Fat Bear Week 2025: Get Ready To Vote!

Get ready, bear enthusiasts! Fat Bear Week, the annual celebration of survival and bulk in Katmai National Park, will return in 2025. This much-anticipated event allows you to vote for your favorite brown bear as they compete for the title of 'fattest bear.' Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for Fat Bear Week 2025.

What is Fat Bear Week?

Fat Bear Week is a single-elimination tournament where the public votes on which bear they think has gained the most weight in preparation for winter hibernation. Brown bears enter a state of hyperphagia in the months leading up to winter, consuming massive amounts of food to survive the winter. The before-and-after photos are truly impressive!

The event is not just a fun contest; it highlights the bears' resilience and the healthy ecosystem of the Brooks River, which provides these bears with the salmon they need to thrive.

When is Fat Bear Week 2025?

While the official dates for Fat Bear Week 2025 have yet to be announced, the event typically takes place in late September to early October. Keep an eye on the National Park Service's official website and social media channels for the exact dates.

How to Participate

Participating in Fat Bear Week is easy and fun. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Follow Katmai National Park: Stay updated by following Katmai National Park and Preserve on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Watch the Bear Cams: Observe the bears in their natural habitat via the park’s live webcams. This helps you get to know the contestants and their feeding habits.
• Cast Your Votes: Once the voting bracket is released, visit the official Fat Bear Week website to cast your daily votes. Each matchup features photos of the bears, allowing you to make an informed decision based on their weight gain.
• Spread the Word: Share your favorite bears and encourage friends and family to participate. Use the hashtag #FatBearWeek to join the conversation.

Why Fat Bear Week Matters

Beyond the entertainment value, Fat Bear Week serves an important educational purpose. It raises awareness about the importance of healthy ecosystems and the challenges bears face as they prepare for hibernation. By celebrating these bears, we also highlight the need for conservation efforts to protect their habitat.

Get Ready to Vote!

Fat Bear Week 2025 promises to be another exciting event. Mark your calendars for late September/early October, follow Katmai National Park's updates, and prepare to cast your votes for the fattest bear. Happy voting, and may the best bear win!