A record-breaking bear has claimed the title of Fat Bear Week champion after a week of intense public voting, showcasing the most dramatic weight gain among Alaska’s Katmai National Park residents. The competition, which highlights the region’s brown bears preparing for hibernation, crowned the winner based on sheer size and transformation. Observers noted the bear’s remarkable physique, a testament to the park’s abundant salmon runs fueling their seasonal bulking. The annual event celebrates both wildlife and the natural behaviors that sustain it.
After a week of fierce competition, Backpack emerged victorious as Fat Bear Week champion, the heftiest bear of Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve.
