Parents' Guide to

Hunter and Hunted

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Animal attacks are too gruesome for young viewers.

TV National Geographic Channel Educational 2005
Hunter and Hunted Poster Image

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What's the Story?

In the documentary series HUNTER AND HUNTED, viewers learn about the potentially dangerous effects of encounters between humans and wild animals. The show is filmed on location around the world in areas that have seen increases in the number and ferocity of animal attacks. Using dramatic reenactments and interviews with victims and eyewitnesses, the series offers play-by-play accounts of documented attacks on humans. Scientists also weigh in with their theories on why attacks are more frequent in specific geographical areas, often providing an intriguing view on the detrimental effect that technological development can have on the animal population's habitats. Scientists also briefly touch on scenarios that present animals as humans' prey, reminding viewers that despite the attention given to wild creatures' attacks on people, most often it's the animals who fall victim to man's predatory nature.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (2):

While the educational quality of Hunter and Hunted is high -- it offers fascinating information about animals' natural instincts and encourages viewers to look critically at the ways that humans impact animals' natural habitats and contribute to species' endangerment --the graphic nature of the reenacted attacks ensures that it's not for little kids. In many scenes, actors scream and writhe in pain as they're brutalized, and lots of camera time is dedicated to blood, scars, and amputated limbs.

Parents would be wise to preview this one even for sensitive younger teens, but families who can share it will benefit from the resulting discussions about habitat preservation and respect for nature.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about humans' impact on animals' natural habitats. How do people affect animals' natural ways of life through development? How are the animals forced to adapt? How is their predatory instinct changed? Why does this pose a danger for nearby humans? At what point might it become necessary to slow development for the sake of wildlife? What might happen if development isn't tempered? Families can also discuss nature preservation and conservation efforts.

TV Details

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