Chunk triumphs in fat bear week after two years of near misses
- Chunk, a large brown bear with a broken jaw, won the Fat Bear Week contest this year after two years as runner-up.
- The contest allows public participation through voting, showcasing bears preparing for hibernation following a successful salmon run.
- Chunk's victory highlights the resilience of wildlife and raises awareness about conservation efforts.
In a significant event held in Alaska, Chunk, a brown bear residing in Katmai National Park and Preserve, emerged victorious in the annual Fat Bear Week contest after being a runner-up for the previous two years. The competition, which allows the public to vote for their favorite bears based on their size and condition as winter approaches, saw Chunk defeating Bear 856 decisively by securing 96,350 votes compared to his competitor's tally. This contest reflects the bears' physical transformations as they prepare for hibernation, showcasing their impressive weight gain during the fall salmon run. Chunk, also known as Bear 32, weighs approximately over 1,200 pounds and had made headlines not only for his size but also because of his broken jaw, an injury that likely resulted from a confrontation with another bear. Despite this setback, Chunk managed to adapt his hunting methods and successfully fed on salmon in the Brooks River, showcasing resilience and determination that endear him to his fans. The 2025 Fat Bear Week contest attracted a record 1.5 million votes, demonstrating its immense popularity among wildlife enthusiasts and bear watchers. The conditions this year allowed for more favorable fishing for the bears, with reports indicating an abundant return of salmon—around 200,000 salmon were estimated to have made their way upstream. This unusual abundance minimized the typical conflicts among bears competing for food at Brooks Falls during the contest. The bears, including Chunk, exhibited opportunistic behaviors, often hunting upstream and downstream instead of fighting over limited fishing spots. As the contest culminated in Chunk's historic win, park officials expressed hope that he would continue to thrive in the wild despite his permanent injury. The Fat Bear Week initiative not only celebrates the bears but also fosters appreciation for wildlife conservation and the natural processes of the ecosystem. Chunk's victory serves as a testament to the survival and adaptability of wildlife in an era where such themes resonate deeply with conservationists and nature lovers alike.