Alaska's 'Backpack' crowned Fat Bear Week champion

Backpack has claimed victory in Alaska's Fat Bear Week, an annual celebration of the state's brown bears during their pre-hibernation feeding season. The bear defeated competitor 910 in the championship round of the popular online voting event.

Fat Bear Week, held annually, invites wildlife enthusiasts to vote on which bears appear to be in the best physical condition after months of intensive feeding. The competition has grown into a widely followed event that combines science communication with public engagement around wildlife conservation.

Participants in the contest are tracked by wildlife researchers and bear observers throughout the season. The voting process culminates in a series of matchups between the heaviest contenders, with the winner announced at the conclusion of the final round.

The event serves as an informal indicator of bear health and food availability in Alaska's ecosystems. As bears enter their winter dormancy, their weight gains during the feeding season are critical to their survival through the months-long hibernation period.