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(dramatic music)
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00:00:05,540 --> 00:00:08,090
- [Narrator] There is a
place in Canada's far north
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where ghosts roam the vast tundra.
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(wolf howls)
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Arctic wolves.
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This is the extraordinary
story of one pack.
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A story of companionship and loyalty.
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Of deadly rivalries and fierce fights.
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Of new lives and devoted mothers.
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But food is scarce,
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and wolves have to travel
great distances to find it.
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How will they survive
in one of the toughest
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places on earth?
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(uplifting music)
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Ellesmere Island, at the
northernmost edge of Canada.
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(wolf howls)
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Winter here is one long
freezing cold night,
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(wolves howl)
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where temperatures dip down to minus 50.
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When the sun finally
rises after four months
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of darkness, its dim light
provides little warmth.
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Few animals are tough
enough to survive here,
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less than a 1,000 kilometers
from the North Pole.
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A young Arctic wolf, a
member of the Eureka pack,
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he is constantly searching for food.
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(muskoxen snorting)
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Life on Ellesmere is
severe and unforgiving.
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Predator and prey struggle
equally for survival,
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and both predator and prey
are equally formidable.
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Experience has taught this wolf
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that he is no match for a
herd of fully-grown muskox.
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It's best to leave them alone
and join the rest of the pack.
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(gentle music)
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The Eureka pack is finishing up
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what's left of a bull muskox
they killed two weeks ago.
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It's late March, and the wolves
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have been fortunate so far this year.
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The snow was unusually
deep during the winter,
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which left many muskoxen
weak and exhausted.
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For the Eureka pack,
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it means they will be
well fed for a while.
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(wolves snarling)
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A pack is a large extended family,
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with multiple generations living together.
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Alpha and Snow White return.
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This breeding pair head the Eureka pack.
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They've experienced leaders
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that've been together for many years.
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The bond between them is strong,
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and will last a lifetime.
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Alpha and Snow White's pack
is large by Arctic standards,
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with 14 members.
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Their sizable family is
proof of their skill,
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experience and dedication.
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(wolves whining playfully)
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Snow White and Alpha are
fiercely loyal to their family.
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There's a strict
hierarchy within the pack.
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(wolves snarling)
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Older siblings rank higher
than the young ones,
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and if they step out of line,
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they're quickly reminded of their place.
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(gentle music)
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Few other animals can live
year-round in this frozen land.
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Arctic hares are well adapted
to a life of extremes.
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In winter, they have to dig
through the snow for food.
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(snow crunches)
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The muskox's fine wooly
undercoat insulates them
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during the freezing cold winter.
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(dramatic music)
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They defend themselves
with their great horns
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and bony plates.
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(horns crash)
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Aggressive and well-armed,
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they are the most dangerous animals
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the wolves on Ellesmere can hunt.
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(gentle music)
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Alpha rests.
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An ear notch is his trademark.
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When the Eureka pack makes
a kill, they waste nothing.
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At minus 40, bone is as hard as rock,
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but they need the fatty,
nourishing marrow inside.
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(wolf sneezes)
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A lone female approaches the carcass.
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(gentle music)
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She is taking a risk.
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She must be hungry.
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The lone female doesn't
know how they'll react.
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She catches Alpha and
Snow White's attention.
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She's hungry enough to
risk a confrontation.
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The young male at the carcass
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doesn't seem to mind her presence.
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(wolves munching)
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But Snow White does not approve.
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(intense music)
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Alpha joins the chase.
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Whoever this female is,
the pack won't share
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scarce resources with her.
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The last scraps of the
carcass are precious,
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and they need to make it
last as long as possible.
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They'll have to make another kill soon.
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(gentle music)
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Forced to leave, this lone female
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will have to start a family of her own.
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Snow White and Alpha
must defend their food
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if the family is to
survive the winter months.
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(gentle music)
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In this landscape, a
wolf has little chance
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of surviving on its own.
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As the weeks go by,
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winter slowly loosens
its grip on the land.
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Migratory birds return to the Arctic,
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a sure sign that spring is here.
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(birds calling)
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(snow crunches)
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(muskox snorts)
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(fox growls)
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An Arctic fox.
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He searches for lemmings
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that spend the winter in
tunnels under the snow.
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He's hunting for food that
he can't see or smell,
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but can only hear.
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He steps quietly, and listens carefully.
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(lemming squeaks)
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Got one.
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Lemmings are an Arctic
fox's most common food,
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making upwards of 85% of their diet.
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He'll need to catch many
more before the day is done.
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(gentle music)
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(animals chirrup)
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The lone female wolf is out on the tundra.
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All by herself, she won't be able
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to hunt large prey like muskox.
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But perhaps something smaller will do.
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She's not nearly as
graceful as an Arctic fox,
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and comes away empty-handed.
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She'll have to try her luck
again, some other time.
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00:10:29,360 --> 00:10:33,363
For now, she has to attend
to more important matters.
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The lone female has
been visiting this area
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for the past two weeks,
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preparing a den for her pups.
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It's difficult to find good
den sites in the Arctic,
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as the permafrost limits
where she can dig.
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(singer vocalizing gently)
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Her shallow den is hidden
in a small river valley.
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Here, she can keep her new pups
warm, dry and out of sight.
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She's all on her own,
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as she waits for her
mate to bring back food.
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(suspenseful music)
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The transition into spring is swift.
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The sun no longer sets,
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so there are 24 hours
of daylight and warmth.
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(wolf howls)
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But just because the snow is melting
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doesn't mean that life is any easier.
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(wolf howls)
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(wolves howl)
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Her mate's been gone for several days.
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Hungry, she calls for his return.
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00:12:05,940 --> 00:12:10,761
But howling announces her
presence, which is a mistake.
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(suspenseful music)
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Strange wolves are approaching.
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Alone, and without the
protection of a larger pack,
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her situation is precarious.
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This is another breeding pair,
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with their adult offspring.
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By howling, she alerted the pack
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while they were out on patrol.
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Little did she know
that she set up her den
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in a rival pack's territory.
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They close in on her scent.
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They haven't found her den yet,
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but they're getting dangerously close.
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(dramatic music)
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She acts quickly, trying to
draw them away from her den.
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If she fails, her pups will be killed.
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At last, the raiders stop
and give up the chase.
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Perhaps the pups are safe.
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(water splashes)
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The raiders turn and head
back down the valley.
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Something has caught their attention.
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They catch her scent again
and head straight for the den.
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(wolf howls)
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(wolf howls)
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(pups whine)
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The breeding female enters first.
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The young pups inside
don't stand a chance.
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(wolf crunching)
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Raids are not uncommon between rival packs
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but this is the first
time one has been filmed.
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(wolf howls)
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The mother can do
nothing to stop the raid.
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She can't go closer or
they will kill her, too.
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(wolf howls)
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There were five pups in the den.
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Their deaths were swift.
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(wolf howls)
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(wolf howls)
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It seems merciless, but the raiders
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00:17:05,190 --> 00:17:07,883
have pups of their own
to care for and protect.
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00:17:09,000 --> 00:17:11,150
The only way they can keep them safe
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is to eliminate any rivals.
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00:17:15,810 --> 00:17:17,950
A pack, no matter how small,
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found denning in their territory,
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is a potential threat.
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In clashes, the family with
at least one more member
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normally wins the fight.
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00:17:30,180 --> 00:17:33,180
A successful brood of a new pack today
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could mean the end of
the raiders tomorrow.
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No food is wasted.
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Pups not eaten right away
are cached for later.
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(swelling orchestral music)
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Time for the raiders to
head back to their den,
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00:18:03,730 --> 00:18:05,113
20 miles away.
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00:18:08,500 --> 00:18:10,917
(wolf howls)
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00:18:23,930 --> 00:18:26,983
Hours later, the female returns.
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00:18:27,999 --> 00:18:31,582
(singer vocalizing gently)
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00:18:32,850 --> 00:18:35,000
She only dares to come back to the den
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00:18:35,000 --> 00:18:36,353
when the raiders have gone.
219
00:18:39,010 --> 00:18:41,293
Maybe some of the pups survived.
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00:18:48,200 --> 00:18:49,450
The raiders could return.
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00:18:51,540 --> 00:18:54,627
She smells their presence everywhere.
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00:18:54,627 --> 00:18:57,294
(wolf sniffing)
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00:19:01,838 --> 00:19:04,421
(gentle music)
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00:19:18,884 --> 00:19:20,301
Her den is empty.
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00:19:21,290 --> 00:19:25,310
If she stays here alone in
a rival pack's territory,
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00:19:25,310 --> 00:19:26,153
she's in danger.
227
00:19:30,640 --> 00:19:33,415
It's time to move on.
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00:19:33,415 --> 00:19:36,082
(water gurgles)
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00:19:44,942 --> 00:19:47,692
(dramatic music)
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00:20:03,250 --> 00:20:06,863
Spring advances, and the
snow continues to melt.
231
00:20:09,310 --> 00:20:12,780
Snow White and Alpha are
staying close to their den,
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00:20:12,780 --> 00:20:14,123
and for a good reason.
233
00:20:15,470 --> 00:20:18,703
Snow White has given birth to three pups.
234
00:20:18,703 --> 00:20:21,560
(gentle music)
235
00:20:21,560 --> 00:20:24,050
The newest members of the Eureka pack
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00:20:24,050 --> 00:20:25,913
don't even have their eyes open yet.
237
00:20:27,110 --> 00:20:30,023
It's rare to see such young pups outside.
238
00:20:33,330 --> 00:20:36,600
(wolves whining)
239
00:20:36,600 --> 00:20:39,523
Alpha and the rest of
the family are excited.
240
00:20:45,200 --> 00:20:48,083
But raising pups here is no easy task.
241
00:20:49,450 --> 00:20:51,030
When times are tough,
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00:20:51,030 --> 00:20:53,670
less than half of all Arctic wolf pups
243
00:20:53,670 --> 00:20:55,173
will survive their first year.
244
00:20:56,872 --> 00:20:59,622
(wolves whining)
245
00:21:04,300 --> 00:21:06,660
Snow White and Alpha will need the help
246
00:21:06,660 --> 00:21:09,513
of the entire family
if they're to succeed.
247
00:21:13,353 --> 00:21:16,686
(wolf growling lightly)
248
00:21:18,520 --> 00:21:21,370
There's another addition
to the Eureka pack,
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00:21:21,370 --> 00:21:22,373
a new adult.
250
00:21:25,670 --> 00:21:28,740
A few days ago, a lone female joined them.
251
00:21:33,110 --> 00:21:34,650
Blackspot.
252
00:21:34,650 --> 00:21:37,673
She has a distinct marking
at the base of her tail.
253
00:21:39,300 --> 00:21:42,510
Not only is she accepted by the others,
254
00:21:42,510 --> 00:21:43,820
she's the only other wolf
255
00:21:43,820 --> 00:21:46,113
allowed down in the den with the pups.
256
00:21:48,130 --> 00:21:50,913
Has she been a former member of the pack?
257
00:21:54,940 --> 00:21:56,850
With the arrival of the pups,
258
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the need to find food
takes on a new urgency.
259
00:22:02,410 --> 00:22:04,210
As the matriarch of the pack,
260
00:22:04,210 --> 00:22:06,763
Snow White is usually the first to be fed.
261
00:22:08,811 --> 00:22:11,561
(wolves whining)
262
00:22:13,270 --> 00:22:14,940
This is a large pack,
263
00:22:14,940 --> 00:22:16,710
and there are some that are charged
264
00:22:16,710 --> 00:22:18,133
to protect the offspring.
265
00:22:20,250 --> 00:22:21,730
The pack members at the den
266
00:22:21,730 --> 00:22:24,757
must rely on whatever food
is brought back to them.
267
00:22:24,757 --> 00:22:28,310
(wolves whining)
268
00:22:28,310 --> 00:22:30,503
Begging is a regular ritual.
269
00:22:32,038 --> 00:22:34,788
(wolves whining)
270
00:22:36,114 --> 00:22:38,697
(gentle music)
271
00:22:44,240 --> 00:22:46,970
Each wolf can bring back up to 15 pounds
272
00:22:46,970 --> 00:22:50,323
of meat each trip, if the hunting is good.
273
00:22:51,650 --> 00:22:54,330
By licking his mouth,
Blackspot entices him
274
00:22:54,330 --> 00:22:58,113
to regurgitate and finally gets a morsel.
275
00:23:00,750 --> 00:23:03,160
Most of the year, the pack roams freely
276
00:23:03,160 --> 00:23:04,403
in search of prey.
277
00:23:10,670 --> 00:23:13,780
They can travel 25 miles a day on a hunt,
278
00:23:13,780 --> 00:23:15,543
and be gone for over a week.
279
00:23:19,890 --> 00:23:21,870
But during the denning season,
280
00:23:21,870 --> 00:23:24,390
they must constantly return to this spot.
281
00:23:26,867 --> 00:23:29,534
(water gurgles)
282
00:23:45,053 --> 00:23:48,360
(hare sniffs)
283
00:23:48,360 --> 00:23:50,983
Arctic hares have
wandered close to the den.
284
00:23:51,960 --> 00:23:54,731
Sometimes, food finds you.
285
00:23:54,731 --> 00:23:57,481
(dramatic music)
286
00:23:59,690 --> 00:24:01,843
A young female tries her luck.
287
00:24:06,670 --> 00:24:09,460
Sprinting at almost 40 miles an hour,
288
00:24:09,460 --> 00:24:11,973
hares and wolves are an even match.
289
00:24:13,940 --> 00:24:16,473
Whoever stumbles first loses.
290
00:24:20,460 --> 00:24:23,110
The hare outpaces the female.
291
00:24:23,110 --> 00:24:26,983
But it makes a fatal mistake
and runs towards the den.
292
00:24:29,180 --> 00:24:32,400
(wolf growls)
293
00:24:32,400 --> 00:24:34,493
It's an easy catch for Snow White.
294
00:24:39,447 --> 00:24:41,947
(wolf growls)
295
00:24:44,397 --> 00:24:47,230
Others aren't having as much luck.
296
00:24:51,820 --> 00:24:54,383
A single hare won't go far.
297
00:24:56,750 --> 00:24:59,513
Blackspot hopes at least for a small bite.
298
00:25:00,350 --> 00:25:02,420
But because she has pups to feed,
299
00:25:02,420 --> 00:25:05,400
Snow White claims the bulk of this meal.
300
00:25:05,400 --> 00:25:08,203
She'll need the extra
energy to produce milk.
301
00:25:13,920 --> 00:25:17,033
Alpha ensures that she
gets the main share.
302
00:25:18,510 --> 00:25:21,223
Blackspot, despite spending
almost all her time
303
00:25:21,223 --> 00:25:24,683
with the pups, gets nothing but fur.
304
00:25:26,062 --> 00:25:28,645
(wolf munches)
305
00:25:34,890 --> 00:25:37,800
The other pack members
have not yet realized
306
00:25:37,800 --> 00:25:39,003
how important she is.
307
00:25:41,578 --> 00:25:44,161
(gentle music)
308
00:25:50,880 --> 00:25:52,500
In the spring sunshine,
309
00:25:52,500 --> 00:25:55,163
the pups make another appearance outside.
310
00:26:01,730 --> 00:26:03,997
They're only a week old,
and still can't see.
311
00:26:08,840 --> 00:26:10,990
The Eureka pack's den site
312
00:26:10,990 --> 00:26:12,833
has more than one burrow.
313
00:26:13,900 --> 00:26:16,973
Snow White seems unsure
of where to put her pups.
314
00:26:18,590 --> 00:26:20,790
Is she sensing something?
315
00:26:20,790 --> 00:26:22,280
With most of the pack away
316
00:26:22,280 --> 00:26:23,683
with Alpha on a hunt,
317
00:26:24,720 --> 00:26:26,880
those remaining at the den
318
00:26:26,880 --> 00:26:28,623
must be on constant alert.
319
00:26:32,670 --> 00:26:35,373
Suddenly, an intruder arrives.
320
00:26:40,967 --> 00:26:41,800
(dramatic music)
321
00:26:41,800 --> 00:26:44,350
The intruder runs rights up on the den,
322
00:26:44,350 --> 00:26:46,850
attacking all she finds.
323
00:26:46,850 --> 00:26:48,693
Blackspot's help is needed.
324
00:26:50,010 --> 00:26:52,919
Snow White leads the counterattack.
325
00:26:52,919 --> 00:26:54,150
(wolves growling)
326
00:26:54,150 --> 00:26:57,253
She has to defend her pups.
327
00:27:00,200 --> 00:27:02,510
Even though the intruder is outnumbered,
328
00:27:02,510 --> 00:27:04,683
the unknown female keeps fighting.
329
00:27:06,510 --> 00:27:08,413
Her motivation remains unclear.
330
00:27:09,250 --> 00:27:12,431
Scientists have never
witnessed such behavior.
331
00:27:12,431 --> 00:27:15,264
(wolves snarling)
332
00:27:17,080 --> 00:27:19,740
And then, she heads straight for the den.
333
00:27:19,740 --> 00:27:23,160
Diving in front of her,
Blackspot gets there first,
334
00:27:23,160 --> 00:27:25,023
blocking the entrance with her body.
335
00:27:26,525 --> 00:27:29,358
(wolves snarling)
336
00:27:32,858 --> 00:27:34,770
They must pull the attacker out
337
00:27:34,770 --> 00:27:36,323
or she will kill the pups.
338
00:27:37,511 --> 00:27:40,344
(wolves snarling)
339
00:27:53,124 --> 00:27:55,640
Together, Snow White and Blackspot
340
00:27:55,640 --> 00:27:57,773
successfully repel the intruder.
341
00:27:58,870 --> 00:28:01,553
The pups are safe, this time.
342
00:28:03,550 --> 00:28:06,550
(suspenseful music)
343
00:28:21,870 --> 00:28:24,358
(gentle music)
344
00:28:24,358 --> 00:28:26,941
(pups whining)
345
00:28:30,510 --> 00:28:33,140
As spring advances into summer,
346
00:28:33,140 --> 00:28:36,063
the pups continue to
grow bigger and stronger.
347
00:28:41,850 --> 00:28:44,880
Blackspot is spending
all her time with them
348
00:28:44,880 --> 00:28:47,983
and she is even nursing the pups.
349
00:28:49,790 --> 00:28:53,373
This is only possible if
Blackspot had pups of her own.
350
00:28:54,600 --> 00:28:57,310
That's why she has the
urge to raise offspring
351
00:28:57,310 --> 00:28:59,297
even if it's not her litter.
352
00:29:40,590 --> 00:29:44,190
Two lactating females caring
for the same offspring
353
00:29:44,190 --> 00:29:47,260
is extremely rare behavior
354
00:29:47,260 --> 00:29:49,453
that's never been documented before.
355
00:29:59,060 --> 00:30:01,860
It's clear that both females are caring
356
00:30:01,860 --> 00:30:03,693
and attentive to the pups.
357
00:30:11,060 --> 00:30:13,413
No wonder the pups are thriving.
358
00:30:15,067 --> 00:30:17,650
(gentle music)
359
00:30:34,501 --> 00:30:35,334
(water gurgling)
360
00:30:35,334 --> 00:30:38,501
(water birds honking)
361
00:30:49,997 --> 00:30:52,689
(gentle upbeat music)
362
00:30:52,689 --> 00:30:57,240
The wolves aren't the only
ones tending to their young.
363
00:30:57,240 --> 00:31:00,610
The Arctic foxes have a
full house of their own
364
00:31:00,610 --> 00:31:03,163
with plenty of kits to keep them busy.
365
00:31:06,160 --> 00:31:08,450
Everyone is trying to make the most
366
00:31:08,450 --> 00:31:10,113
of the short Arctic summer.
367
00:31:32,708 --> 00:31:36,708
With so many young, there's
no time for a break.
368
00:31:43,584 --> 00:31:46,520
(birds calling)
369
00:31:46,520 --> 00:31:49,450
The life of the male fox is hard enough
370
00:31:49,450 --> 00:31:52,003
without being divebombed by jaegers.
371
00:31:57,640 --> 00:31:59,140
The food handoff is quick,
372
00:31:59,140 --> 00:32:01,113
and there's no time for him to rest.
373
00:32:02,780 --> 00:32:05,543
He needs to catch 30 more lemmings today.
374
00:32:06,800 --> 00:32:11,100
As the kits get older and
start eating more solid food,
375
00:32:11,100 --> 00:32:12,690
the pair will have to supply
376
00:32:12,690 --> 00:32:16,843
upwards of 100 lemmings a day
just to keep them all fed.
377
00:32:18,000 --> 00:32:21,383
For now, the kits are
more interested in play.
378
00:32:24,106 --> 00:32:26,689
(bird calling)
379
00:32:32,540 --> 00:32:35,400
But if they won't eat their dinner,
380
00:32:35,400 --> 00:32:36,603
someone else will.
381
00:32:41,248 --> 00:32:43,831
(bird calling)
382
00:32:44,690 --> 00:32:49,480
At the Eureka pack's den,
summer has not been easy.
383
00:32:49,480 --> 00:32:52,673
They haven't made a muskox
kill in over a month.
384
00:32:54,130 --> 00:32:57,823
They need a large kill to
sustain a pack of this size.
385
00:33:00,153 --> 00:33:02,820
(wolf munching)
386
00:33:04,650 --> 00:33:07,800
While Snow White has
caught some smaller prey,
387
00:33:07,800 --> 00:33:11,400
Blackspot can only gnaw
on a few old bones.
388
00:33:11,400 --> 00:33:12,570
It's not enough.
389
00:33:12,570 --> 00:33:15,643
But her dedication
chains her to the young.
390
00:33:15,643 --> 00:33:18,226
(gentle music)
391
00:33:27,980 --> 00:33:30,613
She goes hungry, again.
392
00:33:38,373 --> 00:33:41,040
(birds calling)
393
00:33:43,010 --> 00:33:45,550
The jaegers have had
more luck finding food
394
00:33:45,550 --> 00:33:46,513
than the wolves.
395
00:33:47,720 --> 00:33:49,460
Their chick needs to grow quickly
396
00:33:49,460 --> 00:33:52,003
if it's to fledge by
the beginning of August.
397
00:33:54,880 --> 00:33:57,869
Insects and lemmings are all on the menu.
398
00:33:57,869 --> 00:34:00,869
(baby bird squawks)
399
00:34:08,820 --> 00:34:12,110
The Arctic hares have
also had their young.
400
00:34:12,110 --> 00:34:15,475
Unlike their parents, the
leverets are well camouflaged.
401
00:34:15,475 --> 00:34:18,142
(birds calling)
402
00:34:19,190 --> 00:34:21,130
By staying perfectly still,
403
00:34:21,130 --> 00:34:22,783
they might not be spotted.
404
00:34:26,340 --> 00:34:29,414
The jaegers, however,
have a different strategy.
405
00:34:29,414 --> 00:34:32,081
(birds calling)
406
00:34:36,380 --> 00:34:39,093
Even Alpha is no match
for the persistent birds.
407
00:34:40,643 --> 00:34:43,226
(bird squawks)
408
00:34:46,498 --> 00:34:49,248
(wings flapping)
409
00:34:57,060 --> 00:34:58,983
Defeated, Alpha moves on.
410
00:35:03,244 --> 00:35:05,911
(birds calling)
411
00:35:11,846 --> 00:35:14,513
(foxes calling)
412
00:35:16,480 --> 00:35:18,733
Mealtime again at the fox den.
413
00:35:21,657 --> 00:35:24,407
(foxes munching)
414
00:35:35,850 --> 00:35:38,143
The pair has 11 kids.
415
00:35:40,140 --> 00:35:42,410
With so many mouths to feed,
416
00:35:42,410 --> 00:35:44,827
meals are first come, first served.
417
00:35:44,827 --> 00:35:47,244
(wolf howls)
418
00:35:48,960 --> 00:35:51,163
Even fox mothers need a break.
419
00:35:56,716 --> 00:35:59,292
(wolf howls)
420
00:35:59,292 --> 00:36:01,875
(gentle music)
421
00:36:09,850 --> 00:36:13,293
At the Eureka pack's
den, something is wrong.
422
00:36:19,720 --> 00:36:23,513
Blackspot is so weak,
she's barely able to walk.
423
00:36:31,090 --> 00:36:32,713
She's fallen gravely ill.
424
00:36:43,016 --> 00:36:46,810
After spending all day
every day with the pups,
425
00:36:46,810 --> 00:36:47,960
she hasn't been eating.
426
00:36:50,860 --> 00:36:53,180
Snow White has been able to hunt
427
00:36:53,180 --> 00:36:54,663
and so has stayed healthy.
428
00:36:56,883 --> 00:36:59,466
(pups whining)
429
00:37:19,275 --> 00:37:21,692
(wolf howls)
430
00:37:25,800 --> 00:37:28,423
Alpha senses something is wrong.
431
00:37:31,690 --> 00:37:34,130
Even though she can barely stand,
432
00:37:34,130 --> 00:37:36,533
Blackspot lets the pups nurse.
433
00:37:37,550 --> 00:37:40,313
Her instinct to care for
them is still powerful.
434
00:37:43,340 --> 00:37:45,340
The rest of the pack has yet to realize
435
00:37:45,340 --> 00:37:46,790
the gravity of the situation.
436
00:37:53,280 --> 00:37:57,323
They're all hungry, but
Blackspot is starving.
437
00:38:03,975 --> 00:38:06,558
(gentle music)
438
00:38:08,350 --> 00:38:11,933
(singer vocalizing gently)
439
00:38:22,744 --> 00:38:25,411
The next day, Blackspot is dead.
440
00:38:44,972 --> 00:38:46,360
(pups yipping)
441
00:38:46,360 --> 00:38:49,560
Her death is a reminder
that in the Arctic,
442
00:38:49,560 --> 00:38:51,653
there are no easy seasons.
443
00:38:54,150 --> 00:38:58,150
Even in summer, the line
between success and failure
444
00:38:59,110 --> 00:39:00,622
is a narrow one.
445
00:39:00,622 --> 00:39:03,039
(wolf howls)
446
00:39:30,074 --> 00:39:33,278
(wolf howls)
447
00:39:33,278 --> 00:39:35,861
(gentle music)
448
00:39:44,474 --> 00:39:47,063
(pups whine)
449
00:39:47,063 --> 00:39:49,343
Blackspot's body is in the den,
450
00:39:50,284 --> 00:39:52,933
and the pups keep returning to her side.
451
00:39:54,710 --> 00:39:58,110
It's a precarious time for
Snow White and the pups.
452
00:39:58,110 --> 00:40:01,713
The others have gone hunting,
and won't be back for days.
453
00:40:04,350 --> 00:40:07,970
At the same time,
Blackspot's decaying body
454
00:40:07,970 --> 00:40:10,293
may causes diseases for the pups.
455
00:40:12,720 --> 00:40:15,640
Snow White has no choice but to take them
456
00:40:15,640 --> 00:40:17,439
and abandon the den.
457
00:40:17,439 --> 00:40:20,022
(gentle music)
458
00:40:24,090 --> 00:40:26,600
Her pups are only four weeks old,
459
00:40:26,600 --> 00:40:29,773
and their legs too short for
the long distances hikes.
460
00:40:31,190 --> 00:40:33,550
Normally, Snow White wouldn't move them
461
00:40:33,550 --> 00:40:34,743
for another month.
462
00:40:36,241 --> 00:40:39,241
(Snow White whines)
463
00:40:42,720 --> 00:40:44,303
Leaving now is risky.
464
00:40:50,426 --> 00:40:52,840
(suspenseful music)
465
00:40:52,840 --> 00:40:57,840
And as if this wasn't bad
enough, winter strikes back.
466
00:41:04,580 --> 00:41:07,033
For muskoxen, the cold is no problem.
467
00:41:08,430 --> 00:41:11,180
But how will Snow White's
pups cope with this?
468
00:41:12,066 --> 00:41:14,566
(bird chirps)
469
00:41:19,732 --> 00:41:23,150
And there are more threats to face.
470
00:41:23,150 --> 00:41:24,210
Like the raiders.
471
00:41:38,582 --> 00:41:42,082
As quick as the snow came, it disappeared.
472
00:41:50,490 --> 00:41:54,670
Fortunately, Snow White
is an experienced mother.
473
00:41:54,670 --> 00:41:58,373
She knows that 20 miles
to the west there's food.
474
00:41:59,370 --> 00:42:00,203
Lots of it.
475
00:42:02,680 --> 00:42:06,263
On Ellesmere Island, the
Arctic hares run in herds.
476
00:42:18,960 --> 00:42:21,783
The hilly slopes are
ideal grazing for hares.
477
00:42:29,704 --> 00:42:31,320
(muskoxen snorting)
478
00:42:31,320 --> 00:42:34,075
The raiders are on the move again.
479
00:42:34,075 --> 00:42:36,575
(muskox growls)
480
00:42:37,730 --> 00:42:40,203
But they take no interest in the muskox.
481
00:42:42,710 --> 00:42:45,423
Because they've spotted something else.
482
00:42:53,990 --> 00:42:56,803
Territories often overlap at their edges.
483
00:43:00,680 --> 00:43:03,733
And areas of control can
shift without warning.
484
00:43:05,588 --> 00:43:07,552
(footsteps thudding)
485
00:43:07,552 --> 00:43:10,302
(dramatic music)
486
00:43:12,651 --> 00:43:17,581
(wolves growling)
(wolf yipping)
487
00:43:17,581 --> 00:43:20,731
(wolves snarling)
488
00:43:20,731 --> 00:43:22,590
One of the Eureka pack members
489
00:43:22,590 --> 00:43:25,567
has strayed too far into
the raider's territory,
490
00:43:26,900 --> 00:43:28,303
and is now paying the price.
491
00:43:31,610 --> 00:43:35,093
He tries to fight back
but he's outnumbered.
492
00:43:39,776 --> 00:43:42,560
(wolves snarling)
493
00:43:42,560 --> 00:43:47,433
The greatest danger to
wolves here are other wolves.
494
00:43:50,750 --> 00:43:53,490
Conflicts between packs
are the greatest cause
495
00:43:53,490 --> 00:43:54,693
of wolf deaths.
496
00:43:55,868 --> 00:43:58,701
(wolves snarling)
497
00:44:10,057 --> 00:44:11,310
And while Arctic wolves could live
498
00:44:11,310 --> 00:44:14,313
12 or 13 years in the wild,
499
00:44:15,250 --> 00:44:17,823
few will live longer than five.
500
00:44:23,293 --> 00:44:25,876
(gentle music)
501
00:44:32,940 --> 00:44:36,517
Traveling alone can be
deadly in the high Arctic.
502
00:44:44,813 --> 00:44:48,520
Will Snow White's pack find
her and the pups in time?
503
00:44:52,305 --> 00:44:53,596
(gentle music)
504
00:44:53,596 --> 00:44:56,346
(birds chirping)
505
00:45:06,330 --> 00:45:10,103
Snow White is all on
her own, traveling west.
506
00:45:18,780 --> 00:45:22,253
Her pups are safe, but they
still have further to go.
507
00:45:24,210 --> 00:45:26,990
The pups can only travel
two or three miles
508
00:45:26,990 --> 00:45:29,333
before they need a few days to rest.
509
00:45:33,000 --> 00:45:35,853
Finally, some of her family arrives.
510
00:45:37,040 --> 00:45:38,840
They've managed to follow her trail.
511
00:45:40,950 --> 00:45:44,869
Snow White needs their help
to provide for the pups.
512
00:45:44,869 --> 00:45:47,369
(grand music)
513
00:46:01,340 --> 00:46:04,600
Fortunately, leverets are plentiful,
514
00:46:04,600 --> 00:46:05,623
and they are bigger.
515
00:46:07,200 --> 00:46:11,210
Snow White still has to
travel 10 miles to the hills
516
00:46:11,210 --> 00:46:12,110
to hunt for hares.
517
00:46:13,639 --> 00:46:16,464
But at least it's not as far as before.
518
00:46:16,464 --> 00:46:17,650
(pups yipping)
519
00:46:17,650 --> 00:46:20,130
The pups are now eating solid food,
520
00:46:20,130 --> 00:46:21,730
and their appetites are growing.
521
00:46:23,683 --> 00:46:27,363
A well-fed pup can gain
half a pound in a day.
522
00:46:27,363 --> 00:46:30,196
(wolves growling)
523
00:46:38,290 --> 00:46:41,110
An older sibling tries to grab a morsel.
524
00:46:41,110 --> 00:46:43,383
But this food is only for the little ones.
525
00:46:54,894 --> 00:46:58,060
(pups growling)
526
00:46:58,060 --> 00:47:00,163
He'll have to catch his own meal.
527
00:47:03,220 --> 00:47:05,447
The family must press onward.
528
00:47:08,065 --> 00:47:10,648
(gentle music)
529
00:47:12,889 --> 00:47:16,520
Further west lie fields of cotton grass
530
00:47:16,520 --> 00:47:19,240
where the grazing is good
for hares and muskox.
531
00:47:31,940 --> 00:47:35,053
This is a good time of
year for all the animals,
532
00:47:37,000 --> 00:47:41,483
a time to build up reserves and
kick back in the summer sun.
533
00:47:42,571 --> 00:47:45,071
(grand music)
534
00:48:09,190 --> 00:48:12,983
High on a ridge, the foxes
have moved their kits, too.
535
00:48:14,290 --> 00:48:17,370
Like the wolves, Arctic
foxes use a network
536
00:48:17,370 --> 00:48:19,803
of secondary den sites for their young.
537
00:48:20,750 --> 00:48:23,850
Playtime is still a high priority,
538
00:48:23,850 --> 00:48:26,920
but infancy is short for an Arctic fox.
539
00:48:26,920 --> 00:48:28,890
This is a crucial time,
540
00:48:28,890 --> 00:48:30,893
when they have to learn how to hunt.
541
00:48:33,860 --> 00:48:38,064
And also learn to avoid making mistakes.
542
00:48:38,064 --> 00:48:40,731
(muskox growls)
543
00:48:41,750 --> 00:48:45,593
This big male is obviously not pleased.
544
00:48:52,680 --> 00:48:55,453
It's best to leave sleeping bulls lie.
545
00:49:02,927 --> 00:49:05,510
(gentle music)
546
00:49:07,640 --> 00:49:10,950
After an arduous and stressful journey,
547
00:49:10,950 --> 00:49:13,780
Snow White and the pups
have finally reached
548
00:49:13,780 --> 00:49:15,053
their destination.
549
00:49:21,070 --> 00:49:23,373
There, Alpha joins her again.
550
00:49:26,780 --> 00:49:30,630
She is reunited with the rest of the pack,
551
00:49:30,630 --> 00:49:34,093
and they can finally enjoy
the summer warmth together.
552
00:49:47,124 --> 00:49:49,257
(suspenseful music)
553
00:49:49,257 --> 00:49:51,263
But something startles the pack.
554
00:49:55,784 --> 00:49:57,830
(muskox snorts)
555
00:49:57,830 --> 00:50:00,500
A large bull muskox is wandering
556
00:50:00,500 --> 00:50:02,853
right into the middle
of their resting site.
557
00:50:04,740 --> 00:50:07,490
(dramatic music)
558
00:50:10,990 --> 00:50:13,110
It's almost rutting season,
559
00:50:13,110 --> 00:50:16,753
the time of year when males
are at their most aggressive.
560
00:50:16,753 --> 00:50:19,420
(muskox growls)
561
00:50:21,077 --> 00:50:23,494
(wolf barks)
562
00:50:25,070 --> 00:50:27,520
Weighing over 700 pounds,
563
00:50:27,520 --> 00:50:31,023
a bull in his prime is a
force to be reckoned with.
564
00:50:37,300 --> 00:50:39,600
Five times heavier than a wolf,
565
00:50:39,600 --> 00:50:41,570
he could easily trample the pups
566
00:50:41,570 --> 00:50:43,820
or collapse the tunnels
where they're hiding.
567
00:50:46,780 --> 00:50:49,447
(muskox growls)
568
00:51:01,090 --> 00:51:03,757
(muskox snorts)
569
00:51:04,770 --> 00:51:06,203
It's a standoff.
570
00:51:12,630 --> 00:51:15,430
The wolves may be faster than him,
571
00:51:15,430 --> 00:51:16,940
but one false move
572
00:51:16,940 --> 00:51:18,893
and he could gore them with his horns.
573
00:51:23,281 --> 00:51:25,948
(muskox growls)
574
00:51:39,370 --> 00:51:41,343
Snow White needs to be careful.
575
00:51:51,000 --> 00:51:54,550
If the pack was hungry enough,
they could surround him
576
00:51:54,550 --> 00:51:56,470
and take him down.
577
00:51:56,470 --> 00:51:58,230
But it's not worth the risk
578
00:51:58,230 --> 00:52:00,453
when the hares are plentiful in the area.
579
00:52:01,884 --> 00:52:04,467
(gentle music)
580
00:52:07,380 --> 00:52:09,660
Snow White returns to her pups
581
00:52:09,660 --> 00:52:11,840
to check if they're safe.
582
00:52:11,840 --> 00:52:14,983
They will face many more
challenges in the months ahead.
583
00:52:15,820 --> 00:52:18,540
But thanks to the dedication of Blackspot
584
00:52:18,540 --> 00:52:21,819
and Snow White, they've
got all to make it.
585
00:52:21,819 --> 00:52:24,402
(pups whining)
586
00:52:27,620 --> 00:52:30,120
One even has a distinctive black spot
587
00:52:30,120 --> 00:52:33,723
at the base of her tail,
just like her foster mother.
588
00:52:36,030 --> 00:52:40,243
By working together, the
family kept their pups safe.
589
00:52:45,710 --> 00:52:47,370
They still have much to learn
590
00:52:47,370 --> 00:52:49,503
before the season changes again.
591
00:52:52,822 --> 00:52:55,239
(wolf howls)
592
00:52:57,252 --> 00:53:00,002
(wolves howling)
593
00:53:15,470 --> 00:53:18,383
Winter is just six weeks away.
594
00:53:18,383 --> 00:53:19,537
For the first time,
595
00:53:19,537 --> 00:53:22,183
the pups will face icy cold temperatures.
596
00:53:24,000 --> 00:53:25,933
And months of total darkness.
597
00:53:30,990 --> 00:53:35,190
But the pack has proven
through devotion and loyalty
598
00:53:35,190 --> 00:53:37,993
that they have what it takes to survive.
599
00:53:38,840 --> 00:53:42,030
Here on Ellesmere Island.
600
00:53:42,030 --> 00:53:44,697
(gentle music)
40801
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