Bear 32, known as Chunk, has been announced as the winner of Fat Bear Week 2025. This annual event, organized by Katmai National Park and Preserve in collaboration with the nonprofit Katmai Conservancy and online platform Explore.org, encourages the public to vote for their favorite brown bear through a tournament-style format.
Chunk, who weighs approximately 1,200 pounds, garnered attention this year due to his notable perseverance. He participated in the salmon-catching activities at Brooks River despite having a healing broken jaw, a condition that may result in a long-term disability.
During this time of year, brown bears are in a critical phase of preparing for winter, needing to significantly increase their body weight. They can gain as much as four pounds per day, which is essential for surviving the winter months when they may lose about a third of their stored body fat.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/789358/new-fat-bear-week-champion