NOVA Season 16 Episode 10 The All-American Bear
- December 6, 1988
In the season 16 episode 10 of NOVA titled "The All-American Bear", viewers are taken on a journey to explore the complex biology and behavior of one of America's most beloved animals: the black bear. The episode explores the different ways in which black bears live across North America, including their diets, habitats, and social structures.
The episode features research from bear experts, including scientists who are using advanced technology to observe bears deep in the wild. The experts explain the amazing adaptations that allow black bears to thrive in a wide range of environments, from the swamps of Florida to the mountains of Alaska.
Viewers will also learn about the challenges that black bears face in an era of growing human populations and encroaching development. The episode explores the consequences of human-bear conflicts, such as habitat loss, car collisions, and retaliatory killings by homeowners.
Despite these challenges, NOVA's "The All-American Bear" provides a hopeful outlook for the future of black bears in America. The show looks at successful conservation efforts across the continent, including the return of black bears to areas where they had been extirpated, such as the state of Missouri.
Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning footage of bears in their natural habitats, including mothers with cubs, bears fishing in rivers, and bears hibernating in dens. The show also includes interviews with wildlife managers and bear enthusiasts who share their own perspectives on these remarkable creatures.
Overall, "The All-American Bear" is an eye-opening and insightful exploration of the biology and behavior of black bears, one of America's most iconic animals. The episode offers a compelling mixture of scientific research, stunning visuals, and human interest stories that will appeal to nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.