32 Chunk Triumphs in Fat Bear Week 2025

Pushing past challenges and a painful injury, 32 Chunk emerged victorious in this year's Fat Bear Week competition.

This powerful bear, one of the heaviest to inhabit the Brooks River region of Katmai National Park, finally clinched the top spot after two years of near misses. With 96,350 votes, he outperformed his closest competitor, bear number 856, by 32,625 votes.

“For the first time ever, 32 'Chunk' claims the coveted crown—though it might as well be a salmon crown given his diet,” the Katmai National Park & Preserve humorously noted online.

Every year, this contest highlights the bears' incredible gains in weight as they prepare for a long winter dormancy.

Standing as one of the heavyweight inhabitants of the river, Chunk’s weight exceeds 1,200 pounds, according to on-site experts.

Despite appearing at the river with a broken jaw—likely sustained in an altercation during the mating season—his size and confidence never wavered.

Displaying remarkable resilience, Chunk learned to consume his primary food source, salmon, without full use of his jaw.

His profile praises his tenacity and ability to adapt: 'Chunk’s perseverance in the face of injury speaks volumes of his character, traits he will rely on indefinitely due to the permanence of his jaw injury.'

Capturing the affection and backing of the public, this reigning champion is not only celebrated for his girth but also for his chances of enduring the harsh winter ahead.