Save the Yellowstone Grizzly is proud to announce the recent premiere of our newest film, Return of the Grizzly. The 37-minute documentary follows the path and challenges of the “explorer bear,” the pioneering young males that come from small, isolated core populations. The grizzly needs to explore and pioneer new habitats to spread its gene pool, and its long journeys are increasingly driven by the ravages of climate change.
“The effect of climate change is creating explorer bears. Safe passage and tolerance for grizzly bears are the best bet for connectivity between Glacier and Yellowstone,” said Doug Peacock, award-winning author, filmmaker, grizzly bear expert and founder of Save the Yellowstone Grizzly.
Return of the Grizzly proves that, through coexistence and tolerance, humans and grizzlies can “learn” to live together, as Native Americans have proven for thousands of years. The film is narrated by one of America’s most beloved actors and storytellers, Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges. It is scored by legendary pianist Bill Payne of Little Feat.
The film, directed by Maaike Middleton, visits with grizzly bear biologists, road ecologists, filmmakers, Native Americans, bear coexistence activists, wildlife photographers, and business owners. Return of the Grizzly features archival, and never before seen, grizzly footage by Doug Peacock.
Return of the Grizzly was created and produced by Save the Yellowstone Grizzly and sponsored by Patagonia and the Sierra Club along with support from the Montana Film Office, the Natalie Orfalea Foundation, and Sound Color Studios. The executive producers are Doug Peacock and Dan Sullivan.
Return of the Grizzly offers proven, long-term solutions for human/bear conflict, a vision for the grizzly’s secure future in its native habitat, and ways for YOU to get productively involved in the preservation of this unique American species, one whose independence, strength, and determination mirrors our own.
Help us Save the Grizzly! Join us at SaveTheYellowstoneGrizzly.org or Text GRIZ to 66866.