Katmai National Park hosts 12th annual brown bear bracket competition

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- Katmai National Park in Alaska is hosting its 12th annual brown bear bracket competition, inviting the public to pick which bear is best prepared for winter hibernation.

The annual contest allows anyone to build a bracket selecting their favorite brown bear as the animals feast on salmon and bulk up. Voters are encouraged to choose the bear they believe is best equipped to glide through winter hibernation without difficulty.

The 2025 champion, a brown bear named “32 Chunk,” is competing to keep his crown in this year's tournament.

Participants who correctly predict the top bear receive bragging rights as their prize.

The winning brown bear will be announced on Sept. 29.