Bears

Sky gives birth to two cubs, Scout and Amber, in her den high on a mountain slope above Katmai. The newborns begin their first days under Sky's watchful care, sheltered from the spring chill. The scene establishes the family unit that will drive the story.

In April the family emerges from the den and steps into the spring thaw. The oncoming season brings threats of avalanches, which the bears narrowly avoid as they move onto more stable terrain. Sky keeps Scout and Amber close, guiding them through the risks of early spring.

The cubs reach a lush valley where they encounter other bears, including Magnus, a dominant male, and Chinook, a seasoned rival. The valley's social order is tense, with potential threats looming over the cubs. Sky and the cubs begin to learn the dynamics of bear life in this new territory.

Tikaani, a lone wolf, tests the cubs as they explore their new surroundings. Sky protects them, teaching early defensive moves and how to stay aware of danger. The cubs start to understand how to respond to predators while relying on their mother's guidance.

Sky leads the cubs to the mudflats to dig up clams hiding beneath the mud. The family enjoys a shared feast, savoring the fresh food but the rising tide foreshadows trouble. These lessons in foraging begin to shape the cubs' survival skills.

During a chaotic tide, Scout becomes stranded on a sandbar and struggles to free himself. Sky watches from the shore, unable to intervene directly as the sea tests the cubs' resourcefulness. After a tense moment, Scout musters his strength and swims back to Sky.

The family retreats to higher ground where Magnus looms nearby. Chinook launches another surprise attack, and Sky fights to protect Amber and Scout. Amber and Scout hide in a nearby log while Sky drives Chinook away, proving Sky's protective instinct and the cubs' vulnerability.

After Chinook's assault, Amber emerges from the log but Scout is missing. Sky and Amber search tirelessly, fearing for Scout's safety. Just as hope wanes, Scout crawls out from the very log where he had hidden, proving his resilience and the family bond.

With summer, dozens of bears converge along salmon streams, especially at the Great Falls, where adult males dominate. The increased competition drives more frequent dominance fights between Magnus and Chinook. Sky seeks a safer feeding ground away from the crowded streams.

Sky explores a peaceful alternative at the Golden Pond, where the cubs can learn to fish in a lower-conflict setting. A raven leads Sky and the cubs toward this sanctuary as they feast on mussels and rock eels washed ashore. The hidden sanctuary provides nourishment during the peak run.

After their initial feast, the family travels north from Katmai to Lake Clark National Park and Preserve to reach the legendary Golden Pond. They arrive at a bountiful salmon site, timing their visit to maximize the catch. The journey marks a turning point as they balance travel with the safety of their cubs.

Having feasted, Sky and her cubs begin their journey back toward Katmai as winter approaches. They time their return to anticipate the first snow and the onset of cold weather. The family rehearses the lessons learned this year as they prepare for the season's challenges.

When the first snow arrives, all bears retreat to their mountain dens to sleep through the harsh winter. The cubs reflect on the year and the skills they've learned: foraging, defense, and family cooperation. The movie closes with the knowledge that these lessons will carry them into the next year.