A brown bear weighing over 500kg has overcome a broken jaw to become the winner of Fat Bear Week 2025. Chunk received the most votes in a competition among 12 bears, where voters pick the bear that best exemplifies fatness and success as they prepare for winter hibernation.
Park rangers at Alaska's Katmai National Park, known for its large brown bear population, praised Chunk's resilience in adapting to his injury. Ranger Naomi Boak noted, He reminded us how resilient bears are and how they have the ability to recover from injury and hardship.
Voters from over 100 countries contributed to Chunk's win through live web streams, as they watched bears fishing and competing for salmon. One voter described Chunk as an inspiration, sharing her personal connection with the bear's journey of adaptation and healing.
Chunk had suffered a broken jaw in June, likely due to a fight with another bear. Despite the injury, he managed to pack on significant weight leading up to the competition, showcasing the adaptability inherent in these remarkable animals. His victory over a rival bear, known as 856, by more than 30,000 votes demonstrates both his popularity and physical prowess.
The Fat Bear Week competition has grown from a local event to a global celebration of wildlife conservation, with its roots traced to former ranger Mike Fitz.
