Backpack Wins 2026 Fat Bear Week After Record-Breaking Online Vote

Key points

• Bear 89, known as 'Backpack,' was crowned the 2026 Fat Bear Week champion, beating runner-up bear 910 by roughly 5,000 votes.
• The competition received over 2.3 million votes from worldwide participants, with some outlets reporting over 2.5 million, marking a record-breaking turnout.
• Backpack, a 20-year-old male, is the son of 2019 champion Holly and earned his nickname for riding on his mother's back as a cub.
• The event, held from Sept. 22-29, features a single-elimination bracket and aims to celebrate bears' weight gain for winter hibernation.
• Backpack overcame a severe leg injury in 2007 and is known for his non-aggressive, 'stoic' presence at Brooks River.

Background

Fat Bear Week, which began as a one-day event in 2014 and expanded to a week-long tournament in 2015, is an annual online competition at Katmai National Park in Alaska. It allows the public to vote for the fattest brown bear, celebrating their preparation for winter hibernation. The event has grown into a global phenomenon, with millions of votes cast annually. Past champions include 480 Otis, 409 Beadnose, and 435 Holly, with some bears winning multiple times. The 2026 edition featured 16 contenders, including families and individual bears, and was organized by Katmai National Park, explore.org, and the Katmai Conservancy.

How outlets are covering it

Alaska Public Media emphasized Backpack's personal journey, highlighting his recovery from a 2007 leg injury and his 'stoic' nature, while noting his mother Holly's 2019 victory. USA Today focused on the record-breaking vote count (over 2.5 million) and the bear's physical transformation, describing his fur color change from blonde to grizzled brown. CBS News stressed the competitive aspect, noting Backpack's early dominance in the first two rounds and the close final matchup with 910, another offspring of a former champion. All sources agreed on the significance of the event in celebrating wildlife resilience and public engagement with conservation.

Why it matters

The event underscores the importance of public engagement in wildlife conservation and the cultural impact of online communities in supporting natural history initiatives. It highlights the bears' remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in their environment, serving as a reminder of the interconnectedness between humans and nature. The record-breaking participation also reflects the global interest in wildlife and the role of digital platforms in fostering awareness and support for conservation efforts.

What to watch

The focus will shift to the bears' hibernation period, with park officials monitoring their health and survival through winter. Future Fat Bear Week events will likely continue to draw global attention, potentially expanding the bracket or introducing new features to engage participants. Conservation efforts at Katmai National Park will remain a priority, with ongoing support from the Katmai Conservancy and explore.org to protect the bears and their habitat.