The internet’s favorite pre-hibernation ritual

Katmai National Park’s Fat Bear Week crowned “Chunk,” a scarred heavyweight with a healed jaw and outsized charisma, after a record round of online voting. The annual contest is both wildlife fandom and public education, turning salmon runs and river health into a social-media spectacle. Livestreams and school tie-ins boosted participation, while guides and outfitters say the event anchors shoulder-season tourism. The meme value is obvious, but biologists use the spotlight to discuss warming waters, fish abundance and what a thriving bear signals about the ecosystem.

Beyond the memes: conservation in plain sight

Fat Bear Week works because it is simple, visual and participatory. Viewers learn that big bodies mean bears met their calorie budget before hibernation; lean years hint at upstream stress. As climate swings complicate salmon cycles, the contest doubles as citizen science lite—an easy gateway to care about rivers and protected habitats. That mix of charm and clarity keeps the event sticky across platforms, ensuring Chunk’s victory is more than a viral vote.