Texas Parks and Wildlife Closes Fat Squirrel Voting
The state agency concludes its annual competition to name the plumpest squirrel among two remaining finalists.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Wildlife
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Voting for the annual Fat Squirrel Week contest comes to a close today as Texans cast their final ballots for the champion squirrel. The competition pits two finalists, Chungus and Squirrelly Temple, against each other in a final bracket.
Why it matters
The event highlights the natural biological process of squirrels as they gain weight to survive the upcoming winter months. By engaging the public through social media, the agency uses the friendly contest to raise awareness for wildlife in state parks.
The competition began on October 18, 2026, with an initial field of 16 squirrels residing in various parks. Fans select the winner by engaging with official social media posts featuring the finalists.
The players
Texas Parks and Wildlife
This state agency manages the natural and cultural resources of Texas, including numerous state parks and wildlife conservation efforts.
Chungus
This squirrel is a finalist in the competition and currently resides at Cooper State Park Doctors Creek.
Squirrelly Temple
This squirrel is a finalist in the competition and makes its home at Fort Parker State Park.
The details
Finalist Chungus hails from Cooper State Park Doctors Creek in Delta County, while Squirrelly Temple represents Fort Parker State Park. The public determines the winner by liking, commenting, or tagging friends on official photos posted to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Facebook page.
Timeline
October 18, 2026: The Fat Squirrel Week competition officially began with 16 squirrel participants.
October 23, 2026, 6 p.m. CT: Voting for the final two contestants closes.
October 23, 2026, evening: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department plans to announce the contest winner.
Culture Shift
The event reflects a trend of using gamified social media outreach to connect urban residents with local nature. It builds on the agency's efforts to promote the biological realities of wildlife in a way that resonates with a broad digital audience.
Residents can participate in the selection process by engaging with the department's Facebook page before the deadline. The competition serves as a seasonal reminder of the local wildlife thriving within the state park system.
The takeaway
This lighthearted competition provides a unique look at how local wildlife prepares for the challenges of winter. Residents can enjoy the results of the bracket to better understand the natural rhythms of squirrels in their own state parks.
Further reading
Learn more about local species through the Texas Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX 26 Houston.
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Do you enjoy participating in lighthearted social media contests hosted by your local parks?
