|
|
| Skiing
through a virgin forest one cold winter day we were surprised by a
strange symphony of noises. The sound came from an old anthill near
the edge of a small clearing. It was covered in snow, but on the
side facing the clearing there was a large, gaping black hole. For
the first time we were given the opportunity to glimpse one of
nature’s best kept secrets. The sow sleeping in the old anthill
had not one, but two new born cubs!
I was thrilled and excited knowing that this was the first
time anyone had ever studied a wild bear with new born cubs inside
its den. Few animals are as celebrated as the Brown Bear, appearing
frequently in fables, fairytales and folklore.
Many native legends attribute the bear with super natural
powers; powers that people often desire and endeavor to acquire.
Probably the most intriguing about the bear is its winter sleep. How
can a creature as large as the brown bear dig a hole in the ground
in the fall, sleep for six months, and then wake up in the spring
and emerge from the den just as strong and active as they were when
they entered? For years researches around the world have been
intrigued by the bears’ winter sleep. Understanding the bear’s
body function might give us clues to preventing muscle atrophy,
something that would benefit people on bed rest or even astronauts
during extended space travel. What secrets do bears possess?
|
|
|
This film does a marvelous job of unlocking the
secrets of bear hibernation. Through this marvelous documentary we
are privileged to get a glimpse of the secret world of hibernating
brown bears. With a well-balanced presentation of scientific facts
and beautiful videography, Stefan Quinth offers us a unique insight
into the mysteries of brown bear hibernation. For millennia people
have pondered how brown bears can survive long periods of sleep each
winter; this documentary gives us a rare opportunity to glimpse how
those mysteries are being unlocked through scientific research and
carefully conducted observations of wild bears.
Dr. Larry Van Daele
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Kodiak, Alaska
|
| Film Festivals and prizes
Japan Wildlife Filmfestival 2009 - Jury Recognition Award
Brown Bear Secrets was selected as one of the nominated films out
of 347 entered films at Japan Wildlife Film Festival 2009 -
"This film taught us not just the habits of a brown bear
but the profundity of life as well. We applaud your persistency
and sincere attitude."
Green Vision 2008 -finalist St.
Petersburg, Riussia Nov. 2008 -
The Animal Beavior Society Film Award for commercial
film on animal behavior - Semifinalist
The 45th Animal Behaviour Society Annual Meeting, Snowbird,
Utah, Agust 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
