Katmai's Fat Bear Week 2026 Bracket Unveiled: Meet the Contenders
Katmai National Park revealed the Fat Bear Week 2026 bracket on Sept. 18, kicking off the 12th edition slated for Sept. 22–29 (no voting Sept. 26–27). The online, single-elimination tournament features a diverse mix of bears at Brooks River—adult females, subadults and males—battling in head-to-head matchups, with fans voting to crown the fattest bear before winter; notable contenders include 32 Chunk (2025 champion), 164 Bucky Dent, and 151 Walker.
