Backpack claimed Alaska’s Fat Bear Week title, beating rival “910” in the final vote, as park staff applaud the bear’s seasonal weight gain and public support.

Backpack won Alaska’s Fat Bear Week Thursday, beating rival bear “910” in the final public vote.

The online poll closed after a week of daily voting, and Backpack secured a clear majority of the ballots. Voters cast their choices through the park’s website, selecting the bear they believed had accumulated the most fat for the upcoming winter.

Fat Bear Week is an annual contest held by Katmai National Park and Preserve. Each October, park staff photograph a group of brown bears as they forage on salmon and berries. The images are posted online, and the public votes for the bear that appears the fattest. The competition highlights the bears’ natural preparation for harsh winter conditions and draws attention to the ecosystem’s health.

"We’re thrilled to see Backpack take the title," said a park spokesperson. "His impressive weight gain reflects a strong salmon run and a healthy habitat, which benefits the entire bear population."

Organizers will feature Backpack in a series of educational posts throughout the winter months. The bear’s victory also encourages continued support for conservation initiatives that protect the bears’ food sources.

Backpack’s win marks the latest chapter in a tradition that began in 2009 and has grown into a widely followed wildlife event. As the season progresses, park officials will monitor the bears’ condition and share updates with the public.