The annual Fat Bear Week competition has reached its semifinal stage, featuring four formidable contenders from Alaska's Katmai National Park. This year's final four include one dominant female bear, 128 Grazer, and three large male bears: 32 Chunk, 856, and newcomer 602 Flotato. The competition, which celebrates the bears' successful weight gain ahead of winter hibernation, has seen significant voter engagement and surprising developments.
Key Takeaways
- Fat Bear Week semifinals are underway with a final four: 128 Grazer, 32 Chunk, 856, and 602 Flotato.
- Two previous contenders, 909 and 910, were eliminated despite their substantial weight.
- 128 Grazer is the only female remaining, known for her strong defense and past titles.
- 602 Flotato is a rookie contender, representing a season of exceptional salmon abundance and playful bear behavior.
- Voting is open to the public to determine the fattest bear.
Semifinal Matchups Underway
The semifinal round of Fat Bear Week is now in full swing, with public voting determining which bears advance to the final. This stage follows a series of initial matchups where several bears were eliminated. The competition highlights the impressive physical transformations bears undergo at Brooks River in Katmai National Park, preparing for the long winter ahead.
During the previous rounds, two notable female bears, 909 and 910, were eliminated. Both bears, often referred to as the Beady sisters, had gained significant weight. Despite their substantial size, they were unable to secure enough votes against their opponents, 128 Grazer and 856. This outcome surprised some voters, as 910, in particular, was considered a strong contender.
"We started Fat Bear Week with a sow advantage (7 of the 12 bears were female), and we’re down to one: 128 Grazer," noted an observer from Explore.org, highlighting the shift in the competition's gender balance.
The remaining four bears have all demonstrated remarkable success in gaining weight throughout the summer season. Each has shown consistent growth, a crucial factor for survival during hibernation. The competition serves as an educational tool, raising awareness about the importance of a healthy ecosystem for these animals.
Fat Bear Fact
Bears at Brooks River can gain hundreds of pounds during the summer salmon run. This weight gain is vital for their survival during the winter, when they do not eat, drink, or defecate for months.
128 Grazer: The Reigning Queen
Bear 128 Grazer is the sole female remaining in the semifinals. She is a well-known figure at Brooks River, recognized for her effective fishing techniques and protective nature. Grazer has a history of strong defense, often asserting herself against larger male bears to secure prime fishing spots. Her ability to defend her territory and cubs has earned her a reputation as a fierce and successful mother.
Grazer has previously won the Fat Bear Week title for two consecutive years. This success raises questions about voter preferences for a new champion versus a returning one. Voters sometimes show a desire to spread the recognition among different bears, creating an element of unpredictability in the final rounds.
Background on Fat Bear Week
Fat Bear Week is an annual online competition hosted by Katmai National Park and Preserve and Explore.org. It celebrates the success of brown bears in gaining weight in preparation for winter hibernation. The competition uses a bracket-style format, where the public votes for their favorite fat bear each day. It highlights the ecological importance of the salmon run in Alaska.
Her consistent weight gain this summer, visible in graphics provided by Explore.org, shows her continued ability to thrive. She represents the resilience and resourcefulness of female bears in a competitive environment.
The Male Contenders: Chunk, 856, and Flotato
32 Chunk: The Persistent Challenger
Bear 32 Chunk has often been a strong contender in past Fat Bear Week competitions, coming close to the title but never securing a win. This year, Chunk showed a different strategy. He maintained a lower profile throughout the summer, focusing on foraging and weight gain. Despite a past injury to his jaw, he adapted effectively, demonstrating his resilience.
His quiet approach paid off, as he has put on significant fat. Voters will consider his long history in the competition and his consistent efforts. His journey highlights the challenges bears face and their ability to adapt to physical setbacks.
856: The Former Alpha
Bear 856 once dominated the Brooks River ecosystem, known for his assertive behavior and control over fishing areas. This season, however, 856 adopted a more subdued lifestyle. He started the summer looking thinner than usual, suggesting a period of adjustment. Despite this, he managed to bulk up considerably without needing to be the primary alpha bear.
His transformation this year suggests that success in gaining weight does not always require aggressive dominance. This change in behavior might appeal to voters looking for a bear that has evolved beyond its past reputation. His story reflects a bear finding success in a new role within the river's social structure.
602 Flotato: The Rookie Sensation
Newcomer 602 Flotato has emerged as a significant contender, embodying the unique conditions of the 2025 season. This summer was marked by an exceptionally high salmon run, leading to an abundance of fish in the river. This plentiful food source allowed many bears to gain weight rapidly and exhibit more playful behaviors.
- Historically High Salmon Run: The river was so dense with fish that its color reportedly changed.
- Cultural Shift: Bears were observed engaging in more joyful and less aggressive interactions.
- Playful Activities: Behaviors like slow wrestling, gentle 'bitey-face', and extended periods of relaxation were common.
602 Flotato, previously nicknamed 'Snorkel Bear' for his love of water, fully embraced this season of abundance. He was frequently seen lounging in the water, sometimes with a salmon resting on his face. His relaxed and joyful demeanor has made him a fan favorite, symbolizing the season's unique atmosphere.
His story represents more than just weight gain; it reflects a season of pleasure and prosperity for the bears. Whether this positive image will translate into a championship win remains to be seen, but Flotato has certainly captured public attention.
Voting for the Fattest Bear
The public can cast their votes for the semifinal matchups at fatbearweek.org. Voting is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. AKST. The competition encourages participation and provides a platform for learning about bear ecology and conservation efforts at Katmai National Park.
The winner of Fat Bear Week will be the bear deemed to have gained the most significant and impressive amount of weight, showcasing their success in preparing for hibernation. The event concludes with a champion being crowned, celebrating the health and vitality of these Alaskan brown bears.