Texas Fat Squirrel Week Voting Closes Today

Texas residents have until 6 p.m. to pick the champion of the annual wildlife competition on the state agency's social media.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Wildlife

Screen-print poster illustration of a plump squirrel on an oak branch, colored in warm mustard and sage tones. — Texas Parks and Wildlife concludes its annual Fat Squirrel Week today, allowing the public to vote for the champion finalist. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you enjoy participating in lighthearted social media contests hosted by your local parks?

Texas Parks and Wildlife concludes its annual Fat Squirrel Week competition today, as voters choose the champion between two finalists. The contest highlights the natural behavior of squirrels bulking up for winter hibernation.

Why it matters

The event serves as an engaging way to learn about local wildlife patterns and the biological preparations species undergo to survive the colder months. It encourages public interest in regional state parks and the animals that inhabit them.

The competition began with 16 squirrels on October 18 and now features two finalists, Chungus from Cooper State Park Doctors Creek and Squirrelly Temple from Fort Parker State Park.

The players

Texas Parks and Wildlife

The state agency responsible for managing natural resources, protecting wildlife habitats, and overseeing state park operations across Texas.

The details

Squirrels participate in this annual event as they instinctively pack on fat reserves to sustain themselves through winter hibernation periods. Fans select the winner by engaging with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Facebook page, where they can cast votes by liking, commenting on, or tagging friends under the photo of their preferred squirrel finalist.

October 23, 2026, 6 p.m. CT: Voting closes for the Fat Squirrel Week competition.
October 23, 2026, evening: Winner of the competition to be announced.

The Home Front

This event highlights the public engagement efforts led by the Texas Parks and Wildlife state park management initiative. It demonstrates how state agencies use social media to foster interest in regional conservation and local park appreciation.

Residents can view the finalists and check for the winner's announcement on the official Texas Parks and Wildlife Facebook page. While the voting window is closing, keeping bird feeders clean and providing natural shelter can help local wildlife thrive throughout the coming winter.

The takeaway

This event provides a fun, low-stakes way to connect with Texas wildlife and the state park system. Keep an eye on local social media channels this evening for the final results of the competition.