Fat Bear Week 2025 Winner 32 Chunk Defies Injury to Gain Weight

The Rise of 32 Chunk: A Bear's Journey to Victory

In a heartwarming tale of resilience and determination, a bear named 32 Chunk has claimed his first title in Fat Bear Week, an online popularity contest that has captured the attention of people around the globe. This annual event, held in Alaska's Katmai National Park, celebrates the brown bears that inhabit the area by allowing fans to vote for their favorite.

The competition reached its climax with a fierce battle between two of the park's most notable bears, 32 Chunk and 856. In a close race, 32 Chunk emerged victorious, securing 96,362 votes compared to 63,729 for 856. This victory marks a significant milestone in 32 Chunk's journey, as he had previously been a runner-up in previous years.

What is Fat Bear Week?

Fat Bear Week is an online contest that showcases the bears of Katmai National Park. Fans can vote for their favorite in a knockout-style competition, ultimately selecting one bear as the chunky champion. The event began in 2012 when video cameras were installed throughout the park, offering live streams of the bears as they fished for salmon along the Brooks River.

A viewer initially sparked interest by sharing before and after comparisons of a bear's transformation as it gained weight for hibernation. Two years later, rangers introduced Fat Bear Tuesday, allowing fans to vote for their favorite bears. The contest grew in popularity, eventually evolving into a week-long event that attracts millions of participants worldwide.

Last year alone, over 1.2 million people cast their votes, and this year marked the 12th edition of Fat Bear Week.

How is a Winner Decided?

The winner of Fat Bear Week is determined solely by public vote. The contest website states that "people may vote using any criteria they see fit," emphasizing that the final decision rests with the fans.

32 Chunk: A Story of Resilience

This year's champion, 32 Chunk, has a storied history in Fat Bear Week. For years, he seemed destined to be a consistent runner-up. Nicknamed "Chunk" for his bulging body, he had recorded his fourth runner-up placing in 2024.

When he first appeared on the banks of Brooks River in June, it seemed like this year would follow the same pattern. Chunk was dealing with a freshly broken jaw, which significantly impacted his ability to secure fishing spots and catch salmon. There were concerns about whether he could survive the summer with his injury.

However, Chunk proved to be adaptable, avoiding confrontations with larger male rivals and learning to eat without full use of his mandible. His efforts paid off, resulting in his first-ever Fat Bear Week title.

856: A Veteran Bear's Strategy

This year's runner-up, 856, is a veteran of the riverside battles for salmon. From 2011 to 2023, he was considered at the top of the Katmai bear hierarchy, maintaining his position through size and fighting prowess. Now in his mid-20s, 856 faces increasing challenges from younger bears.

Despite this, 856 has adapted his strategy, relying on social intelligence rather than physical strength. He evaluates his competition carefully, showing patience when necessary while still challenging other bears when the odds are in his favor.

Why Do Bears Need to Fatten Up?

According to Mike Fitz, a naturalist who helps run Fat Bear Week, fat is a crucial measure of success, adaptation, and survival in the bear world. As they prepare for hibernation, bears rely on their fat stores for energy during the long winter months.

Through instinct and learned skills, bears find shelter and comfort, even as they face a months-long famine. This ability to adapt and thrive is a testament to their resilience and survival instincts.