#United States #wildlife conservation #Anchorage #Katmai National Park #Fat Bear Week

Fat Bear Week 2025: An Ode to Alaska's Brown Bears

The countdown has begun for Fat Bear Week 2025, the beloved event that celebrates the resilience of brown bears in the wild. Set to take place from September 23 to September 30, 2025, this will be the 11th year of this heartwarming and impactful celebration. Hosted by explore.org, a well-known live nature camera network, and the Katmai Conservancy, this unique contest invites the public to engage in determining which bear has successfully bulked up the most in preparation for the winter months.

Fat Bear Week delights both enthusiasts and casual observers alike, showcasing the journeys of these magnificent creatures through online voting. It started in 2014 and has since grown exponentially, culminating in over 1.2 million votes from participants across more than 100 countries in 2024 alone. This year also promises a slew of exciting features, including profiles of each bear and before-and-after photos available on the Fat Bear Week website.

As voting commences, the public will observe the thrilling matchups in bracket-style elimination rounds. On September 22, the bracket will be revealed, letting fans anticipate the competition as they cast their votes for the bear that embodies the strongest preparation for winter. This year's reigning champion, Grazer, returns, carrying the title of being the first mother bear to win and will be balancing competition while nurturing her yearling cub. Joining her in the competition will be veteran contenders like 32 Chunk, a bear who faced down adversity after recovering from a broken jaw, further compelling narratives unfold as we get to know each bear's story.

Social media is sure to be buzzing with action as updates under the hashtag #FatBearWeek pour in. Viewers will also have the opportunity to engage in educational live streams hosted by park rangers and experts throughout the event, enhancing public awareness about the significance of wildlife conservation.

This year, Fat Bear Week will also kick off with an exciting side event, Fat Bear Junior, that features younger cub competitors. Voting for these little contenders will occur from September 18-19, encouraging participants to witness the premature stages of these future giants.

Contributing to the celebration, attendees can take part in supporting wildlife conservation by donating to the Katmai Conservancy's Otis Fund, as explore.org has generously pledged to match contributions submitted between September 23 and October 4. Additionally, a Fat Bear Week Celebration Fundraiser will be held on October 4 at 12pm AKT, inviting all to contribute to conservation efforts while enjoying the festivities.

Fat Bear Week continues to highlight the grandeur of Alaska's Katmai National Park, which boasts more brown bears than residents and the largest runs of sockeye salmon remaining on Earth. This initiative encapsulates the essence of wildlife celebration and educates the masses on the pivotal need for habitat conservation and raising awareness about environmental issues.

The upcoming Fat Bear Week is not just a celebration but an immersive experience that encourages everyone to connect with nature and promote vital conservation efforts, ensuring these magnificent creatures thrive for generations to come. So mark your calendars and get ready to support your favorite bear, witness their journeys, and appreciate the wild spirit of Alaska.

Join the conversation and vote to help crown the champion of Fat Bear Week 2025! Together, let’s journey through this spectacular wildlife celebration and advocate for the conservation of our treasured natural environments.