A massive brown bear known as Chunk has won Fat Bear Week 2025, defeating his rivals in one of the most popular wildlife competitions in the world. Weighing more than 500kg, Brown Bear Chunk overcame a broken jaw earlier this year to claim the top spot in the public voting.
Fat Bear Week takes place every October in Katmai National Park, Alaska. The event began in 2014 as a way to showcase the park’s bear population and has since grown into a global phenomenon. Millions of people now take part in the online contest, where they vote for the bear that best represents strength, survival, and readiness for winter hibernation.
This year, 12 bears were featured in the competition. Each one had been monitored closely via webcams and ranger updates, allowing fans to follow their progress through the feeding season. While all contestants showed impressive growth, Brown Bear Chunk’s resilience set him apart. Despite his injury, which once raised concerns about his ability to hunt and fish, he managed to gain substantial weight before winter.
Organizers said the competition is more than just fun—it highlights the difficult realities of survival in the wild. Bears must build large fat reserves to survive months without eating during hibernation. Fat Bear Week allows people to learn about this natural process while also drawing attention to conservation challenges, including climate change and declining salmon runs that affect food supplies.
Wildlife experts praised Brown Bear Chunk’s victory as a story of recovery and strength. His ability to bounce back from injury and still emerge as the fattest and healthiest bear was seen as a symbol of resilience. Fans across the world celebrated his win, many expressing admiration for his determination and survival instincts.
The contest also sheds light on the broader importance of protecting wild habitats. National park officials noted that tourism and global attention on Fat Bear Week provide an opportunity to raise awareness about environmental issues. As a result, the event has become both educational and entertaining, bridging the gap between science and popular culture.
Just as global traditions like Oktoberfest in Munich faced delays due to safety threats (read more here), Fat Bear Week demonstrates how cultural and natural events can capture worldwide attention and spark meaningful discussions.
As Brown Bear Chunk settles into hibernation, his story reminds us of the strength of wildlife and the importance of resilience in nature. His victory ensures that Fat Bear Week 2025 will be remembered not only for its record-breaking votes but also for celebrating a true survivor.
