Fat Bear Week 2026 predictions: Our meteorologists vote

There are two different "falls" in the world of meteorology. Meteorological fall begins on Sept. 1, while the autumnal equinox, which people are more familiar with, begins a few weeks later. There is a scientific reason for the different start times, and maybe I can convince you that meteorological fall is better. Let's start with the equinoxFall equinox, astronomical fall or the autumnal equinox. They are all the same. The fall equinox is the moment when the sun's most intense rays are directly located over the equator. This means that there is roughly 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night on that day. (FALL OUTLOOK: Strengthening El Niño is taking charge)It changes slightly every year, and this year it takes place at 8:05 p.m. EDT on Sept. 22. Get More of Our News on GoogleSet The Weather Company as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value. The fall equinox is the second roughly 12-hour day and night in the year after the spring equinox. They come between the solstices, moments of the greatest discrepancy of day and night, depending on where you live.

Here's the winner of the 2026 Fat Bear Week championshipMake way for the king of the river! After a week of fierce competition, thousands of votes and more than a few packed-on pounds, Bear 89, also known as "Backpack," has been crowned the 2026 Fat Bear Week champion. As one of the largest adult males in the competition this year, 89 outlasted his rivals, including adult female 910 in the final matchup. Fat Bear Week followers won't be too surprised, as 89 has some serious championship pedigree. His mother is Holly, the 2019 Fat Bear Week champion. "Backpack" was known for riding on his mom's back whenever they swam, resulting in his adorable nickname. (MORE: Fat Bear Week 2026 Recap)After suffering a leg injury in his youth, park officials and visitors wondered if Backpack would survive, but with his mom’s care and some time to heal, he bounced back. Get More of Our News on GoogleSet The Weather Company as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value. Since then, he has grown into a gentle giant, using his size and quiet confidence to claim his spot without brawling, unlike many other adult bears in Katmai National Park.

Fat Bear Week is back, and it’s about to get bear-y competitiveThe bears have officially broken the internet. But honestly, can you blame us all for wanting a front-row seat to the fattest showdown of the year? When Fat Bear Week voting opened Tuesday, the rush was so big it overwhelmed the voting site. Explore.org said it was the biggest Day 1 turnout in the competition’s history, with the system experiencing an overload. And the first four matchups delivered some seriously bear-y big results.132 Family and 806 Family lumbered past their rivals, while 909 and 910 also punched their tickets to the next round. The bracket is already getting slimmer (although, the bears are not). Bear 909 competes during Fat Bear Week 2026.(T. Carmack)Now, the reigning champ is back in action. Bear 32, better known as "Chunk," is facing Bear 164, “Bucky,” in today’s matchup. Get More of Our News on GoogleSet The Weather Company as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value. Even the feds are getting in on the fun.

Fat Bear Week is back, and it’s about to get bear-y competitiveIt’s about to get bear-y competitive in Alaska’s Katmai National Park. Fat Bear Week 2026 is back, and this year you’re not just voting for your favorite chunky champion. You can fill out a Fat Bear Week bracket, follow the matchups and play live-cam bingo while watching some of Alaska’s biggest brown bears do what they do best: eat. Get your Fat Bear Week bracket readyThink March Madness, but make it bears. Sixteen of the biggest, beefiest brown bears have been selected to compete in this year’s single-elimination Fat Bear Week tournament. Your job is simple: Look at each head-to-head matchup and vote for the bear that best represents “fatness and success” in preparing for winter hibernation. The matchups can be found over at FatBearWeek.org. Get More of Our News on GoogleSet The Weather Company as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.(MORE: Bears can eat 20,000 calories a day to pack on the pounds)The competition includes mothers with cubs, single females and single males. And yes, last year’s champion, 32, also known as “Chunk,” is back to defend his title. Fat Bear Week voting runs Sept.