Alaska’s Fearless Black Bear Arrow Wins 2026 Honey Badger Award for Defying Larger Rivals
A black bear named Arrow has been awarded the 2026 Honey Badger Award by the U.S. Forest Service for his fearless behavior at Anan Creek in Tongass National Forest. Despite a lingering limp from a 2019 injury, Arrow successfully challenged two larger brown bears this year. The award recognizes his refusal to back down, a trait reminiscent of the viral honey badger meme. Rangers note that while brown bears are typically dominant due to size, the abundance of salmon at Anan Creek often leads larger bears to avoid conflict. Arrow is identified by a scar on his ear and a white mustache-like patch of fur. The award is part of a broader initiative to recognize the 39 bears observed at the Anan Wildlife Observatory this summer.