1 00:00:21,000 --> 00:00:22,999 Siberia. 2 00:00:23,200 --> 00:00:25,799 The largest wilderness on earth. 3 00:00:26,440 --> 00:00:30,919 Endless forests, untamed mountain rivers - 4 00:00:31,560 --> 00:00:34,759 - and the oldest lake of our planet. 5 00:00:35,400 --> 00:00:38,359 The banks of Baikal are bear territory. 6 00:00:39,000 --> 00:00:42,479 Russia's largest natural area is at the same time - 7 00:00:43,120 --> 00:00:45,879 - a largely unknown world. 8 00:00:56,600 --> 00:00:59,759 Siberia is about to begin behind the Urals. 9 00:00:59,960 --> 00:01:02,879 The border between Europe and Asia. 10 00:01:03,080 --> 00:01:08,359 The geographers count half Russia to the huge area. 11 00:01:14,600 --> 00:01:20,119 The legendary Lake Baikal is located in South near the border with Mongolia. 12 00:01:20,320 --> 00:01:23,239 The lake is over 600 kilometers long. 13 00:01:31,040 --> 00:01:33,879 February. A meter-thick ice sheet - 14 00:01:34,520 --> 00:01:37,279 - covers Lake Baikal. 15 00:01:37,920 --> 00:01:41,999 There is only open water in one place: 16 00:01:42,640 --> 00:01:45,279 The Angara River flows out of the lake. 17 00:01:45,920 --> 00:01:49,319 Deep water comes here to the surface. 18 00:01:49,960 --> 00:01:54,199 This is for the haddocks a place of refuge - 19 00:01:54,840 --> 00:01:57,839 - in frosty times. 20 00:01:58,480 --> 00:02:01,119 They dive on the edge of the ice - 21 00:02:01,760 --> 00:02:04,439 - in large groups for food. 22 00:02:24,960 --> 00:02:26,959 The taiga. 23 00:02:27,160 --> 00:02:31,359 The Nordic coniferous forest shapes the face of Siberia. 24 00:02:32,000 --> 00:02:35,959 It's the biggest connected forest on earth. 25 00:02:42,080 --> 00:02:47,599 If you want to survive here, you have to go first everything to survive the long winter. 26 00:02:54,400 --> 00:02:56,519 A deer with vampire teeth: 27 00:02:57,280 --> 00:03:02,959 The musk animal. The shy forest resident feeds on lichens. 28 00:03:03,160 --> 00:03:07,959 They grow on trees. They are also accessible when there is snow. 29 00:03:08,600 --> 00:03:13,559 The males are from humans always heavily hunted. 30 00:03:14,200 --> 00:03:18,279 Because her musk gland is used for perfume. 31 00:03:27,480 --> 00:03:29,479 frozen food. 32 00:03:29,680 --> 00:03:32,039 Ravens have discovered carrion. 33 00:03:35,960 --> 00:03:40,919 The musk animal is restless. The birds are not the reason. 34 00:03:44,440 --> 00:03:47,439 The owners of the carcass are back. 35 00:03:49,840 --> 00:03:52,639 Wolves don't hibernate. 36 00:03:53,280 --> 00:03:56,039 They have to prey in the cold. 37 00:03:56,240 --> 00:04:00,199 Your survival depends of the pack's hunting success. 38 00:04:04,320 --> 00:04:07,959 There are always arguments when distributing the loot. 39 00:04:12,680 --> 00:04:16,799 The ravens scatter the time with somersaults. 40 00:04:26,520 --> 00:04:30,239 Someone has the right spin not out yet. 41 00:04:39,080 --> 00:04:41,279 He manages to do it in the end. 42 00:04:41,480 --> 00:04:45,839 Even if he doesn't come back straight away comes on the claws. 43 00:04:59,440 --> 00:05:02,439 Yakutia, Russia's largest republic. 44 00:05:03,080 --> 00:05:06,079 This is where Siberia's cold pole lies. 45 00:05:07,440 --> 00:05:11,439 Here were already under -7O degrees Celsius measured. 46 00:05:12,480 --> 00:05:16,439 Not a regularly inhabited place the earth is colder. 47 00:05:17,160 --> 00:05:19,159 It's March. 48 00:05:20,560 --> 00:05:22,879 The Yakut horses are tough. 49 00:05:23,520 --> 00:05:25,639 The mares are pregnant. 50 00:05:33,400 --> 00:05:35,759 They don't know a stable. 51 00:05:38,120 --> 00:05:42,679 Horses have been around for thousands of years bred outdoors. 52 00:05:49,680 --> 00:05:52,959 The animals eat the grass from the previous year. 53 00:05:53,600 --> 00:05:57,479 They then paw at the snow. The food is meager. 54 00:05:59,280 --> 00:06:03,279 And the pregnant mares have to eat for two. 55 00:06:03,480 --> 00:06:08,759 Not all mares will come to an end of the Siberian winter. 56 00:06:16,640 --> 00:06:19,439 A village on Lake Baikal. 57 00:06:20,080 --> 00:06:23,799 Wood is one of the big ones Riches of Siberia. 58 00:06:26,720 --> 00:06:31,839 It is sent all over the world. Especially in neighboring China. 59 00:06:35,240 --> 00:06:40,959 Relatives of different people live here ethnic groups peacefully with one another. 60 00:06:43,640 --> 00:06:45,999 Like almost everywhere in Siberia. 61 00:06:54,040 --> 00:06:56,039 End of winter. 62 00:06:56,880 --> 00:07:00,719 The sun is starting to crack arise in the ice. 63 00:07:01,360 --> 00:07:04,319 There is life in the white desert. 64 00:07:04,960 --> 00:07:08,719 Baikal seals. The females have 4 weeks ago - 65 00:07:09,360 --> 00:07:13,639 - gave birth to their young. In a snow cave. 66 00:07:14,960 --> 00:07:18,759 The protective cave roof has now thawed. 67 00:07:18,960 --> 00:07:21,319 The little one is lying at the waterhole. 68 00:07:21,960 --> 00:07:23,999 It is waiting for the mother. 69 00:07:24,200 --> 00:07:28,479 She only comes twice a day, to suckle her young. 70 00:07:31,920 --> 00:07:36,119 Baikal seals are unique. They only exist here. 71 00:07:36,320 --> 00:07:41,039 No other seal in the world lives so far from the sea. 72 00:07:42,440 --> 00:07:44,439 There are about 130,000. 73 00:07:44,640 --> 00:07:48,359 The cub survives the difficult first year, - 74 00:07:48,560 --> 00:07:50,959 - it can live for 50 years. 75 00:07:51,600 --> 00:07:56,159 Their thick layer of fat protects in front of the ice cold water. 76 00:08:00,280 --> 00:08:04,559 She dives weightlessly from one air hole to the next. 77 00:08:06,240 --> 00:08:08,959 Through a fairytale world made of ice. 78 00:08:24,600 --> 00:08:28,239 The Verkhoyansk Mountains north of Baikal. 79 00:08:32,800 --> 00:08:37,199 It is 1,000 kilometers long and over 2,000 meters high. 80 00:08:37,840 --> 00:08:42,439 It extends from the middle reaches the huge river Lena - 81 00:08:42,640 --> 00:08:44,759 - almost to the Arctic Ocean. 82 00:09:05,200 --> 00:09:07,999 A morning at the end of March. 83 00:09:08,640 --> 00:09:10,999 Yakut reindeer herders - 84 00:09:11,640 --> 00:09:15,079 - catch the strongest animals their herd. 85 00:09:15,720 --> 00:09:20,879 They are harnessed to sledges. Shepherd and reindeer live close together. 86 00:09:21,520 --> 00:09:25,159 People survive probably just that year - 87 00:09:25,800 --> 00:09:27,679 - in this cold area. 88 00:09:28,320 --> 00:09:31,119 The sled parts are made of wood. 89 00:09:31,760 --> 00:09:36,359 They are connected flexibly with leather straps. 90 00:09:37,000 --> 00:09:40,159 Without them the sleigh would break. 91 00:09:41,000 --> 00:09:44,799 The men have to find their reindeer herd. 92 00:09:45,440 --> 00:09:49,159 She's moving somewhere through the snowy taiga. 93 00:09:52,520 --> 00:09:55,439 You have to take the animals round up. 94 00:09:56,440 --> 00:10:00,519 The march to summer camp is imminent. 95 00:10:01,280 --> 00:10:03,279 Time is running out. 96 00:10:03,920 --> 00:10:07,959 Because you come to Yakutia only advance in frost. 97 00:10:08,600 --> 00:10:12,559 After the snow melts It's just a swamp here. 98 00:10:13,200 --> 00:10:17,399 The shepherds are then from the rest cut off from the world. 99 00:10:37,760 --> 00:10:39,759 Nose low to the ground. 100 00:10:39,960 --> 00:10:43,119 A wolf is looking for food. 101 00:10:43,320 --> 00:10:46,399 Mice are under the snow very active. 102 00:10:47,040 --> 00:10:50,639 Just a small bite. Better than nothing. 103 00:10:51,280 --> 00:10:53,639 That's not a mouse. 104 00:10:54,280 --> 00:10:59,559 But the wolf would do this too Don't disdain noble fur wearers. 105 00:11:00,200 --> 00:11:02,199 It's a sable. 106 00:11:02,400 --> 00:11:05,879 His fur used to be decorative Tsars and kings. 107 00:11:06,080 --> 00:11:08,999 Crowds of hunters chased after him. 108 00:11:10,880 --> 00:11:16,159 The little marten needs more today be wary of predators. 109 00:11:16,360 --> 00:11:20,079 Because the demand for fur has been falling for years. 110 00:11:27,480 --> 00:11:30,559 The wolf will this time leave empty-handed. 111 00:11:42,800 --> 00:11:44,799 You have reached your destination. 112 00:11:45,000 --> 00:11:50,399 A 2 hour sleigh ride lies behind the men. 113 00:11:51,040 --> 00:11:53,719 Your herd numbers about 1,000 reindeer. 114 00:11:53,920 --> 00:11:58,479 Not an easy task, round up the animals. 115 00:12:03,840 --> 00:12:09,199 Reindeer are a source of food for the people of the north. 116 00:12:09,840 --> 00:12:13,239 They are also fur suppliers and draft animal. 117 00:12:13,880 --> 00:12:16,319 And you can ride them. 118 00:12:24,800 --> 00:12:27,719 The shepherd feeds the reindeer salt. 119 00:12:27,920 --> 00:12:30,439 A delicacy for the animals. 120 00:12:39,640 --> 00:12:41,919 His experience helps him, - 121 00:12:42,120 --> 00:12:46,839 - through a forest Maneuvering reindeer antlers. 122 00:13:00,160 --> 00:13:03,559 A good 2,000 kilometers further southwest. 123 00:13:04,200 --> 00:13:07,119 ln near the Mongolian border. 124 00:13:12,240 --> 00:13:15,479 A herd of goiter antelopes passes by. 125 00:13:17,920 --> 00:13:22,719 There is a touch of Africa over the steppes of southern Siberia. 126 00:13:23,840 --> 00:13:27,879 Your squawking call serves the cohesion of the herd. 127 00:13:28,800 --> 00:13:31,799 The goiter antelopes are in Russia - 128 00:13:32,440 --> 00:13:35,119 - only in transit. 129 00:13:35,760 --> 00:13:37,759 They never stay long. 130 00:13:42,280 --> 00:13:47,319 The animals overcome it without any effort the fence back to Mongolia. 131 00:13:48,280 --> 00:13:51,279 Nature knows no one political boundaries. 132 00:14:01,040 --> 00:14:05,239 Nobody knows how long their strange calls still - 133 00:14:05,880 --> 00:14:09,839 - about the steppes of Central Asia will sound. 134 00:14:12,920 --> 00:14:15,679 The Lena - Siberia's great river. 135 00:14:16,400 --> 00:14:19,719 It is 4.400 kilometers long. She flows - 136 00:14:20,360 --> 00:14:23,279 - from the Baikal Mountains to the Arctic Ocean. 137 00:14:23,480 --> 00:14:28,159 A sea of steppe pasqueflowers stands on its slopes. 138 00:14:35,720 --> 00:14:37,719 It's mid-May. 139 00:14:38,800 --> 00:14:43,399 The Yakutian horses have survived the winter. 140 00:14:43,600 --> 00:14:46,359 The foals were born. 141 00:14:47,440 --> 00:14:49,799 They are beautifully developed. 142 00:14:50,000 --> 00:14:53,399 And enjoy them the first rays of sunshine. 143 00:14:54,440 --> 00:14:57,439 The mares have to now eat a lot. 144 00:14:58,080 --> 00:15:03,119 So that they feed their foals sufficiently can provide milk. 145 00:15:08,720 --> 00:15:11,319 The mother animals are emaciated. 146 00:15:12,400 --> 00:15:16,359 And there still are no nutritious green fodder. 147 00:15:16,560 --> 00:15:19,079 Just dead grass from last year. 148 00:15:24,840 --> 00:15:26,839 The Sayan Mountains. 149 00:15:27,480 --> 00:15:30,159 It stretches over 2,OOO km - 150 00:15:30,360 --> 00:15:33,839 - along the Russian Mongolian border. 151 00:15:43,320 --> 00:15:47,039 The peaks are up well over 3,000 meters high. 152 00:15:51,320 --> 00:15:53,919 The snow melts early - 153 00:15:54,560 --> 00:15:57,479 - in the lower altitudes the southern slopes. 154 00:15:58,120 --> 00:16:02,759 Exists here an extraordinary amphibian: 155 00:16:03,400 --> 00:16:05,399 The angle-toothed newt. 156 00:16:05,600 --> 00:16:10,959 He is comfortable among all amphibians the most insensitive to cold. 157 00:16:18,640 --> 00:16:23,439 Mating and egg laying takes place in open water. 158 00:16:24,080 --> 00:16:28,279 Why the animals reproduce so early in the year, - 159 00:16:28,920 --> 00:16:30,919 - remains a mystery. 160 00:16:45,440 --> 00:16:47,439 Melting snow. 161 00:16:52,960 --> 00:16:56,599 There is running water everywhere and green land. 162 00:16:56,800 --> 00:17:00,039 Spring is finally coming to Siberia. 163 00:17:05,960 --> 00:17:08,319 The young river is impetuous. 164 00:17:08,960 --> 00:17:13,679 It rushes down through ravines into the great lowlands. 165 00:17:13,880 --> 00:17:16,359 Its water forms great rivers. 166 00:17:17,000 --> 00:17:19,679 And it fills the pearl of Siberia: 167 00:17:19,880 --> 00:17:21,879 Lake Baikal. 168 00:17:32,360 --> 00:17:34,359 Freed from ice. 169 00:17:35,000 --> 00:17:38,279 Baikal is the deepest lake on earth. 170 00:17:38,920 --> 00:17:43,039 2O% of the Earth's fresh water are stored here. 171 00:17:43,680 --> 00:17:46,039 Seals live in its waters. 172 00:17:46,680 --> 00:17:49,679 Since time immemorial. It is not clear, - 173 00:17:50,320 --> 00:17:52,679 - how they got here. 174 00:17:53,320 --> 00:17:55,319 Scientists believe: 175 00:17:55,520 --> 00:18:01,199 Some ringed seals from the Arctic Ocean swam about 5OO,OOO years ago - 176 00:18:01,400 --> 00:18:04,199 - up the great river Yenisei. 177 00:18:04,840 --> 00:18:07,919 And so they finally came to Baikal. 178 00:18:08,120 --> 00:18:12,239 Because of the long isolation a new species emerged. 179 00:18:12,880 --> 00:18:18,399 Many Baikal seals gather in summer near the Ushkani Islands. 180 00:18:19,320 --> 00:18:23,839 The dry berths on the shore are in great demand. 181 00:18:24,480 --> 00:18:28,559 The water will be in summer rarely warmer than 8 degrees. 182 00:18:29,200 --> 00:18:33,239 And this is how the seals warm themselves often for hours. 183 00:18:47,160 --> 00:18:51,599 Then there is a place in the sun difficult to get hold of. 184 00:18:51,800 --> 00:18:54,759 Baikal seals are excellent divers. 185 00:18:55,400 --> 00:18:59,959 You can do just under half an hour stay under water. 186 00:19:15,400 --> 00:19:19,199 The places in the sun are still occupied. 187 00:19:20,040 --> 00:19:23,599 Then it has to be moist Basement floor is enough. 188 00:19:25,480 --> 00:19:28,799 Others have it hit even worse. 189 00:19:38,480 --> 00:19:40,879 Baikal seals feed - 190 00:19:41,520 --> 00:19:43,719 - exclusively from fish. 191 00:19:43,920 --> 00:19:48,239 They dive on their forays over 100 meters deep. 192 00:19:48,880 --> 00:19:52,999 The underwater world of the lake is unique. 193 00:19:53,640 --> 00:19:58,439 Coral-like Baikal sponges stick up like fingers. 194 00:19:58,640 --> 00:20:01,959 The slopes of the lake are falling 1,6OO meters from, - 195 00:20:02,160 --> 00:20:04,519 - until the bottom is reached. 196 00:20:08,800 --> 00:20:12,599 Over 2 thirds of all lake inhabitants just live here. 197 00:20:13,240 --> 00:20:15,239 Like this flea canker. 198 00:20:21,040 --> 00:20:26,359 It is 1O cm long and in comparison a colossus to his relatives. 199 00:20:27,000 --> 00:20:32,279 The grayling is just one of many Fish species that live in Baikal. 200 00:20:33,960 --> 00:20:36,799 The cold water is nutrient-rich. 201 00:20:43,840 --> 00:20:47,599 The rocky beaches of the lake attract others. 202 00:20:53,480 --> 00:20:57,519 Brown bears leave cover the dark taiga. 203 00:20:57,720 --> 00:21:00,319 They come to the shore to eat. 204 00:21:00,520 --> 00:21:05,719 Herbs grow here in the sun, that do not thrive in the forest. 205 00:21:09,440 --> 00:21:14,799 Especially oil-rich, aromatic ones Plants such as anise, caraway, fennel. 206 00:21:15,000 --> 00:21:17,199 They are popular with bears. 207 00:21:19,440 --> 00:21:21,439 An unusual sight: 208 00:21:21,640 --> 00:21:24,239 A bear grazing like a cow. 209 00:21:31,880 --> 00:21:36,319 After eating there is a draft the young male to the water. 210 00:21:38,560 --> 00:21:42,279 "Coast of the Bears" this shore is called Baikal. 211 00:21:42,920 --> 00:21:45,759 The bear protects in all directions. 212 00:21:45,960 --> 00:21:50,039 We are in the nature reserve Baikal-Lena Reserve. 213 00:21:50,680 --> 00:21:55,399 But here too the bear has to Be on guard against poachers. 214 00:21:55,600 --> 00:21:59,159 The coast is several hundred kilometers long. 215 00:21:59,360 --> 00:22:04,399 You can get it from the game wardens cannot be completely controlled. 216 00:22:04,600 --> 00:22:08,559 Everything calm. But there is danger from the land side. 217 00:22:09,200 --> 00:22:11,959 A big old bear approaches. 218 00:22:13,960 --> 00:22:17,119 Things are getting tricky now for the younger one. 219 00:22:23,680 --> 00:22:26,359 Escape is the only chance, - 220 00:22:27,000 --> 00:22:31,879 - a fight with the stronger one To avoid rivals. 221 00:23:03,200 --> 00:23:05,199 Summer in the Sayan Mountains. 222 00:23:17,480 --> 00:23:21,039 Whistling rabbits are alive above the tree line. 223 00:23:25,240 --> 00:23:29,039 The rodents are about the same size like guinea pigs. 224 00:23:30,280 --> 00:23:32,279 They eat tirelessly. 225 00:23:32,480 --> 00:23:36,839 Because winter is coming 1,700 meters altitude back early. 226 00:23:42,640 --> 00:23:46,759 The young female has a smooth, well-groomed coat. 227 00:23:48,080 --> 00:23:51,159 The older male is a bit disheveled. 228 00:23:54,080 --> 00:23:59,119 The flowers of the Irish heather They probably taste particularly good to him. 229 00:24:05,560 --> 00:24:09,239 Whistling bunnies treat themselves rarely a break. 230 00:24:09,880 --> 00:24:14,159 But what could be nicer, than dozing in the sun? 231 00:24:30,240 --> 00:24:35,679 There is still some snow on it almost 3.5OO m high Monkussardik - 232 00:24:35,880 --> 00:24:38,599 - on the border with Mongolia. 233 00:24:39,240 --> 00:24:44,279 Siberian ibexes walk searching for food in the high altitudes. 234 00:24:46,200 --> 00:24:52,319 The high-wire acrobats of the animal world climb the steepest mountain slopes. 235 00:24:52,960 --> 00:24:56,039 And they come cope with meager food. 236 00:25:39,520 --> 00:25:42,999 There is fog in summer too over the forests. 237 00:25:43,640 --> 00:25:45,639 Siberia is wolf country. 238 00:25:45,840 --> 00:25:49,839 There are around 40,000 wolves alive in the Russian taiga. 239 00:25:50,480 --> 00:25:55,759 middle of the last century there were 5 times as many wolves. 240 00:25:56,520 --> 00:26:01,119 It's coming this morning for a special encounter. 241 00:26:08,200 --> 00:26:12,879 A single wolf lays down rarely with a bear. 242 00:26:15,880 --> 00:26:18,879 If he were in the pack, it would look different. 243 00:26:24,080 --> 00:26:26,079 (The bear growls) 244 00:26:31,560 --> 00:26:36,439 The bear made it clear who is in charge in the swamp. 245 00:27:00,200 --> 00:27:05,399 June. Summer has now found its way everywhere in Siberia. 246 00:27:05,840 --> 00:27:09,239 For a few weeks, life explodes. 247 00:27:10,280 --> 00:27:13,679 Rhododendrons decorate the larch forest. 248 00:27:16,600 --> 00:27:22,199 The true rulers of the forests of Siberia However, they are not bears or wolves. 249 00:27:22,360 --> 00:27:24,839 They are forest ants. 250 00:27:25,400 --> 00:27:28,359 They are gatherers and hunters. 251 00:27:28,920 --> 00:27:32,519 They prey daily up to 10,000 insects. 252 00:27:36,440 --> 00:27:39,439 The longhorned beetle also lives dangerously. 253 00:27:46,080 --> 00:27:51,279 Overwhelm in a lightning attack the ants this Goliath. 254 00:27:51,480 --> 00:27:54,439 They kill him with their acid. 255 00:27:54,680 --> 00:27:59,679 It penetrates through his thin joint membranes and poisons it. 256 00:28:21,040 --> 00:28:23,039 Back to Baikal. 257 00:28:23,280 --> 00:28:26,599 It's not just the deepest lake of the world. 258 00:28:26,800 --> 00:28:29,159 It is also the oldest lake. 259 00:28:29,800 --> 00:28:34,799 Geologists estimate its age to more than 20 million years. 260 00:28:37,880 --> 00:28:40,879 A deep ditch formed there, - 261 00:28:41,520 --> 00:28:46,759 - where two continental plates drift apart. 262 00:28:47,400 --> 00:28:50,719 Water flowed into one huge gorge. 263 00:28:50,920 --> 00:28:53,119 Lake Baikal was born. 264 00:29:00,840 --> 00:29:04,879 With the Baikal seals there is still a crowd. 265 00:29:05,520 --> 00:29:07,519 Under and above water. 266 00:29:10,920 --> 00:29:14,159 The young seals have grown tremendously. 267 00:29:15,400 --> 00:29:18,199 They hardly differ any more - 268 00:29:18,840 --> 00:29:24,559 - from the adults. Baikal seals often only mate after 6 years. 269 00:29:26,160 --> 00:29:30,359 Hitting with your paws means: "Stay away from me!" 270 00:29:30,560 --> 00:29:35,559 When two people argue, there is unrest often the whole group. 271 00:29:47,720 --> 00:29:54,359 The elegant bodies of seals glide through the water like torpedoes. 272 00:29:55,000 --> 00:29:58,879 One forgets this grace on land quickly again. 273 00:29:59,760 --> 00:30:03,839 Beginning of July. Red Turk's Union lilies and day lilies - 274 00:30:04,480 --> 00:30:07,799 - decorate the cliffs in the south of the lake. 275 00:30:08,440 --> 00:30:10,959 The Tunka Valley near Baikal. 276 00:30:11,600 --> 00:30:16,439 Millions of anemones transform the country into a sea of flowers. 277 00:30:23,000 --> 00:30:26,999 The island of Olkhon is located in the middle of Baikal. 278 00:30:27,640 --> 00:30:31,319 The last foothills the Mongolian steppe - 279 00:30:31,960 --> 00:30:35,919 - meet here on the deep blue waters of the lake. 280 00:30:36,120 --> 00:30:40,479 This place draws contrasts people under his spell. 281 00:30:43,600 --> 00:30:47,399 They always look curious into the world: Ziesel. 282 00:30:47,600 --> 00:30:50,199 The siblings are 5 weeks old. 283 00:30:50,840 --> 00:30:55,719 They only recently leave their underground burrow. 284 00:31:04,000 --> 00:31:06,359 Someone is always on guard. 285 00:31:07,000 --> 00:31:10,079 The others eat as much as they can. 286 00:31:10,280 --> 00:31:15,999 They would winter for 8 months cannot survive without fat reserves. 287 00:31:16,640 --> 00:31:18,999 There's always time for a game. 288 00:31:19,200 --> 00:31:23,119 But they have to be careful. You have many enemies: 289 00:31:23,760 --> 00:31:26,839 From foxes to golden eagles. 290 00:31:27,480 --> 00:31:31,159 Also the steppe snake is closely monitored. 291 00:31:31,800 --> 00:31:33,799 Although it is non-toxic. 292 00:31:34,080 --> 00:31:36,919 She's not a threat for the ground squirrels. 293 00:31:49,600 --> 00:31:52,919 The snake gets up to one meter long. 294 00:31:53,120 --> 00:31:59,639 Their distribution area is extensive from Turkey to Korea. 295 00:32:00,280 --> 00:32:03,279 Russia is hers northernmost area. 296 00:32:10,400 --> 00:32:13,239 Evening atmosphere on the island of Olkhon. 297 00:32:15,120 --> 00:32:19,639 The gophers enjoy the last ones warming sun rays. 298 00:32:23,320 --> 00:32:26,879 They become the night spend in their burrow. 299 00:32:42,560 --> 00:32:44,919 Fog on the Bear Coast. 300 00:32:50,720 --> 00:32:52,919 Tension is in the air. 301 00:32:53,120 --> 00:32:55,119 The animals are hungry. 302 00:32:55,320 --> 00:32:57,519 They are waiting for something. 303 00:33:14,120 --> 00:33:18,559 Start early in the morning on the shore an invasion. 304 00:33:18,760 --> 00:33:21,599 And a celebration for the bears begins. 305 00:33:24,040 --> 00:33:29,879 Many millions of caddisflies emerge from the water. 306 00:33:30,520 --> 00:33:33,839 They lived there for several years as larvae. 307 00:33:34,040 --> 00:33:38,239 The big bears begin their hunt on the insects. 308 00:33:38,880 --> 00:33:43,399 Landing is not easy for the caddisflies. 309 00:33:44,040 --> 00:33:47,999 The lake brings her back. But the dry shore - 310 00:33:48,640 --> 00:33:50,639 - must be achieved. 311 00:33:50,840 --> 00:33:54,199 The insects just come like that to the goal of life. 312 00:33:54,840 --> 00:33:57,759 They mate between the stones. 313 00:33:58,400 --> 00:34:03,999 An act that many males do don't last long. 314 00:34:04,640 --> 00:34:07,799 The fertilized females must - 315 00:34:08,440 --> 00:34:11,399 - back into the water to lay the eggs. 316 00:34:12,040 --> 00:34:16,919 The caddisflies hide among the stones on the shore. 317 00:34:17,120 --> 00:34:21,679 They are there before bad weather and birds protected. 318 00:34:21,880 --> 00:34:24,399 But not from hungry bears. 319 00:34:26,280 --> 00:34:31,399 For bears, they are high in protein insects this time of year - 320 00:34:31,600 --> 00:34:34,439 - an important part of their diet. 321 00:34:34,640 --> 00:34:37,559 The loot doesn't always have to be big. 322 00:34:37,760 --> 00:34:39,759 The crowd does it. 323 00:34:44,240 --> 00:34:46,839 After 10 days it's over. 324 00:34:47,040 --> 00:34:51,039 As suddenly as it all began, it stops again. 325 00:35:20,920 --> 00:35:26,439 It's August. The summer in Siberia is coming to an end. 326 00:35:27,080 --> 00:35:29,999 It's about time for the bears of the taiga. 327 00:35:30,200 --> 00:35:34,159 You must now eat a layer of bacon. 328 00:35:43,920 --> 00:35:48,759 Who eats here and when? has been resolved between the two. 329 00:35:59,280 --> 00:36:03,919 A lone wolf seems not knowing the order. 330 00:36:04,120 --> 00:36:06,119 He must be hungry. 331 00:36:06,320 --> 00:36:10,239 Or he wouldn't messing with a bear. 332 00:36:17,800 --> 00:36:20,799 He keeps challenging him. 333 00:36:32,720 --> 00:36:34,719 (The bear growls) 334 00:36:37,920 --> 00:36:41,319 He has to end up but admit defeat. 335 00:36:49,000 --> 00:36:53,039 Autumn has also come to the villages moved in. 336 00:36:59,200 --> 00:37:04,759 Life in the country is simple. Most are self-sufficient. 337 00:37:06,040 --> 00:37:10,679 Particularly tasty potatoes should in the black earth - 338 00:37:11,320 --> 00:37:13,999 - of the Tunka Valley. 339 00:37:15,000 --> 00:37:17,919 It is harvested together. 340 00:37:21,960 --> 00:37:25,119 Pictures as if from a long time ago past days. 341 00:37:25,720 --> 00:37:31,199 Many Soviet-era tractors are broken. There is no money for spare parts. 342 00:37:31,360 --> 00:37:33,879 Good if you own a horse. 343 00:37:36,800 --> 00:37:39,319 A tree grows in the taiga, - 344 00:37:39,960 --> 00:37:43,039 - the many animals need to survive: 345 00:37:43,680 --> 00:37:45,679 The stone pine. 346 00:37:47,720 --> 00:37:52,159 For the chipmunk a busy day begins. 347 00:37:53,080 --> 00:37:57,399 Delicious cones hanging high in the treetops. 348 00:37:58,400 --> 00:38:02,719 The croissant is long gone in the sights of a conspecific. 349 00:38:16,080 --> 00:38:20,919 The chipmunk makes itself over the pine nuts. 350 00:38:21,560 --> 00:38:23,559 It doesn't suspect anything bad. 351 00:38:28,920 --> 00:38:31,919 But the cheeky neighbor causes trouble. 352 00:38:41,400 --> 00:38:46,639 But the rightful owner returns at the end. 353 00:38:47,280 --> 00:38:51,639 The squirrels need their burrow fill with pine nuts. 354 00:38:51,840 --> 00:38:54,519 This is the only way they survive the winter. 355 00:38:54,720 --> 00:38:58,679 But first we have to the cheeks are filled. 356 00:39:01,360 --> 00:39:04,639 The Altai Mountains in southwest Siberia. 357 00:39:04,840 --> 00:39:07,599 On the long border with Mongolia. 358 00:39:08,240 --> 00:39:10,239 Rugged and inhospitable. 359 00:39:10,440 --> 00:39:13,359 The first snow is on the peaks. 360 00:39:24,480 --> 00:39:28,479 One of the shyest animals in Siberia lives here. 361 00:39:29,240 --> 00:39:33,239 It is the largest wild sheep of the earth: the Argali. 362 00:39:34,360 --> 00:39:39,639 The rams join the in October Females with their young. 363 00:39:39,840 --> 00:39:44,199 The mating season begins. The situation is still calm. 364 00:39:48,680 --> 00:39:53,439 The adult males reach the size of a pony. 365 00:39:54,080 --> 00:39:57,719 They are made by females magically attracted. 366 00:40:00,880 --> 00:40:02,879 The ram "flehms": 367 00:40:03,080 --> 00:40:08,759 He tests with panting tongue, whether a female is ready to mate. 368 00:40:08,960 --> 00:40:11,239 But she is still dismissive. 369 00:40:15,200 --> 00:40:17,599 A rival appears. 370 00:40:29,160 --> 00:40:34,359 The males are doing everything now, to eliminate their competitors. 371 00:40:42,840 --> 00:40:47,239 Each one pushes at full speed 250 kilograms together. 372 00:40:50,800 --> 00:40:54,039 Huge forces are at work on their skulls. 373 00:40:54,720 --> 00:40:58,319 It has already been observed that Argalis - 374 00:40:58,560 --> 00:41:03,439 - after such a collision collapsed unconscious. 375 00:41:25,600 --> 00:41:29,559 The winner will be mate with most females. 376 00:41:36,800 --> 00:41:42,079 Large herds of marals move in lower altitudes through the mountain steppe. 377 00:41:43,920 --> 00:41:48,199 You are an Asian Subspecies of red deer. 378 00:41:48,840 --> 00:41:51,839 It's with them too now mating season. 379 00:41:56,600 --> 00:42:00,959 Things come to a head with the Argalis the situation too. Two rams - 380 00:42:01,600 --> 00:42:03,439 - are equally strong. 381 00:42:04,080 --> 00:42:09,439 The leader drives his herd away from the younger challenger. 382 00:42:16,600 --> 00:42:20,959 But the rival remains stubborn and comes closer. 383 00:42:22,880 --> 00:42:26,199 It's all about the whole thing now. 384 00:42:38,000 --> 00:42:42,199 This spectacular behavior has never been filmed. 385 00:42:42,400 --> 00:42:44,799 Both don't let up. 386 00:42:52,320 --> 00:42:55,119 The younger one finally gives up. 387 00:42:55,760 --> 00:42:58,919 The winner draws away with his flock. 388 00:43:09,880 --> 00:43:12,799 Winter is approaching on Baikal. 389 00:43:20,360 --> 00:43:24,359 The old sea will soon sink again under ice for months.