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GREAT YELLOWSTONE THAW: HOW NATURE SURVIVES

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This three-part BBC Earth production series vividly portrays how various animals cope with the seasonal thaw in Yellowstone Park, an extreme weather transformation that sees temperatures range from minus 40 degrees F. in winter to over 100 degrees F. in summer. The astounding beauty and brutal harshness of nature are well-documented in this impeccably photographed look at the effect of the challenging weather conditions on wildlife in the park, from wolves and bears to beavers and Great Grey owls. Kirk Johnson of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History makes for a genial host as he is joined by fellow scientists and wildlife photographers who demonstrate in the field how they track and monitor the particular animals they specialize in. Johnson is occasionally humorous but not overly so, remaining focused on providing a clear-eyed view of how climate change is threatening the balance of life between predators and prey and affecting the vegetation that provides sustenance for many of the animals. The camera work throughout is impressive - getting inside a beaver's nest as they loll about and observing owlets as they first attempt to fly. Images of animals hunting and eating their prey are present but rarely lingered on and there is very little that would be disturbing to any but the youngest of viewers. Recommended for ages 12 to 18 as well as certified adults. I give it 5 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Mike Fishman, KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.

Yellowstone is home to North America's most iconic wildlife, and every year these animals must survive the Thaw one of the harshest seasonal changes on Earth when temperatures can swing from minus 40 F in winter to almost 100 F in summer. Learn how animals cope with this range, and witness the impact on individual families of wolves, grizzly bears, beavers, and great gray owls.