The Bear Family & Me

Watch The Bear Family & Me

  • 2017
  • 1 Season
  • 8.3  (87)

The Bear Family & Me is a fascinating nature documentary series from the year 2011, presented by Scottish wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan. The show captures the intriguing story of the lives of the most fascinating animals that inhabit the remote wilderness of Minnesota, i.e., the black bears.

The show follows Gordon as he journeys deep into the dense wilderness of Minnesota, in search of these majestic creatures. His mission is to document the life of a family of wild black bears in their natural habitat, to gain a better understanding of their behavior and to challenge some of the negative stereotypes about these animals. The show highlights the importance of peaceful coexistence between humans and bears, and offers an insight into their world through breathtaking footage of their day-to-day life activities.

A key highlight of the show is Gordon's interaction with renowned bear expert Lynn Rogers and his colleague Sue Mansfield. Lynn, whose career has revolved around studying and understanding these magnificent creatures, shares his vast knowledge and insight about bears, which further enriches the audience's viewing experience. Lynn also welcomes Gordon into his remote research camp, where he lives among the bears so as to gain an intimate understanding of their lives.

Throughout the series, the audience is treated to exclusive footage of the daily lives of the bears, including how they hunt, interact with their cubs, build their dens, harvest seasonal food and navigate the often brutal Minnesota winters. With each episode, we witness how the bears adapt to the ever-changing environment and how the changing seasons impact their lives.

Apart from the personal stories of the bears, the show touches on numerous other themes as well. One notable theme covered in the show is conservation. Through interviews with experts and Gordon's observations, the show highlights the threats and challenges that black bears face in today's world, including habitat loss and destruction, poaching and personal conflicts with humans. The show raises vital awareness on the importance of protecting these wonderful creatures and their habitat for generations to come.

Another theme that is explored is our perception of the bear. Often perceived as fearsome and dangerous creatures, the show challenges this stereotype by painting a more nuanced and intimate portrayal of the black bear. Whether it be following a mother and her cubs foraging or simply observing them while they sleep, the show offers an intimate perspective on these enigmatic creatures, providing a deeper insight into their daily lives and challenges.

The cinematography in The Bear Family & Me is exquisite. The show takes full advantage of the stunning Minnesota wilderness and creates striking imagery that brings the viewer up close to these remarkable creatures. From aerial drone footage of the bears' habitat, to captivating shots of the bears foraging and playing, the show is a visual feast for nature enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

In conclusion, The Bear Family & Me is an excellent documentary series that captures the unique lives of black bears in stunning detail. With its compelling storyline, captivating scenery, and fascinating animal behavior, it's a must-watch for anyone interested in nature, wildlife, or conservation. The show entertains, educates and ultimately leaves the viewer with a greater appreciation and understanding of one of North America's most majestic animals.

The Bear Family & Me
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Seasons
Autumn
3. Autumn
April 8, 2017
Gordon returns to Minnesota in early autumn to discover that the life of abandoned bear cub Hope has taken an unexpected turn for the better: Hope is back together with her mother Lily. But the bears are in danger when hunters move into the forest. Gordon's role changes from cameraman to bodyguard as he walks with the bears to try to keep them safe. Will Lily and Hope survive hunting season to den safely for the winter?
Summer
2. Summer
April 8, 2017
As summer arrives, Gordon returns to Minnesota and discovers that the tiny bear cub Hope has been abandoned by her mother. He tracks down the starving cub, but her life hangs in the balance and Gordon steps in to try to keep Hope alive. As he follows every twist and turn of the bears' lives, we witness a wild bear family from the inside, closer than we've ever seen before.
Spring
1. Spring
April 8, 2017
Gordon arrives in the forests of Minnesota in spring just as the bears are coming out of their dens. Before he can start filming he faces a major challenge - to earn the bears' trust. He must overcome his own fear - black bears have a dangerous reputation and attack more people than any other bear in the world. But once he meets Lily, an easy-going young mother bear, and her cub Hope, Gordon is smitten.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    April 8, 2017
  • IMDB Rating
    8.3  (87)