Year First Observed: ~2007
Year Last Observed: 2025

Bear #32 "Chunk" is a male brown bear first identified around 2007 as a young subadult at Brooks River in Katmai National Park and Preserve. He is distinguished by his medium-brown coat, which often sheds around the shoulders and neck, revealing lighter fur and creating a two-toned appearance. His large hindquarters give him a chunky silhouette, which is the origin of his nickname “Chunk.” Over time, he has accumulated several small scars across his neck and face, as well as a larger one across his snout from interactions with other bears.

As a subadult, Chunk often avoided the largest adult males but gradually began appearing more frequently in the fishing pools. In recent seasons, he has been observed among the dominant bears on site, alternating between active fishing and waiting near the pools. In 2025, he returned with a broken jaw and missing teeth but continued to feed successfully.

Fun Facts

• Likely arrived at Brooks River as early as 2007

• Known for his bulk-laden hindquarters and smaller front shoulders, giving him a distinctive chunky look

• As a subadult, scavenged scraps and avoided larger males, but later held territory

• In 2021, observed with a large gash across his muzzle yet continued to feed

• Recognizable for his two-toned coat, lighter around the shoulders and darker elsewhere, with pointed ears

• In 2025, despite jaw and lip injuries, continued fishing and remaining present at Brooks Falls

• Participated in Fat Bear Week multiple times, including as a winner in 2025.