Chunk’s Triumph Through Adversity
Bear 32 conquers Fat Bear Week 2025 with a broken jaw and a whole lot of heart
When the 2025 Fat Bear Week crown was announced, the world cheered for a bear who carried more than just weight — he carried a story. Bear 32, “Chunk,” clinched the title not only by out-bulking his rivals, but by doing so in defiance of a serious physical handicap: a jaw injury.
Jaw-Dropping Resilience
“Chunk returned … with a freshly broken jaw”
On Explore.org’s “Meet the Bears” page, the organizers note that Chunk returned to Brooks River in June 2025 with a freshly broken jaw. Explore The timing — right as the mating season unfolded — hints that the injury may have resulted from a fight with another male bear, a not uncommon risk in that high-stakes period. Explore+2The Guardian+2
Because wild bears in Katmai don’t receive veterinary care, this injury was left to heal (or not) on its own — a permanent impairment by many accounts. The Washington Post+2The Guardian+2 In fact, during the live-streamed win announcement, naturalist Mike Fitz referenced that there’s no official account of how Chunk broke his jaw, but that the context strongly suggests it came from a mating-season clash. The Washington Post+1
On Facebook: “jaw hanging open … broken, with claw marks all over his then-trim body.”
One post by Donna-Marie in a Fat Bear Week community group described a chilling sight:
“I took this photo in July when Chunk came out of the brush, to everyone’s surprise his jaw was hanging open… broken, with claw marks all over his then-trim body.” Facebook
These grassroots observations underscore what the official announcements hinted at: Chunk’s jaw wasn’t just a badge of battle, it was a daily challenge.
How He Ate, Fished, & Won Anyway
With a jaw that couldn’t fully close, Chunk had to adapt his feeding strategy. Observers and commentators watching the bear cams noted “side-chewing” of salmon, tilting his head or repositioning prey to help him bite and swallow, and slower, more deliberate feeding behavior. The Verge+4People.com+4AP News+4
Despite those disadvantages, he still managed to bulk up to the estimated 1,200 lb, enough to secure the win. Even though many might have doubted his ability mid-season, his story resonated with fans: a powerful, wounded athlete overcoming the odds.
What the Jaw Means for Chunk’s Future
Experts say Chunk’s broken jaw is likely to remain a permanent impairment, and that carries real implications for his years ahead:
- Feeding efficiency will stay compromised. He may always have to tortuously reposition prey, avoid tougher bits (bones, large chunks), or employ more patience and precision when fishing. What used to be second nature (ripping, crushing, tearing) may now require more care.
- Competing for prime spots may be tougher. Other bears might challenge him more aggressively, banking on his slower handling of prey. In territorial disputes or feeding-spot skirmishes, a weaker bite could put him at a disadvantage.
- Energy balance becomes more critical. If consuming fish (or portions thereof) becomes more energetically costly, every mistake or lost bite counts. He’ll need to be exceptionally efficient to maintain winter fat reserves.
- Injury risk may increase. A compromised jaw may make him more vulnerable to further injury if he tries to out-muscle rivals, or it may force him to avoid fights he might once have risked.
- Longevity & survival. Bears that can’t sufficiently bulk up before hibernation are at risk in lean years. For Chunk, margin for error is thinner now.
That said, his performance in 2025 suggests he’s already adapted impressively. His continued presence in strong condition next year would be a testament to adaptability, not just brute strength.
