relationships over years—critical data for conservation.
7Conservation through engagement
Fat Bear Week's public voting (hosted by explore.org) educates participants about bear behavior and challenges. Each competitor's backstory—from injuries to innovative fishing—illustrates adaptation strategies. The event spotlights Katmai's healthy ecosystem where bears can gain hundreds of pounds preparing for hibernation, while fostering appreciation for wildlife management efforts.
82026 championship implications
Whether Backpack's resilience or Bear #910's adaptability wins, both finalists represent exceptional survival strategies. Their continued growth suggests future title contention. The winner, crowned September 29, joins legends like Backpack's mother Holly, demonstrating how individual stories make Fat Bear Week an effective tool for wildlife conservation awareness.
Original article: Popular Science — Fat Bear Week 2026 Finalists: Backpack and Bear #910 Advance