Fat Bear Week 2025 celebrates the annual showdown of Kodiak brown bears bulking up for hibernation and captures internet buzz like no other wildlife event. Whether you’re curious about fat bear week, keen to cast your vote, or simply need to remember your AOL login while browsing bear brackets, this guide will keep you informed and entertained. Dive into the furry festivities and discover everything you need to know about Fat Bear Week 2025.
What Is Fat Bear Week?
Fat Bear Week is an online tournament hosted by Katmai National Park & Preserve that pits the heaviest, most robust bears against each other in a single-elimination bracket. Bears are photographed over late summer and early fall as they gorge on salmon to prepare for winter hibernation. Visitors vote for their favorites each round, crowning the champion as the ultimate symbol of survival and strength.
Why Fat Bear Week 2025 Matters
As an internet sensation, Fat Bear Week captures the hearts of wildlife enthusiasts and casual observers alike across the USA. It highlights conservation success, showcases the dramatic seasonal transformation of Kodiak bears, and offers a fun, relatable way to engage with nature online. Embedding environmental awareness into a lighthearted competition fosters appreciation for wildlife and the importance of protecting natural habitats.
When Does Fat Bear Week 2025 Take Place?
Fat Bear Week 2025 runs from Monday, October 6 through Sunday, October 12. Voting opens each day at 9:00 AM Alaska Time and closes at 9:00 PM Alaska Time. Be sure to factor in time-zone differences when planning your daily votes.
| Round | Date | Voting Window (AKT) |
| Round of 16 | Oct 6, 2025 | 9:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Quarterfinals | Oct 7, 2025 | 9:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Semifinals | Oct 8, 2025 | 9:00 AM–9:00 PM |
| Finals | Oct 12, 2025 | 9:00 AM–9:00 PM |
Highlight: Bookmark the Katmai National Park website to receive daily reminders for voting.
How to Vote in Fat Bear Week 2025
Voting is simple and free, requiring no subscription or special account—just a web browser and an internet connection.
Step-by-Step Voting Guide
- Visit the official Fat Bear Week bracket at the Katmai National Park website.
- Select your bear of choice in each matchup.
- Click on the “Vote Now” button in order to submit your vote.
- Check back each day to see the winners and cast your vote in the next round.
Troubleshooting AOL Login Issues
If you’re multitasking between your email and the Fat Bear Week bracket, you may need to sign in to your AOL account to view newsletters or alerts. To resolve common AOL login problems:
- Ensure your username and password are entered correctly with no extra spaces.
- Reset your password via the “Forgot Password” link if necessary.
- Clear your browser cache or try an alternate browser if sign-in fails.
- Contact AOL support if you encounter persistent errors.
Meet the Contenders of Fat Bear Week 2025
Katmai’s wildlife biologists have selected 16 of the heftiest bears based on September weight estimates. Each contender represents a unique story of survival and adaptation.
| Bear Name | Weight (lbs) | Age | Notable Traits |
| 586 “Otis” | 1,400 | 22 | Veteran champion |
| 680 “Bearzilla” | 1,350 | 18 | Stomachs full of salmon |
| 480 “Lookout” | 1,325 | 12 | Seeks prime fishing spots |
| 490 “Fatso” | 1,310 | 15 | Early feeder |
Highlight: Bear 586 “Otis” has won twice before and aims for his third title.
Fat Bear Week 2025 Bracket Strategy
Picking your champion requires more than weight alone. Consider factors like feeding behavior, age, and past performance.
Analyzing Feeding Patterns
Bears that fish early in the season often have an advantage, as they accumulate more fat reserves by October. Watch daily photos and note which contenders are visibly fuller over time.
Past Performance and Experience
Veteran bears like Otis benefit from past victories and prime access to feeding grounds. Newer contenders can surprise due to age and agility, so weigh each matchup carefully.
Fun Facts About Kodiak Brown Bears
Learning more about these impressive creatures enhances the Fat Bear Week experience.
Physical Characteristics
Kodiak brown bears can grow up to 10 feet tall when standing and weigh more than 1,500 lbs at their peak. Their thick fur and fat layers insulate them during hibernation.
Hibernation Habits
These bears fast for up to seven months in winter, surviving solely on stored fat. Fat Bear Week showcases their last big growth spurt before retreating to dens.
How Fat Bear Week Supports Conservation
Beyond entertainment, Fat Bear Week raises awareness and funds for wildlife conservation efforts in Katmai National Park.
Visitor Engagement
The event drives significant web traffic to the park’s educational pages, fostering interest in wildlife protection.
Fundraising and Donations
Donations made through the voting platform directly support habitat preservation, research, and park maintenance.
Hosting Your Own Fat Bear Week Viewing Party
Bring the excitement of Fat Bear Week 2025 into your home or community center with these simple ideas.
Decor and Ambiance
- Hang bear-themed banners and posters.
- Serve salmon-inspired snacks like smoked salmon dip.
- Use brown and autumnal colors for table settings.
Interactive Activities
- Print bracket sheets and challenge friends to predict winners.
- Stream daily matchups and discuss highlights together.
- Award prizes for best predictions and bear-themed costumes.
FAQs
What is Fat Bear Week 2025?
Fat Bear Week 2025 is an online bracket competition from October 6 to October 12 showcasing Kodiak brown bears’ seasonal weight gains.
How do I vote in Fat Bear Week?
Visit the Katmai National Park website, select your favorite bear in each matchup, and click “Vote Now.” Voting is open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Alaska Time daily.
Do I need an AOL login to vote?
No, voting does not require any account, but you may use your AOL login to access park newsletters and updates.
Can I vote more than once?
Each person can vote once per matchup per day. You may return each day to vote in new rounds.
Why is Fat Bear Week important?
It promotes conservation, educates the public about wildlife ecology, and celebrates the remarkable survival strategies of Kodiak brown bears.
How many bears compete?
Sixteen of the heaviest bears in Katmai National Park compete in a single-elimination bracket.
Embrace the fun and conservation spirit of fat bear week this October and witness nature’s greatest hibernators battle for the crown in Fat Bear Week 2025.