In this fascinating program, observe the commanding presence of bears first-hand and learn about one of the most feared and respected members of the animal kingdom. The incredible footage in this video is the result of years of determined effort by nature photographer Russ Finley, revealing a side of these  magnificent animals that park visitors rarely see - from a bear ripping apart  a fallen tree to cubs exploring playfully in the treetops.

From the Black Bears of the Great Smoky Mountains to the Grizzlies of Yellowstone, national parks represent the last bastions of undisturbed bear habitat in the lower 48 states. In Glacier National Park, see the great bear - a silver-tip grizzly - and learn the differences between black and grizzly bears. In Sequoia, see adult black bears wrestling among the giant redwoods.

Bear expert Gary Brown tells of fascinating bear facts and explains the challenges facing both bear and man to co-exist, as well as the efforts made to reduce conflicts through education. From the earliest encounters with Native Americans, to more recent encounters like bear traffic jams in Yellowstone, learn about the special place bears hold in American Folklore.