King of the Grizzlies

King of the Grizzlies

Year: 1970

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: English

Director: Ron Kelly

AdventureFamily

Moki, a Cree Indian, becomes foreman of a vast cattle ranch owned by his former army commander while carrying his people's traditions. After rescuing a bear cub named Wahb, he forms a mystical bond. Years later the grown 1,300‑lb grizzly returns, threatening the herd, and Moki must confront the powerful animal amid stunning wilderness.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – King of the Grizzlies (1970)

Trace every key event in King of the Grizzlies (1970) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Moki as foreman on Colonel Pearson's ranch

Moki serves as a Cree foreman on Colonel Pearson's ranch. He works the land under Pearson's command and becomes central to the ranch's daily life. The story unfolds in the late 19th-century West.

late 19th century Pearson Ranch
2

Grizzly bear invades Pearson's land and the aftermath

A grizzly intrudes on Pearson's property and kills a steer. Pearson shoots the mother bear and one of her cubs, while the other cub escapes, tumbling off a cliff into a river and being swept downstream. This event seeds the tale of Wahb, the four-toed cub found later.

early confrontation Pearson's land
3

Moki finds the surviving cub and names Wahb

Moki searches for the cub and discovers it has four toes on one paw. He names the cub Wahb, meaning four-toed grizzly, and begins to form a bond with the animal. This marks the start of Wahb's long connection to Moki.

shortly after the attack near Pearson's land
4

Moki captures Wahb and releases him near Pearson's land

Moki captures the bear and then releases him on the outskirts of Pearson's land. Wahb survives and grows in the wild, building a wary relationship with the humans nearby. The act sets Wahb on a path toward maturity and continued contact with Moki.

after naming Wahb outskirts of Pearson's land
5

Wahb grows to maturity; three-year-old encounter

Wahb grows to maturity, and at three years of age he appears and startles a ranch hand. Pearson orders Moki to trap the bear, but Wahb proves elusive and evades capture.

three years after release Pearson's ranch
6

Moki recognizes a mystical bond with Wahb

Years later, Moki encounters Wahb in the mountains and the non-threatening exchange convinces him that a mystical tie links their destinies. He interprets Wahb's presence as more than chance.

later years the mountains
7

Wahb stampedes cattle at roundup

Wahb reappears on the Pearson ranch during roundup time and stampedes the cattle. The bear's return triggers Pearson's desire to kill him and protect the land.

roundup time Pearson ranch during roundup
8

Pearson pursues Wahb; Moki warns him

Pearson rides out to confront the bear, while Moki tries to warn him of the danger and the bond between Wahb and himself. The pursuit intensifies as the bear evades capture.

during pursuit Pearson ranch
9

Climax standoff: Wahb marks a tree

As Pearson closes in, Wahb marks a tree with his claws, signaling his territorial claim. Moki tells the colonel that this mark means Wahb will not return to Gray Bull.

climax near Gray Bull / on Pearson's land
10

Moki reveals persuasive evidence; Pearson hesitates

The colonel remains unconvinced, but Moki produces rifle shells in his hand to show how the bear means something to him. The sight of the shells shifts Pearson's mindset in the moment.

final moment Pearson ranch
11

Pearson relents and heads home

Pearson raises his gun once more, but the sight of the shells calms him, and he relents. Moki and Pearson head back home with Wahb in their shared frontier.

aftermath Pearson ranch
12

Wahb stays and protects Gray Bull territory

Wahb does not return to Gray Bull; instead he stays and defends his territory, establishing a mutual protection dynamic with Moki. The bond between the man and the bear guides their futures.

aftermath Gray Bull territory

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:53

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King of the Grizzlies Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in King of the Grizzlies

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