September 23, 2025 marks two important holidays: Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Fat Bear Week.
Every fall, rangers at Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve keep track of the brown bears who live there, noting how much weight each one gains ahead of entering their winter hibernation period. The more pounds a bear packs on, the better chance they have of surviving their six-month hibernation.
But the contest isn’t just about which bear gains the most weight.
Rather, it’s about trying to “find the bear who best exemplifies fatness and success,” as per the national park’s website.
The vote is done in a March Madness-style bracket, with winners of previous rounds going up against each other until only one chonker remains. While there is a separate contest, Fat Bear Junior, for younger bears, Fat Bear Week is the main event.
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