Chunk Norris vs. Chuckosaurus Rex: Who Won the Texas Fat Squirrel Showdown?

Texas may not have fat bears, but we DO have fat squirrels!

Fat Squirrel Week

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department launched the inaugural Fat Squirrel Week on October 19 with a Facebook post that said, “It's Texas' turn to showcase the fluffiest, chubbiest SQUIRRELS around!" State parks in Texas were invited to showcase their chunky squirrel residents in a bracket competition similar to the famous Katmai National Park Fat Bear Week.

The Texas Fat Squirrel Competition

16 Texas State Parks took The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department up on its challenge and photos of chunky squirrels started rolling in. Pictures of the 16 contestants were posted on Texas Parks and Wildlife social media where they received comments, likes and shares.

The Final Two Contenders for Texas Fattest Squirrel

In the end, only Chuckosaurus Rex from Dino Valley State Park and Chunk Norris from Fort Richardson State Park remained. But when it came to blubber, Chunkosaurus Rex was the king. In a post on Facebook, the Dinosaur Valley staff responded to the win.

Fat Bear Week in Alaska Started it All

All great ideas originate somewhere, and Texas' Fat Squirrel Week originated in Alaska. According to  KatmaiConservancy.org, "Fat Bear Week is a single elimination tournament where the public votes online for the fattest, most successful Katmai bear. The bear with the most votes advances and one winner is crowned Fat Bear Week champion."

And the Winner is Chunk!!!

When all was said and done, Chunk was voted the most burly bear. His win followed a rough go of it. According to KatmaiConservancy.org, Chunk had a broken jaw throughout the summer, but it did not hinder his putting on the much needed winter weight.