Title: Fat Bear Week 2025: A Celebration of Nature’s Majesty Fat Bear Week, an annual online competition that celebrates the plumpness of Alaskan brown bears as they prepare for hibernation, is coming early this year. The event, which normally starts in October, will kick off on September 23rd. This change comes after Katmai National Park and Preserve officials reported that the bears are looking particularly well-fed due to an extraordinary salmon run earlier this summer. The Fat Bear Week bracket tournament is a single-elimination event where fans can vote for their favorite bear, with past champions such as 128 Grazer, 480 Otis, and the massive 747 (aka Bear Force One) returning to defend their titles against new challengers. The competition runs from September 23rd until September 30th when a new champion will be crowned. In addition to Fat Bear Week, there is also Fat Bear Junior for cubs, which started on Thursday and will run concurrently with the main event. The abundance of salmon in Katmai National Park has been a significant factor contributing to the bears’ impressive size this year. Over one million votes were cast for the bears last year from 100 countries around the world, highlighting the global appeal and fascination with these magnificent creatures. The “bearcams” that broadcast their activities at Brooks Falls and other areas have helped bring attention to conservation efforts in Alaska while providing entertainment for viewers worldwide. From a historical perspective, Fat Bear Week has been running since 2014 as part of Katmai National Park’s efforts to engage the public with wildlife conservation issues. The event not only raises awareness about the importance of preserving these habitats but also provides valuable insights into the behavior and dietary habits of Alaskan brown bears, which can inform future conservation strategies. In conclusion, Fat Bear Week 2025 promises to be an exciting celebration of nature’s majesty as fans from around the world vote for their favorite plump bear. With its historical context and potential implications for wildlife conservation efforts, this event serves as a reminder that we must continue working towards protecting these incredible creatures and their habitats.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/09/19/nx-s1-5544182/fat-bear-week-2025-early-katmai-alaska)
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