ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - It may be a Cinderella story of the Brooks River. Despite the odds, despite the broken jaw, despite stiff competition from some of the fattest bears in Katmai National Park --32, Chunk, is the King of the Brooks. The Fattest Bear of 2025. Katmai’s roundest prince.

Chunk, who has a dedicated following, pulled ahead into victory with over 96,000 votes over contender 856 with only 63,000.

Fat Bear Nation demanded a champion, and they were not disappointed.

He’s also a great example of why the Katmai Conservancy and the Park need support, which you can find online -- and donate to bear research along the Brooks River.

They’ve only raised $266,000 of their $350,000 goal so far this year.

ALL HAIL THE KING

32 (Chunk)

Breaking a two-time back-to-back winning streak by legendary Mama Bear 128 Grazer -- Chunk threw his weight in the ring and absolutely crushed it.

Everybody loves a comeback king. 32, ol’ Chunk, has been well known to Fat Bear Week watchers for years. He’s a rotund bruin for sure -- but his early season injury put him in a special category.

His broken jaw could’ve spelled disaster for lesser bears. But not this Legend of Katmai. Despite his body injuries, his broken jaw -- he’s packed on the pounds.

And this could be his year to finally clinch the title. But he’s still got pounds to pack on, and plenty of fish to fry.

He’s not called Chunk just for fun either.

Chunk moved into the finals with the highest vote tally of the semi-finals -- nearly 83,000 votes.

Chunk really became a top bear on the Brooks last year.

But his most distinguishing factor is his busted jaw and injuries to his paw and shoulder jaw.

Many of the constant bear cam watchers say he disappeared for a time, and suddenly reappeared with that damaged jaw.

Still, he continues to hold his spot and eat the fish. He’s gotten many people cheering for him overcoming what could be dangerous for a lesser bear.

Getting fat with a busted jaw wouldn’t be easy any time, but definitely not during Fat Bear Week.

Chunk may be a great poster child for how bears change as they age and grow. When he was just a young cub he was a really goofy bear playing most of the time -- but the minute he hit his prime -- he was Chunk.

When male brown bears hit their prime in Katmai, they work their way up the hierarchy of bears in the park.

What’s more, he could be the King of Katmai for several years to come.

NEVER FORGET THE FALLEN

856, RUNNER-UP

He may not have had the pounds to claim the title of Fat Bear 2025, but he’s still a force on the Brooks River.

Sometimes old ways are the best ways, and the “Boss Bear” may prove it.

Even in old age, is a force to be reckoned with -- even if he did fall to King Chunk.

He’s a fan favorite moving steadily ahead.

Now -- this Boss Bear, watchers say has been a force for decades. From the age of 11, and his massive frame has reigned for over a decade.

He likes to scare other bears by creeping up on them and giving them a jump. Some fans think he finds it fun in his old age to scare the younger bears.

Famous for his lick-lipping motion and his past shows of strength, 856 is getting older. The Beast of the Brooks may still be a top bear -- but he’s showing his age.

He was once one of the top dogs, but in his old age, he picks fights. He’s more patient these days, and finds ways to show his dominance outside of using all his energy.

FBW insiders say that even though the younger bears may have more mass, 856’s intelligence and adaptability might keep him in the running for top bear of this year.

YOU CAN ALSO CHECK OUT OUR FAT BEAR WEEK HALL OF FAME FOR MORE ON SOME OF THESE FAT URISIDAES.

FAT BEAR WEEK has been around since 2014, when a Park Ranger used pictures to show how the bears grow in size for winter. It also is a way to help support the bear population and research at Katmai. Fat equals survival for these bears, according to the NPS. These are wild animals, not pets, and should be treated with respect.

The Katmai Conservancy has an Otis Fund which raises money during Fat Bear Week – the fund supports the park and preserve’s brown bears and salmon.

Avery Martinez covers water, ag & the environment for First Alert 4. He is also a Report for America corps member, as well as a member of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk. His coverage ranges from the NWS resignations to water infrastructure, TikTok farmers to buffalo health.