Meet Fat Albert, Alaska’s largest polar bear, whose diet of whale meat and local fame make him a symbol of coexistence in the Arctic village of Kaktovik.
In the remote Arctic village of Kaktovik, Alaska, one enormous polar bear has captured the hearts of residents and visitors alike. Nicknamed Fat Albert, this extraordinary bear weighs in at more than 680 kilograms, making him the heaviest polar bear in Alaska—a full 200 kilograms heavier than the average adult polar bear. Fat Albert’s rise to local stardom began when wildlife photographer Edward Boudreau began documenting his life. From a curious cub to a massive adult, Boudreau’s lens has followed Albert’s every milestone, revealing not just his incredible size but also his unique place in the ecosystem of this small Alaskan community.
Albert owes much of his growth to a steady diet provided by the town’s residents. In Kaktovik, it’s common for locals to leave whale meat—leftovers from subsistence hunts—at a site about 4 kilometers outside of town. This practice is part of a conservation strategy aimed at keeping bears away from residential areas, but it’s also turned into a feeding ground for Fat Albert.
A smart and opportunistic eater, Albert has developed a keen sense of smell and knows exactly where and when to show up for his next meal. The consistent supply of high-fat whale meat has allowed him to bulk up well beyond the norm for his species. This rich diet is not only a survival advantage but also what has earned him his affectionate nickname.
Photographer Edward Boudreau describes his encounters with Albert as “fantastic and spectacular.” His photographs, shared widely through platforms like Pubity.com, offer a glimpse into Albert’s life and highlight the coexistence between people and wildlife in this Arctic environment. The visual journey of Fat Albert—from a small cub to a massive icon—has made him a symbol of the unique balance of life in the far north. Though Fat Albert’s size may be intimidating at first glance, the residents of Kaktovik cherish him. To them, he represents their commitment to living in harmony with nature, showing that with care and respect, even the wildest of animals can become part of the community
