Bears of Katmai

Katmai National Park & Preserve protects world-class habitat for brown bears.

NPS Photo / R. Taylor

 

Katmai's Brown Bears: An Iconic Species

Brown bears are one of the most recognizable and charismatic species of Katmai National Park & Preserve. Bears are able to thrive in Katmai as part of an interconnected ecosystem which includes salmon, a keystone species that are vitally important to a bear's diet. Check out the webpages below to vote in the annual Fat Bear Week competition, watch webcams of bears, explore educational resources as a teacher, or simply learn more about these magnificent creatures.

 

Bear Webcams

See the bears of Katmai live through explore.org webcams.

Fat Bear Week 2026

Vote for your favorite Fat Bear

Fat Bear Week Hall of Fame

Meet the champions of Fat Bear Weeks past.

Katmai Celebrates America's 250th

America’s natural and cultural landscapes embody an evolving national story.

Coastal Brown Bears

Katmai's spectacular coastline is home to many brown bears.

Brooks River Bears

Brooks River is a natural feature that provides excellent fishing for Katmai's brown bears.

Fat Bear Week in the Classroom

Bring youth along for the ride and use Fat Bear Week as an educational springboard.

An Intact Ecosystem

Katmai's brown bears are just one part of its rich ecosystem filled with many other fascinating species.