Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that wildlife documentary Bears is family friendly overall, but a few moments/scenes might be too tense and potentially scary for preschool-aged viewers. None of the animals die, but there are several scenes in which the lives of the mother bear and her cubs are in danger, and in one it seems like a cub has been eaten by an adult male bear. Other threats include predator males, a gray wolf, and the environment itself -- all providing for dramatic sequences. Children who can get past that part of the movie will learn a good bit about the brown bears of Alaska and get a close-up look at how mama bears treat their cubs.

Sexual Content

Violence

The mother bear and her cubs must overcome various obstacles -- nature, a hungry wolf, and fellow bears. Although they all survive, there are several tense, perilous moments when it seems like one or both of the cubs might die. In one scene, a hungry male searches for a cub, and then the cub doesn't emerge, making viewers think he's been eaten.

Language

Not applicable

Social Behavior

Family oriented messages about sticking together to overcome obstacles, protecting one another from threats, and caring for your young. This is also, in a way, a tribute to single parenting, since in bear society, only mothers raise their offspring.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Not applicable