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♪
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The yukon is a true
wilderness...
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One of the last on earth.
4
00:00:11,887 --> 00:00:15,889
♪
5
00:00:15,966 --> 00:00:18,809
At its heart runs a river,
6
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Where salmon make an epic
journey to reproduce...
7
00:00:23,315 --> 00:00:25,724
Only to face
powerful predators,
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00:00:25,735 --> 00:00:29,069
Whose survival depends on
this seasonal migration.
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00:00:29,146 --> 00:00:32,656
♪
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00:00:32,733 --> 00:00:35,817
It's a place where
giants battle...
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00:00:35,828 --> 00:00:39,580
♪
12
00:00:39,656 --> 00:00:42,407
And surprises hide
in the smallest places...
13
00:00:42,418 --> 00:00:47,504
♪
14
00:00:47,581 --> 00:00:48,922
Where the primeval mountains
15
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Tell the story of our planet.
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00:00:51,919 --> 00:00:55,179
Carved in stone...
17
00:00:55,255 --> 00:00:58,098
By the power of water...
18
00:00:58,225 --> 00:01:00,258
And the violence of ice.
19
00:01:00,269 --> 00:01:03,937
♪
20
00:01:04,014 --> 00:01:09,109
This is the yukon,
a place of rebirth...
21
00:01:09,236 --> 00:01:12,854
And extraordinary journeys
across an imposing land.
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00:01:12,865 --> 00:01:16,116
♪
23
00:01:16,327 --> 00:01:18,276
A land now under threat
24
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From rapid and
unprecedented change.
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00:01:21,198 --> 00:01:31,206
♪
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00:01:31,217 --> 00:01:41,225
♪
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00:01:41,301 --> 00:01:50,234
♪
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00:01:57,326 --> 00:02:02,996
♪
29
00:02:03,073 --> 00:02:05,165
It's early fall.
30
00:02:05,292 --> 00:02:09,503
♪
31
00:02:09,580 --> 00:02:13,415
A September sun rises low
over the chilkat mountains.
32
00:02:13,425 --> 00:02:22,182
♪
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00:02:22,259 --> 00:02:24,852
There's frost in the air.
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♪
35
00:02:33,437 --> 00:02:36,864
A solitary sockeye
salmon is almost home,
36
00:02:36,940 --> 00:02:39,783
Desperate to reach the
same patch of river
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Where it was born...
38
00:02:42,279 --> 00:02:45,622
The spawning beds where
it will lay its eggs.
39
00:02:45,699 --> 00:02:48,542
♪
40
00:02:48,619 --> 00:02:51,962
It's traded its ocean
silvery blue for a fiery red
41
00:02:52,039 --> 00:02:54,214
To attract a mate.
42
00:02:54,291 --> 00:02:57,375
♪
43
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From the north pacific,
salmon of several species
44
00:03:00,306 --> 00:03:02,556
Climb the rivers
into the interior
45
00:03:02,633 --> 00:03:04,975
In a series of migrations,
46
00:03:05,052 --> 00:03:07,394
Swimming against
the strong currents and
47
00:03:07,471 --> 00:03:10,972
Leaping many rapids.
48
00:03:10,983 --> 00:03:13,233
It's an extremely
tough journey,
49
00:03:13,360 --> 00:03:15,736
And the fish need an
enormous amount of strength --
50
00:03:15,812 --> 00:03:19,239
And luck --
to make it home.
51
00:03:19,408 --> 00:03:21,483
And winter is closing in.
52
00:03:21,493 --> 00:03:24,986
♪
53
00:03:24,997 --> 00:03:27,247
Theirs is the longest
freshwater migration
54
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Of any salmon in the world...
55
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Almost two thousand miles
56
00:03:34,665 --> 00:03:37,999
Up the mighty yukon river.
57
00:03:38,010 --> 00:03:40,418
♪
58
00:03:40,429 --> 00:03:42,763
The yukon river is the
third longest waterway
59
00:03:42,839 --> 00:03:45,340
In north america.
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00:03:45,351 --> 00:03:47,517
Starting in the
coast range mountains,
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00:03:47,594 --> 00:03:51,104
It flows almost 2,000
miles northwest through
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00:03:51,181 --> 00:03:53,932
The yukon territory and
across alaska
63
00:03:53,943 --> 00:03:56,610
Towards the storm-tossed
bering sea.
64
00:03:56,687 --> 00:04:11,291
♪
65
00:04:11,460 --> 00:04:13,460
The yukon watershed is huge...
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00:04:13,537 --> 00:04:17,122
Over 320,000 square miles.
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00:04:17,132 --> 00:04:20,792
That's 25%
larger than texas.
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00:04:20,803 --> 00:04:28,466
♪
69
00:04:28,477 --> 00:04:30,644
As it crosses the
yukon territory,
70
00:04:30,721 --> 00:04:34,398
It carves its way through
narrow channels and
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00:04:34,474 --> 00:04:37,317
Meanders through
wide-open valleys.
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00:04:37,394 --> 00:04:50,497
♪
73
00:04:52,835 --> 00:04:54,659
The salmon are
determined...
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00:04:54,670 --> 00:04:57,912
But tired.
75
00:04:57,923 --> 00:05:00,415
♪
76
00:05:00,426 --> 00:05:03,844
The energy expenditure
is incredible.
77
00:05:03,920 --> 00:05:07,422
After they leave the sea,
they never eat again.
78
00:05:07,433 --> 00:05:12,177
♪
79
00:05:12,187 --> 00:05:14,604
It's a journey of
life and death.
80
00:05:14,681 --> 00:05:18,442
♪
81
00:05:18,518 --> 00:05:21,019
This grizzly has been
waiting for weeks...
82
00:05:21,030 --> 00:05:23,772
Along with many others
who line the shores.
83
00:05:23,782 --> 00:05:27,868
A gauntlet of sharp
claws and gaping jaws.
84
00:05:27,944 --> 00:05:32,372
♪
85
00:05:32,541 --> 00:05:34,541
And they finally
get their chance.
86
00:05:34,618 --> 00:05:41,214
♪
87
00:05:41,291 --> 00:05:43,467
The bears need an
enormous amount of food
88
00:05:43,543 --> 00:05:46,127
To ready for the long
winter ahead,
89
00:05:46,138 --> 00:05:48,129
And the egg-laden salmon
90
00:05:48,140 --> 00:05:52,225
Provide a much-needed feast.
91
00:05:52,302 --> 00:05:56,396
Only the luckiest salmon
make it past the bears.
92
00:05:56,473 --> 00:06:03,153
♪
93
00:06:03,230 --> 00:06:05,063
In the mountains
along the river,
94
00:06:05,074 --> 00:06:08,066
Herds of dall sheep
roam the peaks and crests.
95
00:06:08,077 --> 00:06:10,735
♪
96
00:06:10,746 --> 00:06:13,080
The lush days of
summer are over.
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00:06:13,156 --> 00:06:17,501
♪
98
00:06:17,577 --> 00:06:20,995
In autumn,
grass is already scarce.
99
00:06:21,006 --> 00:06:23,757
And though these sheep
are expert foragers,
100
00:06:23,834 --> 00:06:28,086
It's time to move on.
101
00:06:28,097 --> 00:06:30,597
The ewes and their lambs
slowly wander
102
00:06:30,674 --> 00:06:33,508
From their summer pasture
high on the mountains,
103
00:06:33,519 --> 00:06:36,177
To their winter grounds
at lower altitudes
104
00:06:36,188 --> 00:06:39,013
On windswept,
south-facing slopes.
105
00:06:39,024 --> 00:06:42,442
♪
106
00:06:42,519 --> 00:06:45,186
Males and females
travel separately.
107
00:06:45,197 --> 00:06:53,778
♪
108
00:06:53,789 --> 00:06:56,540
But all that is
about to change.
109
00:06:56,616 --> 00:06:59,459
The annual rut is
about to begin.
110
00:06:59,628 --> 00:07:02,787
♪
111
00:07:02,798 --> 00:07:04,289
The ewes are en route
to meet up
112
00:07:04,299 --> 00:07:06,299
With a band of male sheep --
113
00:07:06,376 --> 00:07:07,968
The only time in the year
114
00:07:08,044 --> 00:07:10,545
When males and females meet.
115
00:07:10,556 --> 00:07:13,882
♪
116
00:07:13,892 --> 00:07:17,144
It's a journey fraught
with danger...
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00:07:17,220 --> 00:07:19,896
Predators lurk everywhere.
118
00:07:19,973 --> 00:07:23,725
But the sheep are well equipped
to deal with the threats.
119
00:07:23,735 --> 00:07:26,570
♪
120
00:07:26,646 --> 00:07:30,490
Their hooves are perfectly
adapted to the tough terrain.
121
00:07:30,659 --> 00:07:32,993
♪
122
00:07:33,069 --> 00:07:35,495
Their flexible toes
quickly adjust to the
123
00:07:35,622 --> 00:07:38,323
Uneven surfaces of the mountain.
124
00:07:38,333 --> 00:07:40,992
Should a wolf
or bear appear,
125
00:07:41,003 --> 00:07:44,504
They're capable of dashing
across the rocks to escape.
126
00:07:44,673 --> 00:07:46,331
♪
127
00:07:46,341 --> 00:07:47,841
But if attacked,
128
00:07:47,918 --> 00:07:49,759
These gentle-looking
animals are known to
129
00:07:49,836 --> 00:07:53,054
Butt wolves over the
edge of cliffs.
130
00:07:59,354 --> 00:08:01,346
Within two weeks
of their birth,
131
00:08:01,356 --> 00:08:02,856
The lambs started nibbling on
132
00:08:02,933 --> 00:08:06,610
The sparse mountain greenery.
133
00:08:06,686 --> 00:08:08,695
♪
134
00:08:08,772 --> 00:08:10,697
Now, at four months of age,
135
00:08:10,774 --> 00:08:13,024
They're close to being weaned.
136
00:08:13,035 --> 00:08:15,026
♪
137
00:08:15,037 --> 00:08:18,371
But some don't want to give
up on the sweet milk just yet.
138
00:08:18,448 --> 00:08:32,377
♪
139
00:08:32,387 --> 00:08:36,556
To survive, the lambs
have to grow rapidly.
140
00:08:36,725 --> 00:08:38,725
The coming winter
will be brutal.
141
00:08:38,802 --> 00:08:44,564
♪
142
00:08:44,775 --> 00:08:47,892
40-50% of lambs
won't make it through.
143
00:08:47,903 --> 00:08:49,986
(bleats)
144
00:08:50,063 --> 00:08:52,572
♪
145
00:08:52,783 --> 00:08:56,243
Icy death is a tough
reality in the yukon.
146
00:08:56,319 --> 00:09:06,327
♪
147
00:09:06,338 --> 00:09:12,926
♪
148
00:09:13,003 --> 00:09:14,836
The yukon is home to
some of the most
149
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Majestic mountain
ranges on earth.
150
00:09:17,766 --> 00:09:20,258
♪
151
00:09:20,269 --> 00:09:24,938
This is the upper end of the
massive american cordillera...
152
00:09:25,015 --> 00:09:26,856
A rocky spine...
153
00:09:26,933 --> 00:09:28,942
The backbone of the americas...
154
00:09:29,019 --> 00:09:33,613
♪
155
00:09:33,824 --> 00:09:35,448
Stretching from the arctic...
156
00:09:35,525 --> 00:09:39,869
All the way to tierra del fuego
at the tip of south america.
157
00:09:39,946 --> 00:09:42,289
It encompasses the
coast range mountains,
158
00:09:42,365 --> 00:09:45,208
The rockies,
the sierra madre
159
00:09:45,285 --> 00:09:48,211
And the andes.
160
00:09:48,288 --> 00:09:50,880
The north american end
of these ranges
161
00:09:50,957 --> 00:09:54,634
Started forming around
200 million years ago...
162
00:09:54,711 --> 00:09:56,711
Born when the
continents were young
163
00:09:56,722 --> 00:10:00,131
And undergoing dramatic,
violent change.
164
00:10:00,142 --> 00:10:01,808
♪
165
00:10:01,885 --> 00:10:04,886
The north american and
pacific plates collided,
166
00:10:04,896 --> 00:10:08,398
Causing the earth's
crust to fold and bend,
167
00:10:08,475 --> 00:10:14,654
Sculpting the landscape with
immense tectonic energy.
168
00:10:14,823 --> 00:10:17,899
Volcanoes erupted through
fissures in the crust,
169
00:10:17,909 --> 00:10:19,901
Spewing lava and ash.
170
00:10:19,911 --> 00:10:23,237
♪
171
00:10:23,248 --> 00:10:26,082
Over millions of years,
this volatile mass
172
00:10:26,159 --> 00:10:31,162
Of molten rock cooled
and hardened.
173
00:10:31,173 --> 00:10:33,673
The majestic mountains
of the yukon are
174
00:10:33,750 --> 00:10:37,510
Silent monuments from that
time of transformation.
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♪
176
00:10:47,814 --> 00:10:53,851
♪
177
00:10:53,862 --> 00:10:57,438
Deep in the interior,
further upriver,
178
00:10:57,449 --> 00:11:01,109
The grizzlies are still waiting
for the salmon to arrive.
179
00:11:01,119 --> 00:11:06,539
♪
180
00:11:06,616 --> 00:11:07,865
In the meantime,
181
00:11:07,876 --> 00:11:11,294
The bears get their sugar fix.
182
00:11:11,371 --> 00:11:13,713
While they wait
for the main course,
183
00:11:13,790 --> 00:11:17,291
Dessert is everywhere.
184
00:11:17,302 --> 00:11:19,544
Cranberries... Blueberries...
185
00:11:19,554 --> 00:11:23,047
Cloudberries...
186
00:11:23,058 --> 00:11:25,466
But the bears need protein.
187
00:11:25,477 --> 00:11:28,728
Protein the salmon
can best provide.
188
00:11:28,897 --> 00:11:30,972
♪
189
00:11:30,982 --> 00:11:34,308
In this remarkable land
where everything seems big,
190
00:11:34,319 --> 00:11:36,736
The bears are not.
191
00:11:36,863 --> 00:11:38,738
Grizzlies here only
grow to about
192
00:11:38,865 --> 00:11:40,323
Two thirds of what
their relatives
193
00:11:40,400 --> 00:11:42,826
Further downstream achieve...
194
00:11:42,902 --> 00:11:46,746
About 600 pounds for
a male yukon grizzly
195
00:11:46,823 --> 00:11:51,251
Versus over 880
for a coastal alaskan male.
196
00:11:51,327 --> 00:11:52,919
♪
197
00:12:01,421 --> 00:12:03,763
The grizzlies aren't the
only ones waiting
198
00:12:03,890 --> 00:12:05,932
For the fish to
finally get here.
199
00:12:06,009 --> 00:12:19,362
♪
200
00:12:19,439 --> 00:12:22,615
Bald eagles also know
the salmon are coming.
201
00:12:22,692 --> 00:12:24,859
♪
202
00:12:24,870 --> 00:12:32,625
(chirping)
203
00:12:32,702 --> 00:12:34,794
While the grizzlies
are smaller here,
204
00:12:34,921 --> 00:12:37,797
Bald eagles
actually get larger,
205
00:12:37,924 --> 00:12:40,800
The further north they live.
206
00:12:40,877 --> 00:12:43,461
♪
207
00:12:43,472 --> 00:12:46,139
With a wingspan of up to
eight feet, they are
208
00:12:46,216 --> 00:12:48,883
One of the largest birds in
the northern skies.
209
00:12:48,894 --> 00:12:52,386
♪
210
00:12:52,397 --> 00:12:53,971
Though relatively
abundant now,
211
00:12:53,982 --> 00:12:55,815
It wasn't always this way.
212
00:12:55,892 --> 00:12:58,485
♪
213
00:12:58,561 --> 00:13:00,904
In the 1960's,
the species hovered
214
00:13:00,980 --> 00:13:03,490
On the brink of extinction.
215
00:13:03,566 --> 00:13:05,483
♪
216
00:13:05,494 --> 00:13:09,662
The pesticide ddt weakened
the shell of their eggs,
217
00:13:09,739 --> 00:13:12,832
Which cracked under the
weight of the nesting parents.
218
00:13:12,909 --> 00:13:15,168
♪
219
00:13:15,245 --> 00:13:18,663
Successful hatching of
chicks dropped to near zero.
220
00:13:18,673 --> 00:13:23,843
♪
221
00:13:24,012 --> 00:13:27,013
The ban on ddt and other
conservation efforts have
222
00:13:27,090 --> 00:13:29,849
Brought the bald eagle
back from the brink,
223
00:13:29,926 --> 00:13:32,519
With around 115,000 birds
224
00:13:32,595 --> 00:13:35,513
In canada and the united
states today.
225
00:13:35,524 --> 00:13:45,532
♪
226
00:13:45,608 --> 00:13:53,706
♪
227
00:13:53,783 --> 00:13:57,377
Juvenile bald eagles
aren't "bald" yet.
228
00:13:57,453 --> 00:14:00,880
Their heads don't turn white
until they're fully mature
229
00:14:01,007 --> 00:14:05,459
At around four to
five years of age.
230
00:14:05,470 --> 00:14:07,887
These birds must learn the
art of salmon fishing
231
00:14:08,098 --> 00:14:10,890
From their more
experienced elders.
232
00:14:11,059 --> 00:14:13,977
For now, they watch
and wait
233
00:14:14,053 --> 00:14:18,398
From the bottom of
the pecking order.
234
00:14:18,474 --> 00:14:20,474
Extremely territorial
when breeding,
235
00:14:20,485 --> 00:14:24,729
Bald eagles are highly
social outside nesting season
236
00:14:24,739 --> 00:14:27,240
And congregate by
the scores at the
237
00:14:27,317 --> 00:14:30,234
Salmon spawning beds.
238
00:14:30,245 --> 00:14:32,662
Bickering over
the best spots,
239
00:14:32,739 --> 00:14:37,241
They keep a steady
eye on the water.
240
00:14:37,252 --> 00:14:41,921
(chirping)
241
00:14:41,998 --> 00:14:46,167
♪
242
00:14:46,177 --> 00:14:49,762
As night falls,
the eagles sit quietly.
243
00:14:49,839 --> 00:14:59,939
♪
244
00:15:00,066 --> 00:15:09,949
♪
245
00:15:10,118 --> 00:15:19,959
♪
246
00:15:20,086 --> 00:15:29,969
♪
247
00:15:30,138 --> 00:15:42,056
♪
248
00:15:42,067 --> 00:15:45,643
In the early morning light,
the river erupts.
249
00:15:45,654 --> 00:15:57,321
♪
250
00:15:57,332 --> 00:16:00,166
It's the moment the bald
eagles have been waiting for.
251
00:16:00,243 --> 00:16:10,251
♪
252
00:16:10,261 --> 00:16:23,272
♪
253
00:16:23,349 --> 00:16:25,608
But the young bird
is so inexperienced;
254
00:16:25,685 --> 00:16:28,611
It doesn't know what to
do with the writhing fish.
255
00:16:31,274 --> 00:16:35,860
Salmon have thick leathery
skin and tough scales.
256
00:16:35,870 --> 00:16:38,037
The juvenile eagle isn't
sure how to get at the
257
00:16:38,248 --> 00:16:40,614
Delicious flesh underneath.
258
00:16:43,453 --> 00:16:45,878
Before he can figure it out,
259
00:16:45,955 --> 00:16:47,880
An adult swoops in...
260
00:16:47,957 --> 00:16:54,721
♪
261
00:16:54,797 --> 00:16:56,380
And claims his prize.
262
00:16:56,391 --> 00:17:06,399
♪
263
00:17:06,476 --> 00:17:16,484
♪
264
00:17:16,494 --> 00:17:31,340
♪
265
00:17:31,417 --> 00:17:36,429
The salmon makes one final
desperate struggle --
266
00:17:36,506 --> 00:17:40,600
Before succumbing to the
eagle's powerful grasp.
267
00:17:42,678 --> 00:17:46,689
♪
268
00:17:46,766 --> 00:17:48,941
These large birds are
surprisingly peaceful
269
00:17:49,018 --> 00:17:51,444
With each other.
270
00:17:51,521 --> 00:17:58,943
♪
271
00:17:58,953 --> 00:18:02,705
(chirping)
272
00:18:02,782 --> 00:18:06,459
♪
273
00:18:06,536 --> 00:18:08,711
There's enough for
everybody to eat...
274
00:18:08,788 --> 00:18:11,455
And they don't mind sharing.
275
00:18:11,466 --> 00:18:15,134
But not the choice pieces.
276
00:18:15,261 --> 00:18:18,137
The young eagle must wait
until the birds of higher rank
277
00:18:18,348 --> 00:18:20,139
Have had their dinner...
278
00:18:20,266 --> 00:18:22,558
But there'll be plenty left.
279
00:18:22,635 --> 00:18:25,561
♪
280
00:18:25,638 --> 00:18:27,805
Magpies also join the feast...
281
00:18:27,816 --> 00:18:31,317
And everyone gets the
nourishment they need.
282
00:18:31,394 --> 00:18:45,322
♪
283
00:18:45,333 --> 00:18:48,167
It's a last moment of
abundance
284
00:18:48,336 --> 00:18:50,494
Before the long, hard winter.
285
00:18:50,505 --> 00:19:02,006
♪
286
00:19:02,016 --> 00:19:08,855
(eagle calls)
287
00:19:11,684 --> 00:19:14,277
♪
288
00:19:14,353 --> 00:19:16,362
From its mouth at
the bering sea,
289
00:19:16,439 --> 00:19:20,783
The yukon river extends over
3,000 km to its source
290
00:19:20,860 --> 00:19:23,777
In the mountains of
british colombia.
291
00:19:23,788 --> 00:19:33,796
♪
292
00:19:33,873 --> 00:19:43,297
♪
293
00:19:43,308 --> 00:19:45,224
Its headwaters lie here,
294
00:19:45,393 --> 00:19:48,895
At the toe of the
llewellyn glacier...
295
00:19:48,971 --> 00:19:52,398
Part of the juneau ice field
in the coast range mountains.
296
00:19:52,475 --> 00:19:59,063
♪
297
00:19:59,073 --> 00:20:03,492
The juneau ice field is
home to 140 glaciers...
298
00:20:03,569 --> 00:20:05,912
One of the largest
ice fields in the world
299
00:20:05,988 --> 00:20:11,500
Outside the arctic circle.
300
00:20:11,577 --> 00:20:14,495
Like a frozen inland sea,
301
00:20:14,505 --> 00:20:16,830
The ancient glacial
ice can reach a depth
302
00:20:16,841 --> 00:20:20,259
Of over 4,000 feet.
303
00:20:20,428 --> 00:20:22,762
The coast range mountains
protrude like
304
00:20:22,838 --> 00:20:25,264
Islands from the glaciers,
305
00:20:25,433 --> 00:20:27,934
Some towering
over 7,000 feet.
306
00:20:28,010 --> 00:20:31,103
♪
307
00:20:31,180 --> 00:20:33,439
The ice field is ancient...
308
00:20:33,516 --> 00:20:36,943
In some areas it's up to two
and a half million years old.
309
00:20:37,019 --> 00:20:40,521
♪
310
00:20:40,531 --> 00:20:42,949
During the most recent
glaciation a massive
311
00:20:43,025 --> 00:20:45,025
Dome of ice stretched from the
312
00:20:45,036 --> 00:20:49,113
Pacific coast all the
way to the atlantic ocean,
313
00:20:49,123 --> 00:20:53,292
Extending in parts
as far south as manhattan.
314
00:20:53,461 --> 00:20:56,120
♪
315
00:20:56,130 --> 00:20:58,381
Around 10,000 years ago,
316
00:20:58,457 --> 00:21:01,959
As the laurentide ice sheet
retreated to the east,
317
00:21:01,970 --> 00:21:04,303
The western extent
of this frozen slab,
318
00:21:04,380 --> 00:21:06,714
Known as the
cordilleran ice sheet,
319
00:21:06,724 --> 00:21:08,307
Also shrank...
320
00:21:08,384 --> 00:21:10,134
Leaving the
juneau ice field...
321
00:21:10,144 --> 00:21:14,388
A relic of the frozen past.
322
00:21:14,399 --> 00:21:18,317
Everything here has been
touched and shaped by ice.
323
00:21:18,394 --> 00:21:20,319
♪
324
00:21:20,530 --> 00:21:23,823
Mountains have been sculpted.
325
00:21:23,899 --> 00:21:27,568
Valleys have been carved.
326
00:21:27,578 --> 00:21:30,913
Scoured by millions
of tons of ice,
327
00:21:30,990 --> 00:21:33,332
Plowing across this land...
328
00:21:33,501 --> 00:21:35,659
Advancing and retreating.
329
00:21:35,670 --> 00:21:40,339
♪
330
00:21:40,508 --> 00:21:42,583
Mountain range upon
mountain range...
331
00:21:42,593 --> 00:21:45,085
Stretching to the horizon.
332
00:21:45,096 --> 00:21:49,923
♪
333
00:21:49,934 --> 00:21:53,352
Raging rivers gouged
deep canyons into the rock...
334
00:21:53,479 --> 00:22:02,770
♪
335
00:22:02,780 --> 00:22:05,189
Dividing vast plateaus.
336
00:22:05,199 --> 00:22:11,203
♪
337
00:22:11,280 --> 00:22:13,781
Here, in the
yukon's interior,
338
00:22:13,791 --> 00:22:15,875
The temperature
frequently plunges to
339
00:22:15,951 --> 00:22:17,951
Negative fifty eight
in winter.
340
00:22:17,962 --> 00:22:22,715
♪
341
00:22:22,792 --> 00:22:27,970
In the summer, it can
soar to eighty six degrees.
342
00:22:28,047 --> 00:22:31,640
One of the greatest
temperature variances on earth.
343
00:22:31,717 --> 00:22:39,398
♪
344
00:22:39,475 --> 00:22:41,892
Rocks and rubble mark
the gradual retreat
345
00:22:41,903 --> 00:22:45,562
Of the ancient glaciers.
346
00:22:45,573 --> 00:22:47,815
This moraine is home to
one of the most
347
00:22:47,825 --> 00:22:51,243
Intriguing species in the yukon.
348
00:22:51,320 --> 00:22:54,413
♪
349
00:22:54,490 --> 00:22:58,417
Tiny herbivorous mammals
called pikas have turned
350
00:22:58,494 --> 00:23:03,163
This glacier-scarred landscape
into a cozy home.
351
00:23:03,174 --> 00:23:05,833
They take advantage of the
countless crevices
352
00:23:05,843 --> 00:23:07,918
Between the rocks
of the moraine.
353
00:23:07,929 --> 00:23:10,596
♪
354
00:23:10,673 --> 00:23:12,765
Now, at the
beginning of September,
355
00:23:12,842 --> 00:23:15,926
It's their
busiest time of year.
356
00:23:15,937 --> 00:23:17,511
In barely three weeks,
357
00:23:17,522 --> 00:23:21,440
This valley will be
blanketed by snow...
358
00:23:21,609 --> 00:23:23,609
Pikas don't hibernate.
359
00:23:23,686 --> 00:23:25,611
They spend the winter awake...
360
00:23:25,688 --> 00:23:27,521
Nestled in the
nooks and crannies
361
00:23:27,532 --> 00:23:30,691
Of the moraine
underneath the snow.
362
00:23:30,701 --> 00:23:34,203
They're stockpiling now for
the lean times ahead.
363
00:23:34,280 --> 00:23:38,866
♪
364
00:23:38,876 --> 00:23:42,461
Pikas actually "make hay".
365
00:23:42,672 --> 00:23:45,047
Each pika collects
its own stockpile
366
00:23:45,124 --> 00:23:46,874
Of grasses and leaves,
367
00:23:46,884 --> 00:23:51,470
And dries it on the rocks
in the summer sun...
368
00:23:51,639 --> 00:23:54,047
They store the hay
in crevices...
369
00:23:54,058 --> 00:23:57,143
Safe from the elements,
lasting all winter.
370
00:23:57,219 --> 00:24:00,220
♪
371
00:24:00,231 --> 00:24:02,556
The pikas are not alone
on the moraine.
372
00:24:02,567 --> 00:24:04,316
♪
373
00:24:04,393 --> 00:24:05,568
They share their home with
374
00:24:05,644 --> 00:24:07,736
A colony of hoary marmots.
375
00:24:07,813 --> 00:24:10,739
♪
376
00:24:10,816 --> 00:24:13,075
The marmots are highly social.
377
00:24:13,152 --> 00:24:15,911
♪
378
00:24:15,988 --> 00:24:19,582
They live in big family groups
of up to 36 individuals.
379
00:24:19,658 --> 00:24:23,335
♪
380
00:24:23,412 --> 00:24:25,504
While the pikas are
much more territorial
381
00:24:25,581 --> 00:24:28,591
And jealously
guard their hay piles --
382
00:24:28,667 --> 00:24:31,760
The marmots like to lounge
on the rocks together.
383
00:24:31,837 --> 00:24:35,264
♪
384
00:24:35,341 --> 00:24:38,184
They spend almost half their
time sunning themselves.
385
00:24:38,260 --> 00:24:43,772
♪
386
00:24:43,849 --> 00:24:46,775
Unlike the pikas, the
marmots hibernate together
387
00:24:46,852 --> 00:24:49,770
In their large burrow
beneath the moraine...
388
00:24:49,780 --> 00:24:52,773
So they don't need to
stockpile any food.
389
00:24:52,783 --> 00:24:55,025
♪
390
00:24:55,036 --> 00:24:58,111
The hoary marmot is
an ancient species...
391
00:24:58,122 --> 00:25:02,124
Fossils date back more
than two million years.
392
00:25:02,201 --> 00:25:04,618
The marmot was here in
the yukon at
393
00:25:04,629 --> 00:25:06,954
The height of the last ice age.
394
00:25:06,964 --> 00:25:12,718
♪
395
00:25:12,795 --> 00:25:17,806
Now, marmot and
pika habitat is in decline.
396
00:25:17,883 --> 00:25:19,642
A warming world is replacing
397
00:25:19,718 --> 00:25:23,971
Their alpine meadows
with forest.
398
00:25:23,981 --> 00:25:25,472
♪
399
00:25:25,483 --> 00:25:27,316
They're so well adapted
to the bitter climate,
400
00:25:27,393 --> 00:25:32,396
They're ill equipped for the
world's rising temperatures...
401
00:25:32,406 --> 00:25:36,316
They can die from overheating
in just a few hours...
402
00:25:36,327 --> 00:25:39,161
♪
403
00:25:39,238 --> 00:25:43,249
Other alpine species might
move to higher altitudes.
404
00:25:43,325 --> 00:25:46,660
But marmots and pikas live
so high on these mountains
405
00:25:46,671 --> 00:25:49,171
That there's nowhere further
up for them to go.
406
00:25:49,248 --> 00:25:58,597
♪
407
00:25:58,724 --> 00:26:01,433
They now run the risk of being
the first species with the
408
00:26:01,510 --> 00:26:05,187
Sad distinction of going
extinct due to climate change.
409
00:26:05,264 --> 00:26:13,437
♪
410
00:26:13,447 --> 00:26:17,858
Marmots and pikas share
watchman duties on the moraine.
411
00:26:17,868 --> 00:26:21,954
(screeches)
412
00:26:22,031 --> 00:26:24,373
Both call out to warn
the others.
413
00:26:24,450 --> 00:26:27,626
(screeches)
414
00:26:27,837 --> 00:26:30,379
Danger lurks all around.
415
00:26:30,456 --> 00:26:31,714
From the sky...
416
00:26:31,790 --> 00:26:34,291
(bird call)
417
00:26:34,302 --> 00:26:36,293
♪
418
00:26:36,304 --> 00:26:39,880
And on the ground.
419
00:26:39,890 --> 00:26:42,474
A young silver fox has
taken interest.
420
00:26:42,551 --> 00:26:46,395
♪
421
00:26:46,472 --> 00:26:48,647
Its den is nearby.
422
00:26:48,858 --> 00:26:50,474
♪
423
00:26:50,484 --> 00:26:53,393
The parents didn't choose
this site accidentally.
424
00:26:53,404 --> 00:26:55,321
♪
425
00:26:55,397 --> 00:26:57,814
In these sparsely
populated mountain ranges,
426
00:26:57,825 --> 00:27:01,744
This moraine is a
hot spot for prey.
427
00:27:08,494 --> 00:27:12,838
Silver foxes are a dark variant
of the more common red fox.
428
00:27:12,915 --> 00:27:14,673
They're the same species -
429
00:27:14,750 --> 00:27:17,217
Just have differently
colored coats.
430
00:27:23,092 --> 00:27:24,183
In north america,
431
00:27:24,259 --> 00:27:26,426
Most silver foxes live here...
432
00:27:26,437 --> 00:27:28,896
In the far northwestern
reaches of the continent.
433
00:27:39,608 --> 00:27:41,867
The fox is one of the most
successful predators
434
00:27:41,944 --> 00:27:44,194
On the planet.
435
00:27:44,205 --> 00:27:46,455
It has colonized
virtually every corner
436
00:27:46,532 --> 00:27:49,366
Of the northern hemisphere.
437
00:27:49,377 --> 00:27:54,963
It's extremely resourceful and
an outstanding hunter.
438
00:27:55,040 --> 00:28:00,219
♪
439
00:28:00,295 --> 00:28:02,971
This juvenile silver fox
and its sibling
440
00:28:03,048 --> 00:28:05,974
Aren't living up to their
reputation just yet...
441
00:28:06,051 --> 00:28:07,976
Playing and exploring are
442
00:28:08,053 --> 00:28:12,731
So much more fun
than hunting.
443
00:28:12,900 --> 00:28:16,235
Every bush and puddle is
infinitely more interesting.
444
00:28:16,311 --> 00:28:23,742
♪
445
00:28:23,869 --> 00:28:27,070
Not even the prospect of a meal
of marmot can pull them away.
446
00:28:27,081 --> 00:28:31,750
♪
447
00:28:31,961 --> 00:28:34,077
But the marmots
take no chances.
448
00:28:34,088 --> 00:28:36,088
The presence of a predator
can send them
449
00:28:36,165 --> 00:28:38,173
To their burrows for hours.
450
00:28:38,250 --> 00:28:41,251
♪
451
00:28:41,262 --> 00:28:43,095
Without their calls
and whistles
452
00:28:43,172 --> 00:28:46,098
The hillside falls eerily quiet.
453
00:28:50,345 --> 00:28:53,856
Every day the
temperature is dropping.
454
00:28:57,352 --> 00:29:09,613
♪
455
00:29:09,623 --> 00:29:14,877
Rock ptarmigan don't have
burrows in which to retreat.
456
00:29:14,953 --> 00:29:16,953
They rely entirely on
their feathers to
457
00:29:16,964 --> 00:29:18,955
Keep them warm...
458
00:29:18,966 --> 00:29:20,874
And safe.
459
00:29:20,885 --> 00:29:24,887
♪
460
00:29:24,963 --> 00:29:26,963
Perfectly camouflaged,
461
00:29:26,974 --> 00:29:28,632
They adapt to their surroundings
462
00:29:28,642 --> 00:29:32,311
And molt their
feathers twice a year.
463
00:29:32,387 --> 00:29:34,396
They're mottled brown in
the summer...
464
00:29:34,473 --> 00:29:36,890
And snow white in the winter.
465
00:29:36,901 --> 00:29:40,819
Normally, ptarmigan blend in
perfectly with the moraine.
466
00:29:40,988 --> 00:29:42,646
But not now.
467
00:29:42,656 --> 00:29:47,326
♪
468
00:29:47,402 --> 00:29:50,913
Fall is a dangerous
time for the bird.
469
00:29:50,989 --> 00:29:54,157
Already sporting half
its winter white feathers,
470
00:29:54,168 --> 00:29:57,494
It can be seen
from miles away.
471
00:29:57,505 --> 00:30:00,497
The ptarmigan need to
be extra vigilant.
472
00:30:00,508 --> 00:30:07,846
♪
473
00:30:07,973 --> 00:30:12,017
A thin veil parts over the
yukon's rugged beauty...
474
00:30:12,094 --> 00:30:15,521
Revealing the sharp,
jagged ridge of a mountain...
475
00:30:15,597 --> 00:30:19,441
Honed by two glaciers
advancing on either side.
476
00:30:19,518 --> 00:30:22,027
♪
477
00:30:22,104 --> 00:30:25,188
But not everything
here was carved by ice.
478
00:30:25,199 --> 00:30:28,275
Generation after generation
of dall sheep have
479
00:30:28,285 --> 00:30:30,869
Etched their presence
into the rock.
480
00:30:31,038 --> 00:30:41,630
♪
481
00:30:41,707 --> 00:30:44,216
Dall sheep spend the winter
on treeless ridges
482
00:30:44,293 --> 00:30:48,461
Where powerful winds
blow away any light, dry snow...
483
00:30:48,472 --> 00:30:49,972
Exposing the grasses that will
484
00:30:50,048 --> 00:30:52,724
Keep them
fed until spring.
485
00:30:52,801 --> 00:30:58,730
♪
486
00:30:58,807 --> 00:31:01,984
The sheep know exactly
where they're going...
487
00:31:02,060 --> 00:31:05,904
They've inherited their winter
range from their ancestors.
488
00:31:06,031 --> 00:31:08,565
Returning year after year...
489
00:31:08,576 --> 00:31:12,402
The exact location inscribed in
their collective memory.
490
00:31:12,413 --> 00:31:16,665
♪
491
00:31:16,742 --> 00:31:21,003
This knowledge now faces an
unprecedented challenge.
492
00:31:21,079 --> 00:31:24,497
Inconsistent temperatures,
repeated thawing and
493
00:31:24,508 --> 00:31:27,500
Re-freezing creates
a hard layer of ice,
494
00:31:27,511 --> 00:31:30,337
Making their winter
grasses harder to reach.
495
00:31:30,347 --> 00:31:38,678
♪
496
00:31:38,689 --> 00:31:40,597
In the face of
global warming,
497
00:31:40,608 --> 00:31:44,026
The yukon is
experiencing change...
498
00:31:44,102 --> 00:31:46,194
Rapid change.
499
00:31:46,271 --> 00:31:52,951
♪
500
00:31:53,162 --> 00:31:55,954
In recent years,
the juneau ice-field has
501
00:31:56,165 --> 00:32:00,617
Wasted away dramatically because
of rising temperatures.
502
00:32:00,628 --> 00:32:02,961
Some glaciers have
retreated over
503
00:32:03,088 --> 00:32:06,206
One and a half miles
since 1984.
504
00:32:06,216 --> 00:32:09,551
♪
505
00:32:09,628 --> 00:32:12,804
Scientists predict that the
entire juneau ice-field will
506
00:32:12,881 --> 00:32:16,383
Be more than half gone by
the end of the century and
507
00:32:16,393 --> 00:32:19,061
Vanish completely by 2200.
508
00:32:19,137 --> 00:32:25,150
♪
509
00:32:25,227 --> 00:32:28,570
Nobody knows what will happen
to the waterways downstream,
510
00:32:28,647 --> 00:32:32,232
Which for thousands of years
have sprung from
the ice-field.
511
00:32:32,242 --> 00:32:36,319
♪
512
00:32:36,330 --> 00:32:40,332
The entire rhythm of life
in the yukon is at risk.
513
00:32:40,409 --> 00:32:43,159
♪
514
00:32:43,170 --> 00:32:45,587
And one of its most graceful
seasonal visitors
515
00:32:45,664 --> 00:32:48,164
Faces new challenges.
516
00:32:48,175 --> 00:32:52,669
♪
517
00:32:52,680 --> 00:32:55,505
The trumpeter swan once
nested from alaska and
518
00:32:55,516 --> 00:32:59,017
Northern canada to areas
south of the great lakes and
519
00:32:59,186 --> 00:33:01,269
Along the st. Lawrence river.
520
00:33:01,346 --> 00:33:05,098
♪
521
00:33:05,109 --> 00:33:07,275
Heavy hunting and
destruction of its habitat
522
00:33:07,352 --> 00:33:10,186
Drove the trumpeter swan
to near extinction.
523
00:33:10,197 --> 00:33:14,366
♪
524
00:33:14,443 --> 00:33:17,536
By 1933, just seventy
known living birds
525
00:33:17,612 --> 00:33:21,448
Remained in the wild.
526
00:33:21,458 --> 00:33:24,209
Thanks to strict conservation
measures the
527
00:33:24,286 --> 00:33:27,370
Trumpeter swan has
since bounced back.
528
00:33:27,381 --> 00:33:30,457
There are almost 20,000
birds in the yukon today.
529
00:33:30,467 --> 00:33:40,300
♪
530
00:33:40,310 --> 00:33:42,227
The trumpeter swan is
the largest living
531
00:33:42,304 --> 00:33:44,730
Species of waterfowl,
with a wingspan
532
00:33:44,806 --> 00:33:48,141
Of over ten feet...
533
00:33:48,152 --> 00:33:50,902
And an adult weight
of 26 pounds.
534
00:33:50,979 --> 00:33:56,074
♪
535
00:33:56,151 --> 00:33:58,577
These young swans still
have some growing to do
536
00:33:58,653 --> 00:34:01,079
Before they reach that
imposing size.
537
00:34:01,248 --> 00:34:06,826
♪
538
00:34:06,837 --> 00:34:08,920
Now, in the middle
of September,
539
00:34:08,997 --> 00:34:11,089
They're about three months old.
540
00:34:11,258 --> 00:34:14,426
♪
541
00:34:14,503 --> 00:34:16,511
They have to perfect
their flying skills before
542
00:34:16,588 --> 00:34:21,099
The winter migration begins.
543
00:34:21,176 --> 00:34:24,186
Departure is just a
couple of weeks away.
544
00:34:27,232 --> 00:34:28,932
Under the guidance
of their parents
545
00:34:28,942 --> 00:34:31,777
They'll have to fly
across the rocky mountains...
546
00:34:31,853 --> 00:34:33,937
Thousands of feet high...
547
00:34:33,947 --> 00:34:35,864
To reach the pacific coast
of washington and
548
00:34:35,941 --> 00:34:37,866
British columbia.
549
00:34:42,539 --> 00:34:46,374
For the young, it is a race
to fledge and fly
550
00:34:46,451 --> 00:34:49,377
Before winter closes in.
551
00:34:56,795 --> 00:34:58,878
They will do the
journey clad in grey.
552
00:34:58,889 --> 00:35:01,631
It will be another year
before they turn the same
553
00:35:01,642 --> 00:35:04,601
Brilliant white as
their parents.
554
00:35:07,472 --> 00:35:17,480
♪
555
00:35:17,491 --> 00:35:26,248
♪
556
00:35:26,324 --> 00:35:29,000
After several weeks of
continuous walking,
557
00:35:29,077 --> 00:35:31,995
The dall ewes and their lambs
have almost reached
558
00:35:32,005 --> 00:35:34,497
Their winter range.
559
00:35:34,508 --> 00:35:48,344
♪
560
00:35:48,355 --> 00:35:51,264
But before they make
a detour to one of
561
00:35:51,275 --> 00:35:53,608
Their favorite destinations...
562
00:35:53,685 --> 00:35:58,864
♪
563
00:35:58,940 --> 00:36:01,700
A mineral lick.
564
00:36:01,776 --> 00:36:04,944
Here, high concentrations
of salts and minerals
565
00:36:04,955 --> 00:36:07,205
Are accessible on the surface.
566
00:36:07,374 --> 00:36:11,868
♪
567
00:36:11,879 --> 00:36:14,704
The sheep lick or
even eat the soil...
568
00:36:14,715 --> 00:36:17,048
Ingesting much needed
nutrients they don't get
569
00:36:17,125 --> 00:36:19,542
From their herbivorous diet.
570
00:36:19,553 --> 00:36:27,467
♪
571
00:36:27,477 --> 00:36:29,811
The mineral intake is
crucial for healthy growth,
572
00:36:29,888 --> 00:36:32,898
Especially for
nursing ewes and lambs.
573
00:36:37,070 --> 00:36:39,237
They become so
engrossed in the licking,
574
00:36:39,448 --> 00:36:42,398
They pay
attention to little else.
575
00:36:42,409 --> 00:36:45,735
♪
576
00:36:45,746 --> 00:36:48,246
Catching a lamb would fill
this young timber wolf's belly
577
00:36:48,457 --> 00:36:50,582
For many days.
578
00:36:50,659 --> 00:36:56,579
♪
579
00:36:56,590 --> 00:37:00,675
But the young wolf is injured
and dragging his hind legs.
580
00:37:00,752 --> 00:37:03,929
He doesn't seem capable
of staging an attack.
581
00:37:04,005 --> 00:37:10,268
♪
582
00:37:10,437 --> 00:37:12,771
The sheep seem
to sense that, too.
583
00:37:12,847 --> 00:37:16,858
They continue to
feed on minerals, unperturbed.
584
00:37:16,935 --> 00:37:23,365
♪
585
00:37:23,441 --> 00:37:25,367
The sheep spend several
days here...
586
00:37:25,443 --> 00:37:28,444
Eating their fill
before moving on.
587
00:37:28,455 --> 00:37:35,368
♪
588
00:37:35,379 --> 00:37:38,255
They will meet up
with the males soon.
589
00:37:43,637 --> 00:37:46,796
It's almost
time for the rut.
590
00:37:46,807 --> 00:37:54,804
♪
591
00:37:54,815 --> 00:37:59,976
Dall sheep aren't the only
mammals getting ready to mate.
592
00:37:59,987 --> 00:38:05,148
♪
593
00:38:05,158 --> 00:38:07,993
Each fall the usually
solitary bull moose
594
00:38:08,069 --> 00:38:12,163
Meet in epic clashes,
fiercely competing for females.
595
00:38:12,240 --> 00:38:20,747
♪
596
00:38:20,757 --> 00:38:23,758
Male moose first grow their
antlers from the age of one,
597
00:38:23,835 --> 00:38:30,006
With a full new set
growing each year in summer.
598
00:38:30,017 --> 00:38:32,517
Soft, furry tissue
called velvet
599
00:38:32,594 --> 00:38:36,596
Covers the rapidly growing bone.
600
00:38:36,606 --> 00:38:39,015
Now, that his antlers
are fully developed,
601
00:38:39,026 --> 00:38:41,434
The bull sheds the velvet.
602
00:38:41,445 --> 00:38:44,529
Strips of it
still hang from them.
603
00:38:44,606 --> 00:38:52,945
♪
604
00:38:52,956 --> 00:38:55,373
The antlers fall
off every spring,
605
00:38:55,450 --> 00:38:59,044
And larger ones return with
each passing fall -
606
00:38:59,120 --> 00:39:03,456
Reaching their most impressive
size around the age of ten.
607
00:39:03,467 --> 00:39:09,387
They can span almost six feet
wide on a mature male.
608
00:39:09,556 --> 00:39:12,048
The sole purpose of this
elaborate crown
609
00:39:12,059 --> 00:39:14,351
Is the annual rut.
610
00:39:22,644 --> 00:39:25,904
The smell of a cow lures
this bull across the valley.
611
00:39:25,980 --> 00:39:35,988
♪
612
00:39:35,999 --> 00:39:44,497
♪
613
00:39:44,508 --> 00:39:46,749
His long legs,
perfectly adapted
614
00:39:46,760 --> 00:39:48,843
To wading through swamps,
615
00:39:48,920 --> 00:39:52,672
Aren't great for clambering
across the glacial moraine.
616
00:39:52,682 --> 00:40:00,688
♪
617
00:40:00,765 --> 00:40:03,933
The bull tries to find a way to
bypass the rocky barrier...
618
00:40:03,944 --> 00:40:11,783
♪
619
00:40:11,860 --> 00:40:14,452
If he falls on
these sharp rocks,
620
00:40:14,663 --> 00:40:18,039
It could
easily be his death.
621
00:40:18,116 --> 00:40:20,458
Even though the fall
might not kill him,
622
00:40:20,669 --> 00:40:23,711
A broken leg would make him
an easy feast for any wolves
623
00:40:23,788 --> 00:40:26,297
Or grizzlies passing by.
624
00:40:26,374 --> 00:40:31,469
♪
625
00:40:31,638 --> 00:40:33,963
He decides to risk it all.
626
00:40:33,974 --> 00:40:43,982
♪
627
00:40:44,058 --> 00:40:54,066
♪
628
00:40:54,077 --> 00:41:05,328
♪
629
00:41:05,338 --> 00:41:08,256
His cousins, the
northern mountain caribou,
630
00:41:08,333 --> 00:41:11,334
Have no such problems.
631
00:41:11,344 --> 00:41:15,263
They were made for
this terrain.
632
00:41:15,757 --> 00:41:18,183
Their strong legs and
large hooves are
633
00:41:18,259 --> 00:41:21,177
Perfectly shaped against
slippery ice and
634
00:41:21,188 --> 00:41:24,772
Uneven, loose rocks.
635
00:41:24,849 --> 00:41:28,026
They migrate through
here each spring and fall...
636
00:41:28,102 --> 00:41:29,777
Hundreds of miles...
637
00:41:29,854 --> 00:41:32,188
One mountain pass
after another.
638
00:41:32,199 --> 00:41:34,690
♪
639
00:41:34,701 --> 00:41:36,868
In relation to their
body weight,
640
00:41:36,945 --> 00:41:40,279
Their antlers are even
heavier than the moose's.
641
00:41:40,290 --> 00:41:50,298
♪
642
00:41:50,375 --> 00:41:59,382
♪
643
00:41:59,392 --> 00:42:02,393
This bull is in
magnificent shape.
644
00:42:02,470 --> 00:42:12,570
♪
645
00:42:12,697 --> 00:42:18,576
♪
646
00:42:18,787 --> 00:42:22,080
His antlers have
stopped growing.
647
00:42:22,156 --> 00:42:25,241
The velvet has
just fallen off.
648
00:42:25,252 --> 00:42:28,836
And they're still tinged
red from his own blood.
649
00:42:28,913 --> 00:42:32,590
♪
650
00:42:32,759 --> 00:42:36,761
After spending the summer
spread out in open alpine areas,
651
00:42:36,838 --> 00:42:39,839
The caribou now
congregate in larger herds...
652
00:42:39,849 --> 00:42:43,601
And move towards
their winter habitat.
653
00:42:43,678 --> 00:42:47,355
They move to forest areas
rich with spruce and lichen,
654
00:42:47,432 --> 00:42:51,851
Where the snow cover
will be relatively shallow.
655
00:42:51,861 --> 00:42:54,770
The woodland caribou need
the seclusion of these
656
00:42:54,781 --> 00:42:57,782
Yukon mountains to thrive.
657
00:42:57,859 --> 00:43:00,785
But increased mining,
oil and gas activity
658
00:43:00,862 --> 00:43:03,621
Disrupts their
migration patterns and
659
00:43:03,698 --> 00:43:07,783
Threatens their very existence
across the north.
660
00:43:07,794 --> 00:43:10,878
If the ruthless
exploration continues,
661
00:43:10,955 --> 00:43:13,706
Caribou could fade from
this landscape...
662
00:43:13,717 --> 00:43:16,384
Within our children's lifetime.
663
00:43:16,461 --> 00:43:26,469
♪
664
00:43:26,479 --> 00:43:32,734
♪
665
00:43:32,810 --> 00:43:36,904
Before long, all the
leaves are gone...
666
00:43:36,981 --> 00:43:39,657
And color drains from the land.
667
00:43:39,868 --> 00:43:45,071
♪
668
00:43:45,081 --> 00:43:48,333
The first snow falls in the
yukon river valley.
669
00:43:48,409 --> 00:43:59,677
♪
670
00:43:59,754 --> 00:44:02,755
The salmon must complete
their once in a lifetime journey
671
00:44:02,766 --> 00:44:06,092
To their spawning beds before
winter truly sets in.
672
00:44:06,102 --> 00:44:16,769
♪
673
00:44:16,780 --> 00:44:19,522
These chum salmon are
the weakest jumpers
674
00:44:19,532 --> 00:44:22,533
Of all species of
pacific salmon.
675
00:44:22,610 --> 00:44:26,120
♪
676
00:44:26,197 --> 00:44:28,873
Against incredible odds
they have made it here
677
00:44:28,958 --> 00:44:31,042
Over countless rapids.
678
00:44:31,119 --> 00:44:36,130
♪
679
00:44:36,207 --> 00:44:39,458
Their bodies visibly scarred
from the harrowing journey
680
00:44:39,469 --> 00:44:43,054
They summon their last
energy reserves to mate.
681
00:44:48,970 --> 00:44:51,896
Males grab the females
with their hooked jaws...
682
00:44:51,973 --> 00:44:54,640
Encouraging them to
drop their eggs into nests
683
00:44:54,651 --> 00:44:56,809
Called redds.
684
00:44:56,861 --> 00:45:02,064
♪
685
00:45:02,075 --> 00:45:05,410
The male sprays the
eggs with his sperm.
686
00:45:05,486 --> 00:45:08,329
She will cover the eggs and
sperm with gravel and
687
00:45:08,406 --> 00:45:11,249
Remain with her redd until
about two weeks later.
688
00:45:11,325 --> 00:45:16,170
♪
689
00:45:18,967 --> 00:45:30,509
♪
690
00:45:30,520 --> 00:45:33,604
The adults have accomplished
their mission...
691
00:45:33,681 --> 00:45:35,848
And they die in the very place
692
00:45:35,859 --> 00:45:38,100
Where they themselves
were born.
693
00:45:38,111 --> 00:45:41,612
♪
694
00:45:41,689 --> 00:45:44,782
Only about two of each
clutch of 4,000 eggs will
695
00:45:44,859 --> 00:45:49,036
Make it back here as mature
salmon in four years' time.
696
00:45:49,113 --> 00:45:53,791
♪
697
00:45:54,085 --> 00:45:56,368
Ice begins to
close over the river,
698
00:45:56,379 --> 00:45:58,880
Locking it in
for the season.
699
00:45:58,956 --> 00:46:04,960
♪
700
00:46:04,971 --> 00:46:07,713
The trumpeter swans ready
for their grueling journey
701
00:46:07,724 --> 00:46:11,383
To a warmer winter home.
702
00:46:11,394 --> 00:46:13,886
For the young swans
born here this year,
703
00:46:14,022 --> 00:46:18,140
It will be their first and
greatest test of endurance.
704
00:46:18,151 --> 00:46:20,476
As the lakes
begin to freeze,
705
00:46:20,487 --> 00:46:22,820
The flock gathers.
706
00:46:23,031 --> 00:46:25,648
Multiple families
having a last meal
707
00:46:25,658 --> 00:46:27,825
Before their long
journey south.
708
00:46:27,994 --> 00:46:38,661
♪
709
00:46:38,671 --> 00:46:40,838
The time has come.
710
00:46:40,965 --> 00:46:50,848
♪
711
00:46:51,017 --> 00:46:59,181
♪
712
00:46:59,192 --> 00:47:02,443
The young finally
take to the air.
713
00:47:02,520 --> 00:47:05,863
Flying in formation
with their parents.
714
00:47:06,032 --> 00:47:13,120
♪
715
00:47:13,197 --> 00:47:15,948
Their adventure has begun.
716
00:47:15,959 --> 00:47:19,126
♪
717
00:47:19,203 --> 00:47:22,880
It will be six months
before they return,
718
00:47:23,091 --> 00:47:24,632
When spring
releases the river
719
00:47:24,709 --> 00:47:28,294
From winter's icy shackles,
720
00:47:28,304 --> 00:47:31,630
And life begins anew
in the yukon.
721
00:47:31,641 --> 00:47:41,649
♪
722
00:47:41,726 --> 00:47:53,327
♪
57789
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