River of Bears

An entertaining and instructive nature film divided into six discreet segments, River of Bears focuses on brown bears, questionably dubbed "the most powerful and intelligent members of the animal kingdom." Dwindling numbers have spurred scientists and activists to study ways for humans and bears to successfully co-exist. The program heads first to Alaska's "River of Bears," located in the McNeil Sanctuary, where a small number of qualifying visitors are permitted to observe the animals under strictly controlled conditions. Next stop is Utah, where trainer Doug Seus roughhouses (don't try this at home!) with 1,500 lb. Bart the bear, Ambassador for the Vital Ground Foundation, which is dedicated to habitat protection. Also from Utah is Professor Barry Gilbert, a top bear researcher who became a nature activist after he was attacked by a grizzly in 1976. Despite massive facial injuries (younger audiences may need preparation for this) he continues his work for the bears' survival, observing, "What good is a millionaire on a moonscape?" Finally the problem of illegal wildlife traffic is addressed by Kenneth Goddard, Director of the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory, the world's only state-of-the-art lab dedicated to solving crimes against wildlife. The program ends by reminding viewers that an investment in the future of wildlife is an investment in the future of the human race. Aud: J, H, P. (J. Reed)