2024 Fat Bear Week - 10th Anniversary of Brooks River Fat Bear Celebrations!

The History:[]

The History of Katmai National Park & Preserve Fat Bear Week Tournament

The contest started in 2014 with Fat Bear Tuesday . It was a one day event, but proved to be extremely popular. 480 Otis beat 410 that year.

In 2015 , the tournament was expanded into a whole week and has kept the same format since. 409 Beadnose defeated 480 Otis in the 2015 contest.

In 2016 , 480 Otis defeated 435 Holly and won Fattest Bear on Fat Bear Tuesday and Alaska Day !

In 2017 , 480 Otis defeated 747 and won Fattest Bear on Fat Bear Tuesday .

In 2018 , 409 Beadnose defeated 747 to win fat bear for the second time.:

Overcoming the Misconception Surrounding Fat Bear Week:[]

On September 16, 2019 at 14:45, Mike Fitz comments to help overcome the misconception surrounding Fat Bear Week:

"I know that a few people, even park rangers, have stated that the Fat Bear Week contest is based on who gained the most weight, but that's a misconception. It's who you think is the fattest and you can base your "vote" on any number of factors. It could be who you think is the biggest. It could also be who you think gained the most weight or who gained the most weight proportionally. You could weight your vote on life history influences such as whether a female had to care for cubs. You could combine all of those aspects of their lives or add more. That's what makes the contest and the debate surrounding who's the fattest so much fun. I expect the bearcam audience will campaign vigorously for their favorite candidate by letting everyone else know why their bear's platform is the fattest. Who's your early favorite?"

The Purpose:[]

The purpose of the tournament: In the words of former KNP&P ranger Michael Fitz: "No matter what, Fat Bear Week is about connecting bears to their survival adaptations. It doesn't really matter who wins, because more people now recognize the efforts bears go through to gain weight to survive the winter."

The Fat Bear Week Campaign Trail:[]

Bearcam Viewers Campaign with Posters They Created:[]

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Support the 2024 Otis Fund, Katmai Conservancy During Fat Bear Week, October 2, 2024 - October 13, 2024; Explore.org Is Matching Donations!:[]

Support Katmai’s brown bears and salmon by donating to Katmai Conservancy’s Otis Fund during Fat Bear Week, October 2, 2024 - October 13, 2024.

Originally launched during Fat Bear Week 2020, the Otis Fund—named after beloved bear #480 Otis—provides critical support for Katmai National Park and Preserve. By contributing to the Otis Fund, you’re directly helping protect Katmai’s unique habitats and incredible wildlife. Show your love for Katmai by helping us reach our goal of raising $350,000 this year.

All Otis Fund donations will be matched by our friends at explore.org!

Donations raised through the Otis Fund allow Katmai Conservancy to support education, interpretation, conservation, research, youth engagement, and outreach, both within and outside of Katmai National Park and Preserve. Projects and initiatives supported by the Conservancy seek to improve the quality of the visitor experience as well as preserve the dynamic, unique landscape that includes Katmai and its surrounding communities. With your help, we can and will continue to make a difference. Thank you for your continuing support!

Be sure to join Katmai Conservancy on October 12th at 4 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. AK for our annual online Fat Bear Week Celebration Fundraiser. Tune in to explore.org’s Brooks Live Events channel as we honor this year’s Fat Bear Week champion and explore the vital work of Katmai Conservancy in supporting Katmai National Park and Preserve.

Consider donating $4.02, $40.20, $104.02, or $402.00 like other cam viewers and park visitors, or even $1,402.00 like at least one cam viewer/park visitor have done to honor the memory of beloved Brooks River bear 402!

Donate to the 2024 Otis Fund

The $350,000.00 goal was EXCEEDED!:

2024 Fat Bear Week Bracket Reveal, September 30, 2024 13:00 AKDT, Rescheduled for October 1, 2024:[]

On the morning of September 30, 2024 cam viewers and KNP&P staff witnessed 469 "Digger"/"Patches" attacking and killing 402. The realities of the lives of the incredible creatures are at times difficult to witness and process. An incident of this magnitude had never been observed on the Explore.org live cams. KNP&P staff, Katmai Conservancy staff, and Explore.org decided to postpone the 2024 Fat Bear Week Bracket for one day to allow staff and cam viewers to process the tragic event witnessed on September 30, 2024.

After months of preparation (and lots of salmon), it’s time to unveil the 2024 Fat Bear Week lineup! Head over to Explore.org’s Brooks Live Chat channel to meet this year’s contenders and see the official tournament bracket.

Watch live: Live Chat Channel Explore.org Brooks Falls Brown Bears

But, we already know one of the contenders! 910's adopted 3.5 year-old niece/cub (aka "909 Jr") as the reigning 2024 Fat Bear Junior Champion!

On October 1, 2024 Katmai NP&P Ranger Sarah and Katmai Conservancy Naomi Boak joined Explore.org's Resident Naturalist, Mike Fitz to reveal the contenders in the 2024 Fat Week Bracket. KNP&P's Ranger Sarah Bruce, Explore.org's Resident Naturalist, Mike Fitz, and Katmai Conservancy's Naomi Boak hosted a 2024 Fat Bear Bracket Reveal Live Chat:

Fat_Bear_Week_2024_Bracket_Reveal_-_Brooks_Live_Chat — Fat Bear Week 2024 Bracket Reveal - Brooks Live Chat

Hosted by Mike Fitz, Ranger Sarah Bruce & Naomi Boak, video by Explore

KNP&P's September 30, 2024 16:28 Facebook post with 2024 Fat Bear Week Bracket Reveal.:

"It's time for your favorite week of the year featuring the fattest bears around. Take a look at this year's Fat Bear Week Bracket and try to choose which rotund, rolly-polly, ravenous bears you are voting for during the next 7 days."

Meet the Bears of 2024 Fat Bear Week:[]

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Let The Voting Begin:[]

When the polls are open, head on over to Explore.org's Vote Page to cast your vote in each match. You can also obtain your 2024 Fat Bear Week I Voted Sticker!

Match 1: 519 "Zoom"/"Zippy" vs 910's 3.5 Year-Old Adopted Niece/Cub aka "909 Jr", October 2, 2024[]

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KNP&P's October 2, 2024 09:27 Facebook post:

"Two head to head beefy battles between bodacious bears is happening now!

Will the experienced exorbitant Fat Bear Jr champion take the next spot in the bracket over the independent, inflated subadult? 909 Jr (910's adopted cub) has inherited the heavyweight genes, proving that big bellies run in the family. Bear 519 brings bulk to the battlefield after almost doubling in size throughout the season.

In the second poll, it's the battle of bulk between 909 and 903. These two colossal contenders are chomping their way to championship glory. 909 is a perfect picture of powerful pudge, packing on pounds with poise. 903 is a formidable force of fluffy ferocity, fighting fiercely for the future rounds.

Who will waddle their way to the next round?"

Match 1 Results:[]

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2024 Fat Bear Week Match 1 Results Bracket, October 2, 2024: "The chubby cubby and the feather-eating fiend are moving on to the next round! On Friday 909jr will take on 128 "Grazer" in a fierce lady-power show down. That same day, 903 will face 747 in a battle of seasoned bear vs novice bear."

Match 2: 909 vs 903 "Gully", October 2, 2024[]

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KNP&P's October 2, 2024 09:27 Facebook post:

"Two head to head beefy battles between bodacious bears is happening now!

Will the experienced exorbitant Fat Bear Jr champion take the next spot in the bracket over the independent, inflated subadult? 909 Jr (910's adopted cub) has inherited the heavyweight genes, proving that big bellies run in the family. Bear 519 brings bulk to the battlefield after almost doubling in size throughout the season.

In the second poll, it's the battle of bulk between 909 and 903. These two colossal contenders are chomping their way to championship glory. 909 is a perfect picture of powerful pudge, packing on pounds with poise. 903 is a formidable force of fluffy ferocity, fighting fiercely for the future rounds.

Who will waddle their way to the next round?"

Match 2 Results:[]

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2024 Fat Bear Week Match 2 Result Bracket, October 2, 2024:

"The chubby cubby and the feather-eating fiend are moving on to the next round! On Friday 909jr will take on 128 "Grazer" in a fierce lady-power show down. That same day, 903 will face 747 in a battle of seasoned bear vs novice bear."

Match 3: 856 vs 504, October 3, 2024:[]

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KNP&P October 3, 2024 09:36 Facebook post:

"Behold the big-bellied behemoths! Day two of Fat Bear Week is underway!

In the first poll 504 and 856 are back and they’re fluffier, fatter, and fiercer than ever! From fearless fish feasts to fabulous fall foraging, these heavyweight champs are battling it out, belly-to-belly. Who will win the title of bulkiest bruin?

The second poll features plump perfection with 901 and 151. These two bruins have been bulking up big-time! Will 901’s fattening frenzy outshine veteran bear 151’s legendary layers of lard? These hefty heroes are showing us what it means to feast, forage, and flaunt those fabulous fat folds."

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2024 Fat Bear Week Match 3 Results Bracket, October 3, 2024:

Match 4: 151 Walker vs 901, October 3, 2024:[]

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KNP&P October 3, 2024 09:36 Facebook post:

"Behold the big-bellied behemoths! Day two of Fat Bear Week is underway!

In the first poll 504 and 856 are back and they’re fluffier, fatter, and fiercer than ever! From fearless fish feasts to fabulous fall foraging, these heavyweight champs are battling it out, belly-to-belly. Who will win the title of bulkiest bruin?

The second poll features plump perfection with 901 and 151. These two bruins have been bulking up big-time! Will 901’s fattening frenzy outshine veteran bear 151’s legendary layers of lard? These hefty heroes are showing us what it means to feast, forage, and flaunt those fabulous fat folds."

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2024 Fat Bear Week Match 4 Results Bracket, October 3, 2024:

Match 5: 128 Grazer vs 910's Adopted Cub "909 Jr", October 4, 2024:[]

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KNP&P October 4, 2024 09:37 Facebook post:

"It's second round voting time and these chunky contenders continue to clash!

Poll 1 boasts 909Jr (910's adopted cub) and 128 'Grazer,' and it’s a feast-fueled face-off! Will 909Jr’s youthful appetite outgrow 128's legendary grazing skills? These bulky bears are putting on the pounds and ready to rumble for the title of fattest phenom.

In Poll 2, 747 and 903 are battling it and the competition couldn’t be heavier! Will the two-time champion 747’s unstoppable size keep him on top, or will rising rookie 903’s plumping power take the crown?

Vote for the fluffiest, fattest, and fiercest furball."

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Match 5 Results:[]

Match 5 Results: Vote Totals from explore.org's vote page:

Match 5: Results Bracket from explore,org's vote page

Match 6: 747 vs 903 "Gully", October 4, 2024:[]

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KNP&P October 4, 2024 09:37 Facebook post:

"It's second round voting time and these chunky contenders continue to clash!

Poll 1 boasts 909Jr (910's adopted cub) and 128 'Grazer,' and it’s a feast-fueled face-off! Will 909Jr’s youthful appetite outgrow 128's legendary grazing skills? These bulky bears are putting on the pounds and ready to rumble for the title of fattest phenom.

In Poll 2, 747 and 903 are battling it and the competition couldn’t be heavier! Will the two-time champion 747’s unstoppable size keep him on top, or will rising rookie 903’s plumping power take the crown?

Vote for the fluffiest, fattest, and fiercest furball."

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Match 6 Results:[]

Match 6 Results: Vote Totals from explore.org's vote page:

Match 6: Results Bracket from explore,org's vote page

Match 7: 856 vs 32 Chunk, October 5, 2024[]

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KNP&P October 5, 2024 08:30 Facebook Post:

"Chunk clash incoming! It's time to vote for the second half of the bracket to go to the semi-finals!

Poll 1 features 856 and 32 "Chunk" as they off in an epic showdown! Will the mighty 856’s veteran bulk beat out 32’s tenacious chomping skills? Both of these hefty heavyweights are ready to waddle their way to the top! Who will claim the crown in this battle of belly and brawn?

Poll 2 has 164 and 151 "Walker" going paw-to-paw! Will 164’s growing gut take down 151’s seasoned stocky stature? These hefty, hulking giants are feasting, foraging, and fluffing up for the ultimate fat showdown.

Vote for your favorite chonky contender and help crown the king of chub."

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Match 7 Results:[]

Match 7 Results: Vote Totals from explore.org's vote page:

Match 7 Results:

KNP&P October 5, 2024 17:05 Facebook Post:

"Todays winners are 32 "Chunk" and 151 "Walker" who will face off in the semi-finals on Monday! Voting opens Monday October 7 at 8am Alaska"

2024 Fat Bear Week Match 7 Results Bracket, October 5, 2024:

Katmai Conservancy October 5, 2024 18:14 Facebook post:

"Congratulations to Today’s Winners: Bear 32 Chunk and Bear 151 Walker!

What a day of fierce competition! Bear 32 Chunk’s sheer size and dominance secured his spot, while Bear 151 Walker’s assertiveness and strategy carried him to victory. Both will move on to the next round of Fat Bear Week 2024!

Get ready for Monday, October 7th—It’s time for the Semifinals!

We’ve got two epic matchups: Bear 128 Grazer vs. Bear 903 and Bear 32 Chunk vs. Bear 151 Walker. Who will advance to the finals? Your vote decides!"

Match 8: 164 "Bucky Dent" vs 151 Walker[]

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KNP&P October 5, 2024 08:30 Facebook Post:"Chunk clash incoming! It's time to vote for the second half of the bracket to go to the semi-finals!

Poll 1 features 856 and 32 "Chunk" as they off in an epic showdown! Will the mighty 856’s veteran bulk beat out 32’s tenacious chomping skills? Both of these hefty heavyweights are ready to waddle their way to the top! Who will claim the crown in this battle of belly and brawn?

Poll 2 has 164 and 151 "Walker" going paw-to-paw! Will 164’s growing gut take down 151’s seasoned stocky stature? These hefty, hulking giants are feasting, foraging, and fluffing up for the ultimate fat showdown.

Vote for your favorite chonky contender and help crown the king of chub."

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Match 8 Results:[]

Match 8 Results: Vote Totals from explore.org's vote page:

Match 8 Results: KNP&P October 5, 2024 17:05 Facebook Post:

"Todays winners are 32 "Chunk" and 151 "Walker" who will face off in the semi-finals on Monday! Voting opens Monday October 7 at 8am Alaska" Match 8 Results: KNP&P October 5, 2024 17:05 Facebook Post:

"Todays winners are 32 "Chunk" and 151 "Walker" who will face off in the semi-finals on Monday! Voting opens Monday October 7 at 8am Alaska"

2024 Fat Bear Week Match 8 Results Bracket, October 5, 2024:

Katmai Conservancy October 5, 2024 18:14 Facebook post:

"Congratulations to Today’s Winners: Bear 32 Chunk and Bear 151 Walker!

What a day of fierce competition! Bear 32 Chunk’s sheer size and dominance secured his spot, while Bear 151 Walker’s assertiveness and strategy carried him to victory. Both will move on to the next round of Fat Bear Week 2024!

Get ready for Monday, October 7th—It’s time for the Semifinals!

We’ve got two epic matchups: Bear 128 Grazer vs. Bear 903 and Bear 32 Chunk vs. Bear 151 Walker. Who will advance to the finals? Your vote decides!"

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Semifinals Match 1: 128 Grazer vs 903 "Gully", October 7, 2024:[]

KNP&P October 7, 2024 09:07 Facebook Post:

"It's the semi-finals and we have two fluffy face-off

In poll 1 903 and 128 'Grazer' are squaring up and the stakes (and the bellies) have never been higher! Will 903’s rookie rolls out-chonk 128's grazing game? It’s a showdown between a rising heavyweight and a grazing legend!

In poll 2 32 'Chunk' and 151 'Walker' go head-to-head and the competition is thick! Will 32’s massive munching muscle out 151’s tried-and-true tubbiness? These portly powerhouses are packing on the pounds for the ultimate title.

Who will move forward to the finals to be crowned the fattest furball? Vote now at fatbearweek.org and let the chubby clash begin!"

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Semifinals Match 1 Results:[]

Semifinals Match 1 Results: Vote Totals from Explore.org vote page:

KNP&P October 7, 2024 17:00 Facebook post:

"The match up we've all been waiting for! The final round of Fat Bear Week takes place tomorrow, Fat Bear Tuesday, and will be a face-off between 128 'Grazer' and 32 'Chunk!'

See you tomorrow when voting opens at 8am Alaska at fatbearweek.org"

Semifinals Match 2: 32 Chunk vs 151 Walker, October 7, 2024:[]

KNP&P October 7, 2024 09:07 Facebook Post:

"It's the semi-finals and we have two fluffy face-off

In poll 1 903 and 128 'Grazer' are squaring up and the stakes (and the bellies) have never been higher! Will 903’s rookie rolls out-chonk 128's grazing game? It’s a showdown between a rising heavyweight and a grazing legend!

In poll 2 32 'Chunk' and 151 'Walker' go head-to-head and the competition is thick! Will 32’s massive munching muscle out 151’s tried-and-true tubbiness? These portly powerhouses are packing on the pounds for the ultimate title.

Who will move forward to the finals to be crowned the fattest furball? Vote now at fatbearweek.org and let the chubby clash begin!"

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Semifinals Match 2 Results:[]

Semifinals Match 2 Results: Vote Totals from Explore.org vote page:

KNP&P October 7, 2024 17:00 Facebook post:

"The match up we've all been waiting for! The final round of Fat Bear Week takes place tomorrow, Fat Bear Tuesday, and will be a face-off between 128 'Grazer' and 32 'Chunk!'

See you tomorrow when voting opens at 8am Alaska at fatbearweek.org"

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Finals: 32 Chunk vs 128 Grazer, Fat Tuesday, October 8, 2024:[]

KNP&P October 8, 2024 08:54 Facebook post:
"It's time for the the ultimate ursine showdown! Today reigning champ 128 'Grazer' and her competition, 32 'Chunk,' have feasted their way to the finals! Will 128’s legendary grazing greatness top 32’s unstoppable bulk? It’s a battle of bellies, and only one can waddle away with the crown! Cast your vote and decide who will be the champion of chonk at fatbearweek.org:

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