Overview

• Public voting runs Sept. 23–30 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET at fatbearweek.org, with live views on Explore.org’s Brooks River cameras.
• This year’s single-elimination bracket features 11 identified bears at Katmai National Park’s Brooks River.
• Two-time champion 128 Grazer returns in pursuit of a third title, having been the first female and first mother to win.
• Large male 32 Chunk is competing despite a broken jaw reported earlier this summer, with estimates around 1,200 pounds.
• Rising favorite 602, nicknamed “floatato,” has drawn attention for frequent river lounging and a quirky stomping display, as park officials stress that strong salmon runs sustain bear health.