Backpack Triumphs in 2026 Fat Bear Week

In a thrilling conclusion to Fat Bear Week, Backpack has been declared the champion of this year’s contest, successfully outpacing other competitors in the race for the title of Alaska’s largest bear. This marks the 12th year of the event, held annually to honor the robust population of approximately 2,200 brown bears residing in Katmai National Park and Preserve, situated on the Alaska Peninsula.

Victory and Competition Overview

Competing against 16 bears in a single-elimination tournament, Backpack emerged as the clear favorite, garnering over 100,000 votes and achieving more than 50 percent of the public poll. His main rival, Bear 910, finished closely behind him.

Fat Bear Week: Celebrating Resilience

Initiated in 2014, Fat Bear Week serves to engage the public with the lives of these magnificent creatures, which are a coastal variant of grizzlies. The event highlights the bears’ adaptation and survival skills as they accumulate fat reserves in preparation for winter by feasting on the plentiful salmon that populate the Brooks River from late June.

Last Year’s Champion and Contestants

In the previous year’s contest, Chunk, also known as Bear 32, claimed victory at an estimated weight of 1,200 pounds. In a surprising turn of events this year, he was eliminated in the first round by Bucky, another contender who ultimately fell short against Backpack.

Backpack: A Gentle Giant

Backpack, officially known as Bear 89, is the offspring of former Fat Bear Week champion Holly. His name reflects his behavior of riding on his mother’s back during their river swims. Unlike many of his male counterparts, Backpack is characterized by a peaceful demeanor during interactions with other bears, choosing to utilize his size and presence rather than aggression.

Bear Families in Focus

Among the competitors this year were five bear families, acknowledging the rising number of familial units spotted at the river. For instance, Bear 132 and her three cubs advanced to the semifinals but were eventually defeated by Bear 910. This season, Bear 132 has been noted for her size and experience, playing a critical role in nurturing her cubs while ensuring her own caloric needs are met for winter hibernation.

The Importance of Fat Accumulation

Brown bears typically weigh between 600 and 900 pounds in summer. As they prepare for hibernation, many exceed weights of 1,000 pounds. This increase in weight is essential, as bears rely on fat stores to survive months of dormancy when they do not feed. During this critical feeding season, a single bear can consume as many as 30 fish daily, striving to accumulate enough fat to endure the cold winter months.

As Fat Bear Week concludes, it not only celebrates the triumph of Backpack but also emphasizes the survival strategies of brown bears in a dynamic ecosystem where competition for resources is fierce.