Fat Bear Week 2026 so far: Who’s still in the competition?

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 fur is flying, the salmon are disappearing and Fat Bear Week is officially underway! Our team of meteorologists has studied the contenders, and they have each picked the bear they think has what it takes to go all the way. Before you make your own pick, watch our video above to meet the contestants, then grab our Fat Bear Week bracket and bingo cards and join us for all the bear-y big fun. Bear 132 and familyBear 132 and cubs compete during Fat Bear Week 2026.(C. Loberg)WHO: Caitlin Kaiser, meteorologistWHY: What's better than one fat bear? Four fat bears! This mother bear is known for being one of the biggest and most experienced at Brooks River, meaning she has been around the block a few times. Bear 132 knows how to keep her cubs safe and healthy, including helping them bulk up for the winter ahead. The fact that she could add on the pounds while also making sure her three cubs did too is downright impressive!(MORE: Scout last year's Fat Bear Week champion)Bear 909Bear 909 competes during Fat Bear Week 2026.(T.

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.

This week's nor'easter, which could be future Josephine, will meander off the East Coast, bringing multiple days of impacts from the Carolinas to Delaware.

These are the maps to help you track ongoing Pacific and Atlantic tropical systems.

A former FEMA official and the American Red Cross share the errands, apps and safety steps people most often forget before snow and ice arrive.