Meet The Biggest, Roundest Bears Battling It Out In Fat Bear Week 2026

Meet Marshmallow! She’s got those adorable blond ears, cute dark eye rings, and fluffy light-to-blond fur that turns a cool grizzly brown by fall. Started solo in 2020, Marshmallow’s had a hood to explore, play, and fish like a champ. She’s hitting that big momma age but is still waiting on her cub debut. This year, she’s packing more fluff than ever, so maybe cubs are in the near future. Watch out, winter - Marshmallow’s built for it!

Bear 910 is a dark brown powerhouse with a boss-level brow ridge and ears that point forward like radar dishes. Born in 2016, she’s got bear royalty in her bloodline and is mom to some cubs she knows how to protect. She fishes wherever she wants, even right near Brooks Falls, and has a quirky habit of lifting her head in that spot – quirky and cool! She’s got the moves to win hearts and the fat reserves to nurse cubs all winter. Seriously, she’s rocking that chunky life and looking ready for anything.

Bear 284 is a momma bear with a signature shoulder hump and blond tips on her grizzled brown fur. Born back in 2008, she learned how to be bold as a cub and now uses that toughness to protect her cubs - and even her personal space - from any intruders. Teenage mom life is real, and 284’s got experience and wisdom on her side, making her and her cubs some of the fiercest survivors in the river.

Chunk is what every bear dreams of being: big, bold, and sporting a jaw that’s seen some action. First noticed as a chunky youngster in 2007, Chunk once broke his jaw in a bear brawl - and came back stronger than ever. Not much was seen of him early this summer, but when he appeared again, that belly told the tale: This bear is back for the crown. He’s last year’s champ and ready to defend his title with the ultimate belly flop.

Bear 132 is a big momma bear with grizzled dark fur and a forehead pattern that looks like a funky V. She’s a seasoned pro with four litters under her belt. This summer was a bit dramatic - one of her cubs went on a solo adventure but made it back safely thanks to her savvy mama skills. Experience is everything, and 132 proves that survival and smarts go hand in paw.

Walker used to be the fun, easy-going bear who liked to play and make friends. Now? He’s more like the grizzled boss who’s ready to throw down when needed. With dark brown fur and a pear-shaped belly, he's holding his own against younger upstarts but better watch out - they’re gunning for his spot! Walker’s story is a wild ride of growing up and taking charge. Classic bear glow-up.

Bucky might be the new kid, but he’s already making waves with his blond-tipped fur and a funny little dark stripe near his eyes. He’s got a killer fishing trick - standing right under the waterfall to snag salmon mid-leap, something no other bear tries. Only 9 years old and already playing king of the falls, Bucky’s got size and attitude that could take him all the way to Fat Bear glory.

Small but mighty, Studious is a sharp-eyed blonde bear with a nose for fishing and a brain to match her fame. She learned the ropes from her feisty mom, the former champ Grazer, and has made a name for herself on the lip of Brooks Falls with serious focus and skill. Competition’s tough, but Studious knows how to sneak in and grab her snack. Watch out, big bears, this smarty’s got the moves.

Backpack’s the chill medium-large guy with blond ears and a soft brown coat that gets darker as summer rolls on. Named for his cute habit of hitching rides on mom Holly’s back, he survived a scary leg injury as a cub and came back stronger. Not a show-off or brawler, Backpack quietly claims his fishing spots and makes it look easy. His low-key style is a whole vibe - and it won him the Fat Bear crown this year.

Bear 620’s on the edge of adulthood, rocking light brown to grizzly fur and a long tail that sways with confidence. Early on, she lucked out with two awesome moms who bonded their families together, making her part of the coolest bear squad in town. Now she’s flying solo and ready to use her social smarts and river know-how to find her own path. She’s got the charm and chomp to succeed.

Don’t let her size fool you. Bear 610 might be small, but she’s got a warrior’s heart complete with a big scar that tells a story. Separated from mom early, she’s had a tough road but came out swinging with her very first cubs this season. Cute and tough? That’s a combo that’s got everyone watching. First time on Fat Bear Week and already making waves!

Bear 901’s that golden-brown mom who’s no stranger to the ups and downs of mama life. She’s one of the famous ones at Brooks River, watching over her cub with the kind of love and grit that won’t quit. Sure, she’s had some tough breaks with cubs disappearing, but this year she’s showing everyone what survival and smarts look like in bear form.

Gully’s a chill middleweight with grizzled brown fur and a long snoot, famous for his Eeyore chill pose on Brooks Falls. Son of a former champ, he grew up learning to hustle among the big bears. Turning birds into snacks was his quirky specialty when salmon swarmed. These days, Gully is flexing his fishing skills and taking on the big dogs with mad confidence.

Meet Bear 806, a mom with fluffy blond-tipped ears and a soft mane to boot. She’s got a unique family: a baby and a “borrowed” older cub called Biggie, who’s part of the crew thanks to a bear family mix-up that turned out pretty sweet. Don’t get fooled by her gentle side - 806’s got a fierce streak, too. She’s a real-life bear soap opera full of love, quirks, and survival instincts all rolled into one.

Bear 909 is a strong brunette with wide blond ears and a brave heart. Her year was a rollercoaster - starting with new cubs, then losing them, but she’s bounced back with serious resilience and a belly full of determination. Battling losses and keeping her spirits high, 909 reminds us that even bears have their tough days but keep on trucking.

Young Bear 694 is all about discovery. With round ears and solid brown fur, he’s new to the solo bear life and figuring out where the best fishing spots are. He likes to hang with other young bears, sometimes stopping playtime to chase down a snack. Still a bit small to hustle the big guys, 694’s got the right attitude to grow into a fishing pro and social star. Stay tuned for his next moves!