The bears are back, and they are absolutely massive. Alaska's Brooks River is once again hosting nature's most delightfully chunky competition as Fat Bear Week returns for its 11th year from September 23-30, 2025. This beloved single-elimination tournament invites the world to vote for the fattest, most successful brown bear at Katmai National Park. And when it comes to these magnificent creatures, bigger truly is better; the plumper the bear, the better their chances of surviving Alaska's brutal winter hibernation. MORE: https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/extra-thicc-and-ready-to-win-alaskas-bears-compete-in-annual-fat-bear-week-nation/277-e072dd4c-a9ff-45f5-a0e7-46bcc8465d44