Sam, Sophie and Sybil are three tiny black bear cubs who have just emerged from their den in the Northwoods of Minnesota. But this spectacular wilderness is full of threats - wolves and coyotes roam the forest looking for stray cubs, the weather can be dangerously unpredictable bringing blizzards and forest fires, and every year some of the black bears are killed by humans. Their survival depends entirely on the experience of their mother and how well they learn the skills she teaches them. With the help of bear expert Dr Lynn Rogers, Julia Bradbury explores the woods, learning about the lives of the black bears and the particular trials facing these three vulnerable little cubs. Sam, Sophie and Sybil must follow their mother's lead closely if they are going to survive in this tough and unforgiving wilderness and make it through this critical month.

• Richard Hammond