Fat Bear Week 2026 kicks off at Katmai National Park, voting open

Fat Bear Week 2026 kicked off on Monday at Katmai National Park in Alaska, inviting the public to vote online for the bear that has gained the most weight before hibernation. The week‑long competition runs through Saturday and uses live‑streamed camera feeds from the park’s Brooks Falls and other feeding sites. Voters can cast a ballot each day on the official Fat Bear Week website or via the park’s social‑media channels.

The event began in 2009 as a simple Facebook poll and has grown into a national phenomenon. Organizers use the contest to highlight how brown bears bulk up on salmon and berries to survive the winter months. Climate scientists say the bears’ ability to gain weight is a barometer for ecosystem health, especially as warming temperatures threaten salmon runs. By showcasing the bears’ progress, the park hopes to raise awareness of the challenges wildlife face in a changing climate.

This year, eight bears are in the running, ranging from a 600‑pound male named “Benny” to a 450‑pound female called “Molly.” Last year’s winner, a 1,100‑pound bear named “Luna,” attracted more than 2.5 million votes and generated a surge in park visitation. Park superintendent Jeff Crouse said the contest “draws attention to our research and the importance of protecting these animals.” Wildlife biologists will use the data from the cameras to track each bear’s feeding patterns and health, adding to long‑term studies of bear populations.

Results will be announced on Saturday night, and the winning bear will be featured in a special segment on the National Park Service’s website. Organizers plan to use the publicity to boost funding for bear monitoring programs and to promote upcoming conservation initiatives. As the voting deadline approaches, park officials encourage participants to share the event on social media to spread the message that protecting habitats benefits both bears and people.