Fat Bear Week 2026: Champions Fall and New Contenders Emerge
Katmai's annual bear competition sees dramatic upsets and survival stories unfold.
1Champion dethroned
2025 Fat Bear Week champion Bear #32 (Chunk) was eliminated in Round 1 by Bear #164 (Bucky Dent), marking the end of his reign. Bucky Dent, known for his innovative fishing technique, stood out by catching salmon in plunge pools beneath Brooks Falls - a method no other bear uses. Chunk had previously lost to mama bear Grazer in 2024 after an incident where he attacked her cubs, resulting in one fatality. The 7.5-year-old Bucky Dent, whose parents remain unknown, first appeared in 2019 and now ranks among Katmai's largest bears.
2Walker's dominance continues
Bear #151 (Walker), a Brooks River regular since 2009, advanced by defeating Bear #903 (Gully). Walker has competed since 2018 but never won, previously losing to champions like Grazer and four-time winner Otis. This year shows a more aggressive Walker defending his hierarchy position against younger challengers. Gully, offspring of two-time champion Grazer, earned his nickname by charging at flocks of gulls. The 10.5-year-old Gully has risen in status, securing prime fishing spots with his size and confidence.
3Subadult contenders emerge
The subadult bracket featured Bear #89 (Backpack) and Bear #620 advancing. Backpack, son of 2019 champion Holly, survived a significant leg injury as a yearling in 2027. Known for climbing on his mother's back, he's now a consistent Brooks Falls resident who prefers quiet strength over aggression. Bear #620 belongs to Katmai's rare 'Brady Bunch' blended family formed in 2023 when two sister bears combined their families - an unusual occurrence among brown bears.
4Survivor stories highlight competition
Bear #610, a small mother bear, overcame incredible odds to reach her first Fat Bear Week. First spotted in 2015 with a large wound, she survived without maternal care and this year successfully raised her first litter. Explore.org notes her 'disproportionately large ability to overcome hardship.' She faced Backpack in a battle of survivors, with Backpack advancing. Both bears exemplify the resilience Katmai's brown bears need to thrive in the competitive Brooks River ecosystem.
5Record-breaking voter engagement
Fat Bear Week 2026 saw unprecedented public participation, forcing organizers to extend Round 1 voting after technical difficulties from overwhelming demand. Voting runs September 22-29, with donations to the Otis Fund (named after four-time champion Otis) being matched by explore.org until October 3. The competition, hosted by explore.org, raises awareness and funds for Katmai Conservancy's wildlife conservation efforts while showcasing the park's brown bear population dynamics.
6Innovative fishing techniques
Bucky Dent's advancement highlights unique survival strategies in Katmai. As a subadult facing fishing spot competition in 2021, he developed his signature plunge pool technique - standing where fish well up from below or fall from above. Now among the largest bears, he can fish anywhere but still uses this distinctive method. Such individual adaptations demonstrate how bears develop specialized skills to thrive in the competitive Brooks River salmon fishery.
7Bear hierarchy dynamics
This year's competition reveals shifting power structures among Katmai's bears. Established males like Walker face challenges from rising stars like Bucky Dent and Bear #907 as they mature. Meanwhile, Gully's ascent shows how offspring of dominant bears like Grazer can inherit prime fishing spots. The tournament provides rare insights into bear social structures that normally develop over years but become visible through concentrated observation during salmon runs.
8Conservation through engagement
Fat Bear Week has grown beyond competition to become a significant conservation tool. The public voting format, combined with explore.org's live cams and detailed bear biographies, creates emotional connections that translate into donations. The Otis Fund matching campaign during the event directly supports Katmai's ecosystem. By anthropomorphizing bears through nicknames and backstories, organizers effectively communicate complex wildlife management concepts to broad audiences.
Original article: Popular Science — Fat Bear Week 2026: Champions Fall and New Contenders Emerge