Fat Bear Week Crowns ‘Backpack’ (Bear 89) as 2026 Champion
Fat Bear Week, an annual internet contest held in Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska, has crowned Bear 89, nicknamed 'Backpack,' as its 2026 champion. The competition celebrates the bears' weight gain in preparation for winter hibernation.
Terre Haute, IN, September 30, 2026 —
Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska has announced the winner of its annual Fat Bear Week contest for 2026. This year, Bear 89, affectionately known as ‘Backpack,’ has been crowned the champion. The popularity contest, which takes place online, highlights the significant weight bears gain as they prepare for their annual winter hibernation.
Fat Bear Week serves as an educational event that draws attention to the natural processes of the brown bears inhabiting the park. The competition encourages the public to learn about the individual bears, their habitats, and the importance of gaining substantial weight to survive the lean months of winter. Each year, participants vote for their favorite bear, celebrating the success of those who have best prepared for hibernation through their accumulated fat reserves.
Bear 89, or ‘Backpack,’ emerged as the top contender in the 2026 event. While specific details regarding ‘Backpack”s weight gain or journey to becoming champion were not provided, the designation signifies recognition for its successful preparation for the upcoming hibernation period. The contest aims to foster appreciation for the wildlife and the ecological balance within Katmai. Further information on the specific voting tallies or the timeline of the competition was not detailed in the available summary. The event is organized by the National Park Service and its partners.
Story summarized from the original created by Lars Hanson, Gray News staff on www.wthitv.com, see more information here.
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