Backpack Claims 2026 Fat Bear Week Crown in Close Race Against 910
Brown bear 89, known as Backpack, won the 2026 Fat Bear Week competition at Katmai National Park in Alaska, defeating female bear 910 by approximately 5,000 votes. The event, which celebrates bears gaining weight before hibernation, saw record participation with over 2.3 million votes cast globally. Backpack, a 20-year-old male who previously suffered a severe leg injury, is the son of 2019 champion Holly. The competition, run by Katmai National Park and explore.org, highlights the bears' resilience and preparation for winter, with all participants considered winners for their survival readiness.
Key points
- Backpack (Bear 89) won the 2026 Fat Bear Week with 103,334 votes, narrowly defeating runner-up Bear 910 (98,253 votes).
- The competition featured 16 bears at Katmai National Park & Preserve in Alaska, with voting starting on Sept. 22 and concluding on Sept. 29.
- Backpack is a 20-year-old male, estimated to weigh 1,000-1,200 pounds, and is the son of 2019 champion Holly.
- The event saw over 2.3 million votes cast globally, with the first round overwhelming the voting website.
- Bear 910, known as 'Dancing Queen,' is also the offspring of a former Fat Bear Week winner (409 Beadnose).
- Park officials noted that all participating bears are considered winners for successfully preparing for winter hibernation.
Background
Fat Bear Week began in 2014 as a one-day event to showcase southwest Alaska bears and has grown into a global spectacle with millions of voters. Past champions include 480 Otis (2014, 2016, 2017, 2021), 409 Beadnose (2015, 2018), 435 Holly (2019), 747 (2020, 2022), and 128 Grazer (2023, 2024). Last year's winner, 32 Chunk, did not advance past the first round in 2026. The 2026 competition expanded to 16 competitors from 12 in previous years.
How outlets are covering it
CBS News emphasized the narrow margin of victory and Backpack's lineage as the son of 2019 champion Holly, noting his recovery from a 2007 leg injury. The Guardian highlighted the close race, describing Backpack as a 'quiet giant' and 910 as 'Dancing Queen,' while noting the 2022 vote-rigging scandal involving Holly. Alaska Public Media focused on Backpack's 'stoic presence' and lack of aggression, noting his large fanbase and the idea that this might be his 'only chance' to win given his age. All sources agreed on the record-breaking participation and the significance of the bears' weight gain for hibernation survival.
Why it matters
Fat Bear Week raises awareness for brown bear conservation in Katmai National Park, which supports approximately 2,000 bears. The event highlights the bears' resilience and preparation for winter hibernation, while also serving as a popular annual tradition that brings global attention to Alaska's wildlife. The competition's growth in participation and expanded bracket reflects increasing public interest in wildlife conservation and the bears' ability to adapt and thrive in their natural habitat.
What to watch
The 2026 Fat Bear Week competition has concluded, with Backpack crowned champion. The event's success and record participation suggest continued growth in future years. Park officials will likely continue to monitor the bears' health and weight as they prepare for winter hibernation. The competition's expansion to include whole bear families and the increased focus on resilience and adaptation may influence future editions of the event.
- Backpack voted Fat Bear Week 2026 winner, beating out another offspring of former champ CBS News
- Backpack Is the Fattest of the Fat Bears The New York Times
- Backpack edges past Dancing Queen to win the Fat Bear Week title The Guardian
- Bear 910 vs. Backpack: It's the final showdown for Alaska's Fat Bear Week PBS
- Meet Backpack, Fat Bear Week’s chunky champ Alaska Public Media
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