In a remarkable display of resilience, Chunk, a brown bear weighing over 500kg, won the 2025 Fat Bear Week competition despite having a broken jaw. The contest, which invites voters to select the bear that best exemplifies ‘fatness and success’ for winter, saw Chunk garner the highest votes, highlighting not only his physical condition but also his spirit.
Park rangers at Alaska's Katmai National Park, where Chunk resides, have lauded his ability to adapt to his injury, stating he learned to fish effectively despite his condition. Ranger Sarah Bruce noted, Nothing was going to stop him. He's moving forwards no matter what's in his way. Ranger Naomi Boak emphasized that Chunk's journey serves as a reminder of the resilience bears show in the wild.
More than 100 countries participated in the voting, eager to watch Chunk and his fellow bears on live streams as they competed for food and dominance at Brooks River. One voter expressed a personal connection to Chunk, calling him an inspiration and sharing her own struggles with adaptation and healing this summer.
Chunk’s injury, which occurred in June during mating season, was likely a result of a fight with another bear. The Fat Bear Week contest has evolved since its inception in 2014, growing from a modest competition into an international event that draws significant attention to wildlife conservation efforts.
Chunk’s victory over a formidable rival, known as 856, by a staggering margin of over 30,000 votes further solidifies his legacy within Katmai's celebrated bear community. As winter approaches, this victory not only marks a personal achievement for Chunk but also serves to educate the world on the survival challenges faced by bears in their natural habitat.
