Backpack Wins Fat Bear Week 2023, Edging Out Dancing Queen 2026

In a thrilling conclusion to Fat Bear Week 2023, a chunky ursine named Backpack has won the title, edging past a formidable challenger known as the Dancing Queen. The annual tournament, held at Alaska's Katmai National Park, celebrates the brown bears' ability to pack on pounds before winter hibernation.

Backpack's Victory in Fat Bear Week

Backpack, a 20-year-old quiet giant, secured the win by a slim margin of just 5,000 votes. Known for his solitary nature, often seen sitting on his rock along the Brooks River, Backpack's triumph marks a significant moment in the competition's history. His mother, Holly, famously won the crown in 2019 and was a fan favorite.

How the Voting Unfolded

More than 2.3 million online votes were cast this year, with over 200,000 in the final round alone. The contest pits 16 of the park's heftiest bears against each other in a head-to-head knockout bracket. Despite a vote-rigging scandal in 2022, public participation has grown every year.

Key Takeaways from Fat Bear Week 2023

• Backpack won by a narrow margin of 5,000 votes.
• Over 2.3 million votes were cast overall, a record.
• The contest raises awareness for Katmai's 2,000 brown bears.
• Backpack's mother, Holly, won in 2019.

Why Fat Bear Week Matters

Fat Bear Week is more than just a fun competition; it highlights the importance of healthy ecosystems and the bears' preparation for hibernation. The event brings attention to the park's population of nearly 2,000 bears as they gorge on wild salmon to fatten up.

FAQs about Fat Bear Week

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of battery chainsaw, shoes heel spurs, crystal glass cleaner, wheelbarrow concrete, and tattoo machines. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of coconut oil oil pulling, training collar stubborn dogs, surf fishing reel, mattress arthritis, and irons. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.