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♪
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(narrator) the largest land
predator on earth
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Faces a fearsome enemy.
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Climate change threatens polar
bears throughout the arctic.
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♪
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A world once frozen for
much of the year
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Is increasingly free
of snow and ice.
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And the sea takes
weeks longer to freeze.
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♪
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While some residents of the
north are forced to adapt...
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Others thrive in
this changing habitat.
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♪
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Young bears gather knowledge
from their mothers.
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Learning how to stay
alive in times of famine.
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And how to avoid
deadly encounters.
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♪
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Today, polar bears are under
unprecedented stress...
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And need to find new ways to
survive in a warming world.
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♪
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♪
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♪
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♪
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It's November in
western hudson bay.
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♪
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And this young male
polar bear has a problem.
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♪
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The ice, which should be
forming by now
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Is nowhere to be seen.
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♪
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Cape tatnam, on the
shore of hudson bay,
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Is the summer home of
part of the world's most
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Southerly polar
bear population.
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The bay is normally frozen
from November to June,
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And the bears
live out on the ice,
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Hunting mostly ringed seals -
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One of their favorite foods.
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♪
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In the summer, some seal
species move north seeking ice,
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00:02:57,803 --> 00:03:01,221
While others disperse
to areas along the shore
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Where they're
difficult to hunt.
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00:03:06,803 --> 00:03:09,471
At cape tatnam,
the main food source of
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Polar bears vanishes,
until the ice returns.
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♪
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The long, ice-free season
has been an especially
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Tough time for this young male.
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00:03:37,668 --> 00:03:42,095
This is his first
year without his mother.
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Last winter he would have
traveled with her across
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The vast, frozen
surface of hudson bay,
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Learning how to hunt.
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00:03:51,398 --> 00:03:55,275
This spring, two years old
and able to fend for himself,
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She chased him away,
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So she could mate again.
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00:04:02,359 --> 00:04:04,776
Since then, he's had to
find food the way
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All adult polar
bears do - alone.
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00:04:08,782 --> 00:04:17,297
♪
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00:04:17,424 --> 00:04:20,634
He still has a
lot to learn...
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00:04:20,711 --> 00:04:26,464
Like how to
navigate thin ice.
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He's been born into
a dangerous time.
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00:04:31,438 --> 00:04:36,975
2016 is the
warmest year on record.
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00:04:36,986 --> 00:04:43,490
Climate change is wreaking
havoc across the north.
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It's now late November,
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And the temperature
in western hudson bay is
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00:04:47,821 --> 00:04:53,583
About 18 degrees fahrenheit
warmer than normal.
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00:04:53,660 --> 00:04:58,163
It needs to be colder
for seawater to freeze.
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00:04:58,173 --> 00:05:01,416
And this year in November,
the extent of the sea ice
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00:05:01,427 --> 00:05:05,679
Is the lowest it's
ever been since 1978.
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00:05:11,511 --> 00:05:14,429
More ice-free days mean
this young bear's
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First solo seal hunt is
perilously delayed.
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00:05:20,487 --> 00:05:23,363
If hudson bay
doesn't freeze over soon,
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He's in danger of
starving to death.
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♪
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00:05:30,622 --> 00:05:32,789
While mostly dependent
on their own fat reserves
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During the summer and fall,
polar bears in this region
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00:05:36,545 --> 00:05:39,379
Have adapted to eating
less nutritious food,
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00:05:39,506 --> 00:05:44,718
Like grass,
seaweed or bird eggs.
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00:05:44,795 --> 00:05:47,212
But they're not born
with this knowledge,
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00:05:47,222 --> 00:05:50,131
And must learn this
behavior from their mothers.
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00:05:50,142 --> 00:05:58,148
♪
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The young bear picks up some
kelp to sate his hunger,
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As he probably
watched his mother do.
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00:06:04,615 --> 00:06:14,414
♪
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♪
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00:06:21,748 --> 00:06:24,424
He has to be careful...
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Because he's not alone.
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These willow patches
along the shore
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Are hotspots for adult males.
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♪
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Adult males are cannibals.
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00:06:39,608 --> 00:06:44,936
They're known to
prey on juvenile bears.
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00:06:44,947 --> 00:06:47,447
Bears from hundreds of
miles away
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Have converged on the area.
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♪
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During the winter,
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About 4,300 polar
bears spread out
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00:07:04,624 --> 00:07:08,042
Across the vast
ice of hudson bay.
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00:07:08,053 --> 00:07:10,295
But during the
summer and fall,
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00:07:10,305 --> 00:07:14,716
About 1,000 cram into this
relatively small area
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00:07:14,726 --> 00:07:18,052
In western hudson bay...
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00:07:18,063 --> 00:07:24,151
Averaging almost eight bears
per square mile.
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00:07:24,227 --> 00:07:26,820
It's an extremely
tight arrangement that's
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Especially difficult
for juvenile bears.
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00:07:33,745 --> 00:07:37,080
It's the first time the
young male has interacted
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00:07:37,157 --> 00:07:40,500
With the much larger
adults in the willow patch.
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00:07:40,627 --> 00:07:52,512
♪
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00:07:52,681 --> 00:07:57,175
Polar bears have
distinct personalities.
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00:07:57,186 --> 00:07:59,677
One might be more timid...
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00:07:59,688 --> 00:08:02,355
While another is outgoing.
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00:08:02,432 --> 00:08:06,610
Some may be moody...
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00:08:06,686 --> 00:08:09,687
While others
are more playful.
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00:08:09,698 --> 00:08:12,690
And they form complex
relationships with each other.
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♪
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Play is a vital part
of polar bear life...
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00:08:20,209 --> 00:08:24,961
Especially for the males.
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00:08:25,038 --> 00:08:27,622
Among this unique
group of bears,
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00:08:27,633 --> 00:08:30,217
Who come together
here every summer,
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It creates bonds that
can last a lifetime.
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♪
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♪
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00:08:53,367 --> 00:09:05,835
♪
120
00:09:05,912 --> 00:09:09,839
Bears can play for hours.
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00:09:09,916 --> 00:09:13,176
But this friendly skirmish
is over before midday.
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♪
123
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The bears have wasted enough
precious energy and
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00:09:20,677 --> 00:09:24,429
Settle down for a nap.
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00:09:24,439 --> 00:09:26,439
During these lean months,
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00:09:26,516 --> 00:09:30,268
They have to conserve
their strength.
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00:09:30,279 --> 00:09:33,187
With no seals to eat,
bears can lose up to
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00:09:33,198 --> 00:09:36,190
Two pounds of
body weight every day.
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00:09:36,201 --> 00:09:39,703
♪
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00:09:39,779 --> 00:09:43,039
In the summer, the bears
in western hudson bay are
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00:09:43,116 --> 00:09:49,045
Unable to hunt seals for
about 150 days each year.
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00:09:49,122 --> 00:09:53,633
If that threshold is pushed by
just thirty more ice-free days,
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00:09:53,760 --> 00:09:59,797
Up to fifty percent of young
bears could die of starvation.
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00:09:59,808 --> 00:10:02,475
The western hudson bay
population has dropped
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Nearly a quarter,
from 1,200 to 900 bears
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00:10:06,723 --> 00:10:10,808
In the last three decades.
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00:10:10,819 --> 00:10:16,740
Mothers and their nursing
young are hit the hardest.
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00:10:16,816 --> 00:10:19,826
Two thirds of
litters are twins.
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00:10:19,903 --> 00:10:24,322
And protecting two cubs at
once is a very tough task.
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00:10:24,333 --> 00:10:29,077
♪
141
00:10:29,087 --> 00:10:30,837
This mother has done an
impressive job
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00:10:30,914 --> 00:10:35,750
Keeping both her cubs alive.
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00:10:35,761 --> 00:10:38,419
But she's exhausted.
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00:10:38,430 --> 00:10:44,092
♪
145
00:10:44,102 --> 00:10:46,436
For the first
three or four months,
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00:10:46,513 --> 00:10:50,273
Her cubs nursed up
to six times a day.
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00:10:50,350 --> 00:10:52,108
Now,
almost a year old,
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00:10:52,185 --> 00:10:55,278
She nurses them less regularly.
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00:10:55,355 --> 00:10:59,524
♪
150
00:10:59,534 --> 00:11:01,451
It's been over four months
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00:11:01,528 --> 00:11:05,705
Since mum's eaten a fatty seal.
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00:11:05,832 --> 00:11:08,708
The nutrition in
her milk is depleted.
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00:11:08,877 --> 00:11:13,037
♪
154
00:11:13,048 --> 00:11:16,383
The cubs' scruffy appearance
is a sign that they are
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00:11:16,459 --> 00:11:18,543
Spending too much
time on land
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00:11:18,553 --> 00:11:20,970
Waiting for the ice to come.
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00:11:27,887 --> 00:11:31,055
The mother would
normally keep them clean.
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00:11:31,066 --> 00:11:33,141
But along these
muddy shores,
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00:11:33,151 --> 00:11:36,444
It's a near-impossible task.
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00:11:49,251 --> 00:11:51,167
A year ago,
the young male
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00:11:51,244 --> 00:11:55,329
Had his mother to protect him.
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00:11:55,340 --> 00:12:00,260
Alone, he could
be in danger.
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00:12:00,336 --> 00:12:03,087
Even at 550 pounds,
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00:12:03,098 --> 00:12:07,175
He's still not too big for
the adult males to kill him.
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00:12:07,185 --> 00:12:18,352
♪
166
00:12:18,363 --> 00:12:21,030
The average life expectancy
of these bears is about
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00:12:21,107 --> 00:12:24,784
18 years, though some
live even longer.
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00:12:24,995 --> 00:12:34,794
♪
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00:12:34,871 --> 00:12:44,888
♪
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00:12:44,890 --> 00:12:52,479
♪
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They sleep in the willow
brush with the supreme
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Confidence of an
apex predator.
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00:12:58,144 --> 00:13:08,236
♪
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00:13:08,246 --> 00:13:10,997
The young bear warily
lays down among them,
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00:13:11,074 --> 00:13:13,416
Keeping an eye out...
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00:13:13,493 --> 00:13:17,837
♪
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00:13:18,048 --> 00:13:20,581
But he's chosen a
dangerous neighbor.
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00:13:20,592 --> 00:13:25,845
♪
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00:13:26,056 --> 00:13:29,257
The much bigger
male approaches him.
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00:13:29,267 --> 00:13:34,020
♪
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00:13:34,097 --> 00:13:39,433
He hangs his huge head low
and hisses and snorts...
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00:13:39,444 --> 00:13:43,521
Clear signs of aggression
to the young bear.
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00:13:43,532 --> 00:13:52,539
♪
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00:13:52,615 --> 00:13:55,625
Polar bears tend to
avoid confrontation,
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00:13:55,702 --> 00:13:58,962
But adult males are
notoriously volatile.
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00:13:59,038 --> 00:14:03,883
♪
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00:14:04,010 --> 00:14:05,960
The situation for this juvenile
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00:14:05,971 --> 00:14:10,965
Could suddenly turn deadly.
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00:14:10,976 --> 00:14:13,226
He retreats...
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00:14:13,303 --> 00:14:15,687
To where the big
male can't follow.
191
00:14:19,025 --> 00:14:21,058
Onto thin ice.
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00:14:21,069 --> 00:14:27,740
♪
193
00:14:27,817 --> 00:14:30,994
It's been so warm,
even shallow lakes and ponds
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00:14:31,070 --> 00:14:33,237
Are barely frozen over.
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00:14:33,248 --> 00:14:41,329
♪
196
00:14:41,339 --> 00:14:44,332
He's already an
expert ice walker,
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00:14:44,342 --> 00:14:47,927
With huge paws,
up to 12 inches across.
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00:14:48,054 --> 00:14:53,758
♪
199
00:14:53,768 --> 00:14:56,352
His black footpads
are covered with small,
200
00:14:56,429 --> 00:15:02,609
Soft bumps that grip the ice
and keep him from slipping.
201
00:15:02,685 --> 00:15:06,279
Tufts of fur between his
toes and long claws
202
00:15:06,356 --> 00:15:11,951
Also help him with traction.
203
00:15:12,162 --> 00:15:14,954
Spreading his legs,
the young bear attempts to
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00:15:15,165 --> 00:15:17,957
Distribute his
weight more evenly.
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00:15:18,084 --> 00:15:28,793
♪
206
00:15:28,803 --> 00:15:30,711
He tests the ice,
207
00:15:30,722 --> 00:15:33,640
Something he probably
learned from his mother.
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00:15:33,716 --> 00:15:43,724
♪
209
00:15:43,735 --> 00:15:53,785
♪
210
00:15:53,787 --> 00:16:03,744
♪
211
00:16:03,755 --> 00:16:12,512
♪
212
00:16:12,588 --> 00:16:18,259
The big male
decides not to follow.
213
00:16:18,269 --> 00:16:23,180
This late in the year,
conserving energy is crucial.
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00:16:23,191 --> 00:16:25,358
Just walking expends
215
00:16:25,435 --> 00:16:28,194
13 times more energy
than resting.
216
00:16:32,701 --> 00:16:36,494
Instead, he dedicates some
time to personal grooming.
217
00:16:43,378 --> 00:16:48,122
Polar bears take extremely
good care of their coats.
218
00:16:48,133 --> 00:16:50,299
Matted, dirty,
and wet fur
219
00:16:50,376 --> 00:16:52,343
Is a poor insulator.
220
00:17:02,397 --> 00:17:05,732
The prickly willows are a
natural hairbrush and
221
00:17:05,808 --> 00:17:07,817
After some
determined scrubbing,
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00:17:07,894 --> 00:17:10,394
He's good as new.
223
00:17:10,405 --> 00:17:20,413
♪
224
00:17:20,490 --> 00:17:30,164
♪
225
00:17:30,175 --> 00:17:36,095
This mother and her cub
have been walking all day.
226
00:17:36,264 --> 00:17:37,847
As most litters are twins,
227
00:17:37,924 --> 00:17:41,342
She likely had another
cub that died -
228
00:17:41,352 --> 00:17:44,353
Possibly killed
by an adult male bear,
229
00:17:44,430 --> 00:17:47,765
Or through starvation,
or even by wolves.
230
00:17:47,776 --> 00:17:52,195
♪
231
00:17:52,271 --> 00:17:55,198
Almost half of the cubs in
western hudson bay
232
00:17:55,274 --> 00:17:57,691
Don't survive their
first summer.
233
00:17:57,702 --> 00:18:02,121
♪
234
00:18:02,248 --> 00:18:05,208
Now this mother and cub are
looking for something to eat
235
00:18:05,284 --> 00:18:08,127
And for a safe
place to rest.
236
00:18:08,254 --> 00:18:16,552
♪
237
00:18:16,629 --> 00:18:19,722
She approaches the
willow patch with caution.
238
00:18:19,799 --> 00:18:25,302
♪
239
00:18:25,313 --> 00:18:28,147
She carefully weighs
her options -
240
00:18:28,224 --> 00:18:31,984
A potential resting place
versus dangerous males.
241
00:18:32,061 --> 00:18:42,820
♪
242
00:18:42,831 --> 00:18:46,916
Her cub doesn't understand the
seriousness of the situation.
243
00:18:46,993 --> 00:18:51,587
She's busy imitating mum.
244
00:18:51,664 --> 00:18:55,591
Balancing on two legs is
still a bit of a challenge.
245
00:18:55,668 --> 00:19:00,847
♪
246
00:19:00,923 --> 00:19:05,017
Cubs in hudson bay spend about
two years with their mothers,
247
00:19:05,094 --> 00:19:07,344
Who pass on
knowledge for survival,
248
00:19:07,355 --> 00:19:10,273
Both on and off the ice.
249
00:19:14,353 --> 00:19:18,364
Polar bears have
exceptional memories.
250
00:19:18,441 --> 00:19:20,941
They can recall landmarks in
places that are
251
00:19:20,952 --> 00:19:25,613
Under snow and ice
half the year.
252
00:19:25,623 --> 00:19:29,033
Anything the mother teaches
will be critical for the cub
253
00:19:29,043 --> 00:19:31,169
Once she is on her own.
254
00:19:36,709 --> 00:19:42,463
As the mother's attention
is focused on the males...
255
00:19:42,473 --> 00:19:45,466
Danger approaches
from behind.
256
00:19:45,476 --> 00:19:50,888
♪
257
00:19:50,899 --> 00:19:54,650
A lone timber wolf has been
tracking the two bears all day.
258
00:20:00,399 --> 00:20:05,069
She's trailed them
through the willows...
259
00:20:05,079 --> 00:20:07,905
Perhaps hoping the mother
might be too exhausted
260
00:20:07,916 --> 00:20:09,990
To defend her cub.
261
00:20:10,001 --> 00:20:17,089
♪
262
00:20:17,166 --> 00:20:21,260
She would never be able
to overpower the mother.
263
00:20:21,387 --> 00:20:24,838
But she could outsmart her
with stealth and cunning,
264
00:20:24,849 --> 00:20:30,603
And kill the cub.
265
00:20:30,680 --> 00:20:34,515
Sneaking by, she seems
to weigh her chances.
266
00:20:34,525 --> 00:20:44,533
♪
267
00:20:44,610 --> 00:20:54,368
♪
268
00:20:54,379 --> 00:20:57,255
But any aspirations
are futile...
269
00:20:59,968 --> 00:21:05,629
Both mother and cub
are healthy and alert.
270
00:21:05,640 --> 00:21:08,549
Clearly not threatened,
the mother gives her
271
00:21:08,559 --> 00:21:10,601
But a passing glance.
272
00:21:23,157 --> 00:21:26,701
Finally, they can
settle in for a nap.
273
00:21:34,752 --> 00:21:37,920
The wolf moves on,
looking for easier prey.
274
00:21:45,847 --> 00:21:50,174
Wolves are opportunists,
hunting alone or together,
275
00:21:50,184 --> 00:21:53,177
To kill any prey
they encounter.
276
00:21:53,187 --> 00:21:56,022
Even though they're
considered highly intelligent,
277
00:21:56,098 --> 00:21:59,516
They still sometimes go
days without success.
278
00:21:59,527 --> 00:22:03,687
♪
279
00:22:03,698 --> 00:22:06,523
As winter approaches,
the wolves are in a race
280
00:22:06,534 --> 00:22:09,201
Against time to build
up fat reserves.
281
00:22:09,278 --> 00:22:15,374
♪
282
00:22:15,501 --> 00:22:17,534
Blizzards will soon cover
everything here in a
283
00:22:17,545 --> 00:22:20,963
Deep blanket of snow,
making hunting difficult.
284
00:22:21,040 --> 00:22:31,048
♪
285
00:22:31,059 --> 00:22:41,108
♪
286
00:22:41,110 --> 00:22:51,068
♪
287
00:22:51,079 --> 00:23:02,830
♪
288
00:23:02,840 --> 00:23:05,758
The lone wolf will have much
better odds focusing on the
289
00:23:05,835 --> 00:23:08,919
Muskrats living in
this marshy pond.
290
00:23:08,930 --> 00:23:12,932
♪
291
00:23:13,008 --> 00:23:15,843
Muskrats normally live in
groups consisting of a male,
292
00:23:15,853 --> 00:23:20,689
A female and their young,
up to eight in each litter.
293
00:23:20,766 --> 00:23:27,446
♪
294
00:23:27,573 --> 00:23:30,199
Their carefully constructed
lodges are made of mud and
295
00:23:30,276 --> 00:23:37,781
Vegetation, and can be up
to 3 feet high.
296
00:23:37,792 --> 00:23:40,117
Their entrances
are under water,
297
00:23:40,128 --> 00:23:42,044
So land predators
can't get in
298
00:23:42,121 --> 00:23:46,215
When the marsh is fully frozen.
299
00:23:46,292 --> 00:23:48,968
Now, the muskrats take
advantage of the
300
00:23:49,044 --> 00:23:51,470
Prolonged warmth and
partially open water
301
00:23:51,639 --> 00:23:53,806
By doing some home renovations.
302
00:23:53,883 --> 00:23:59,303
♪
303
00:23:59,313 --> 00:24:02,481
Staying downwind,
the wolf sneaks up
304
00:24:02,608 --> 00:24:05,309
To pounce on the
unsuspecting rodent.
305
00:24:05,319 --> 00:24:15,494
♪
306
00:24:15,580 --> 00:24:27,080
♪
307
00:24:29,919 --> 00:24:31,594
A muskrat can stay underwater
308
00:24:31,670 --> 00:24:34,346
For up to 15 minutes...
309
00:24:34,423 --> 00:24:36,757
And with multiple push-ups
and holes in the ice
310
00:24:36,767 --> 00:24:40,519
To choose from, the wolf
has no way of knowing
311
00:24:40,646 --> 00:24:45,357
Where or when it
will surface again.
312
00:24:45,434 --> 00:24:48,110
Today has not been her day.
313
00:24:48,187 --> 00:24:58,195
♪
314
00:24:58,206 --> 00:25:11,208
♪
315
00:25:11,219 --> 00:25:24,355
(howling)
316
00:25:30,396 --> 00:25:34,398
But tonight,
her pack hunts again.
317
00:25:34,408 --> 00:25:48,587
(barking & yipping)
318
00:25:48,756 --> 00:25:59,423
♪
319
00:25:59,433 --> 00:26:04,761
Morning reveals the mauled
remains of their kill...
320
00:26:04,772 --> 00:26:10,851
A moose,
and there's little left.
321
00:26:10,861 --> 00:26:15,856
Wolves can eat up to 20 pounds
of meat in a single meal.
322
00:26:15,866 --> 00:26:18,275
This female moose is small,
323
00:26:18,286 --> 00:26:22,362
And weighed about 330 pounds.
324
00:26:22,373 --> 00:26:25,624
The pack must
have been ravenous.
325
00:26:25,701 --> 00:26:39,138
♪
326
00:26:39,214 --> 00:26:44,810
The mother polar bear
wakes from her slumber.
327
00:26:44,887 --> 00:26:51,150
Her sensitive nose has
caught a dangerous scent.
328
00:26:51,226 --> 00:26:55,395
This time, she immediately
knows it's serious.
329
00:26:55,406 --> 00:26:58,482
♪
330
00:26:58,492 --> 00:27:00,400
She and her cub
need to leave...
331
00:27:00,411 --> 00:27:02,661
Now.
332
00:27:02,830 --> 00:27:13,672
♪
333
00:27:13,799 --> 00:27:17,334
A big male is
interested in the duo.
334
00:27:17,345 --> 00:27:25,684
♪
335
00:27:25,811 --> 00:27:27,686
Heading out onto
the tidal flats,
336
00:27:27,897 --> 00:27:29,688
The mother aims to
put some distance
337
00:27:29,857 --> 00:27:32,691
Between them and the male.
338
00:27:32,818 --> 00:27:42,701
♪
339
00:27:42,870 --> 00:27:51,043
♪
340
00:27:51,120 --> 00:27:55,122
She shields her
cub behind her body.
341
00:27:55,132 --> 00:27:58,375
To the male, her body
language is clear:
342
00:27:58,386 --> 00:28:05,057
"if you want my cub, you'll
have to go through me."
343
00:28:05,134 --> 00:28:09,803
The male appears undecided.
344
00:28:09,814 --> 00:28:16,059
He examines the place where the
pair was resting more closely.
345
00:28:16,070 --> 00:28:18,478
He sniffs and
rolls in the spot,
346
00:28:18,489 --> 00:28:22,825
Saturating himself in the
scent of the female and her cub.
347
00:28:22,901 --> 00:28:31,417
♪
348
00:28:31,493 --> 00:28:34,336
The mother watches
his every action,
349
00:28:34,413 --> 00:28:37,423
Trying to anticipate
his next move.
350
00:28:37,499 --> 00:28:43,846
♪
351
00:29:08,956 --> 00:29:12,791
Suddenly, the male
goes into pursuit.
352
00:29:12,960 --> 00:29:15,627
♪
353
00:29:15,704 --> 00:29:18,380
Mother and cub panic.
354
00:29:18,457 --> 00:29:21,800
And the race is on.
355
00:29:22,011 --> 00:29:25,045
It is a battle of
stamina and determination.
356
00:29:25,055 --> 00:29:27,881
His hunger pitted
against her resolve
357
00:29:27,892 --> 00:29:30,467
To keep her cub alive.
358
00:29:30,478 --> 00:29:38,650
♪
359
00:29:38,727 --> 00:29:42,821
The chase continues all day
across the muddy tidal flats.
360
00:29:42,990 --> 00:29:48,318
♪
361
00:29:48,329 --> 00:29:51,238
Survival comes down
to one thing:
362
00:29:51,248 --> 00:29:53,990
How long her cub can run.
363
00:29:54,001 --> 00:30:01,173
♪
364
00:30:01,250 --> 00:30:04,167
The male's in no hurry.
365
00:30:04,178 --> 00:30:06,261
He's bigger, stronger,
366
00:30:06,338 --> 00:30:08,922
And he should be able
to outrun them.
367
00:30:08,933 --> 00:30:13,176
♪
368
00:30:13,187 --> 00:30:15,679
The mother
refuses to give up,
369
00:30:15,689 --> 00:30:18,607
And her cub seems to
share her tenacity.
370
00:30:18,684 --> 00:30:25,864
♪
371
00:30:25,941 --> 00:30:29,025
By evening,
the male falls back.
372
00:30:29,036 --> 00:30:34,039
♪
373
00:30:34,116 --> 00:30:37,626
Whatever swayed
his decision...
374
00:30:37,703 --> 00:30:40,879
Mother and cub are safe...
375
00:30:40,956 --> 00:30:42,956
For now.
376
00:30:42,967 --> 00:30:52,975
♪
377
00:30:59,975 --> 00:31:03,318
A "supermoon" looms large.
378
00:31:03,395 --> 00:31:06,396
It's when the full moon
orbits closest to the earth.
379
00:31:06,407 --> 00:31:11,985
♪
380
00:31:11,996 --> 00:31:16,239
It hasn't been this close
in almost seventy years,
381
00:31:16,250 --> 00:31:21,753
Resulting in higher
than normal tides.
382
00:31:21,830 --> 00:31:26,750
The ocean is in upheaval...
383
00:31:26,760 --> 00:31:29,085
And it's still not freezing.
384
00:31:29,096 --> 00:31:39,104
♪
385
00:31:39,181 --> 00:31:50,949
♪
386
00:31:51,118 --> 00:31:52,951
The following morning,
the young male from
387
00:31:53,028 --> 00:31:56,705
The willow thicket seems
wary and restless.
388
00:31:56,782 --> 00:32:10,126
♪
389
00:32:10,137 --> 00:32:13,129
Last year, when the
sea didn't freeze,
390
00:32:13,140 --> 00:32:16,308
His mother most likely took
him along the coastline...
391
00:32:16,385 --> 00:32:19,636
Further north,
where they finally found ice,
392
00:32:19,647 --> 00:32:23,056
And could venture out to
hunt seals on hudson bay.
393
00:32:23,067 --> 00:32:31,648
♪
394
00:32:31,659 --> 00:32:34,567
Now,
he sets off on his own,
395
00:32:34,578 --> 00:32:37,496
With only his memory
to guide him.
396
00:32:37,572 --> 00:32:44,169
♪
397
00:32:47,132 --> 00:32:51,176
♪
398
00:32:51,253 --> 00:32:54,170
While the bears wait
for the ice to arrive,
399
00:32:54,181 --> 00:32:57,516
And the lean times to end...
400
00:32:57,592 --> 00:33:00,427
This red fox has
had a banner summer,
401
00:33:00,437 --> 00:33:05,515
Gorging on lemmings,
eggs, and young birds.
402
00:33:05,526 --> 00:33:08,026
But in the coming
brutally cold winter,
403
00:33:08,237 --> 00:33:11,354
Most of his prey
migrates, hibernates,
404
00:33:11,365 --> 00:33:15,283
Or is blanketed in snow.
405
00:33:15,360 --> 00:33:20,372
In preparation, he's stashing
supplies everywhere.
406
00:33:20,449 --> 00:33:23,041
Burying food in
numerous holes,
407
00:33:23,168 --> 00:33:28,046
2-4 inches deep,
to last all winter.
408
00:33:28,215 --> 00:33:30,048
If another animal
finds a cache,
409
00:33:30,259 --> 00:33:33,209
At least he won't
lose his entire supply.
410
00:33:33,220 --> 00:33:39,474
♪
411
00:33:39,551 --> 00:33:42,385
There's a lemming
colony nearby.
412
00:33:42,396 --> 00:33:46,064
It's hard to catch
what he can't see.
413
00:33:46,191 --> 00:33:49,067
But the fox,
unlike most mammals,
414
00:33:49,194 --> 00:33:52,729
Can hear low-frequency
sounds extremely well.
415
00:33:52,740 --> 00:33:56,316
♪
416
00:33:56,326 --> 00:34:00,162
He listens intently, and
picks up on tiny noises,
417
00:34:00,238 --> 00:34:02,572
Including lemmings
scampering three feet
418
00:34:02,583 --> 00:34:05,083
Under earth and snow.
419
00:34:05,252 --> 00:34:15,093
♪
420
00:34:15,304 --> 00:34:24,519
♪
421
00:34:24,596 --> 00:34:28,932
But today, the lemmings
elude their adversary.
422
00:34:28,942 --> 00:34:32,569
♪
423
00:34:37,284 --> 00:34:51,955
♪
424
00:34:51,965 --> 00:34:54,374
After escaping
the male pursuer,
425
00:34:54,384 --> 00:34:58,136
The mother bear relaxes
and cleans her fur.
426
00:34:58,263 --> 00:35:04,309
♪
427
00:35:04,386 --> 00:35:07,303
Her young cub
mimics her every move;
428
00:35:07,314 --> 00:35:09,815
It's a critical lesson.
429
00:35:09,891 --> 00:35:12,725
♪
430
00:35:12,736 --> 00:35:15,153
A clean coat is vital to
keeping warm
431
00:35:15,322 --> 00:35:17,730
In the winter months.
432
00:35:17,741 --> 00:35:23,987
♪
433
00:35:23,997 --> 00:35:27,165
But for the young cub,
it's mostly fun.
434
00:35:27,292 --> 00:35:37,175
♪
435
00:35:37,344 --> 00:35:46,434
♪
436
00:35:46,511 --> 00:35:50,263
A blizzard zeroes in
on western hudson bay.
437
00:35:50,274 --> 00:35:53,016
♪
438
00:35:53,026 --> 00:35:56,361
Winter conditions are
finally on the way.
439
00:35:56,438 --> 00:36:07,947
♪
440
00:36:07,958 --> 00:36:11,784
On his long journey north,
the young male seeks shelter.
441
00:36:11,795 --> 00:36:21,803
♪
442
00:36:21,880 --> 00:36:31,897
♪
443
00:36:31,899 --> 00:36:41,823
♪
444
00:36:41,900 --> 00:36:51,249
♪
445
00:36:51,326 --> 00:36:55,253
He digs a bed in
the lee of a ridge.
446
00:36:55,330 --> 00:36:57,589
Any snow piling up
on top of him
447
00:36:57,666 --> 00:37:03,503
Provides an insulating blanket.
448
00:37:03,513 --> 00:37:06,005
He could stay here for days,
449
00:37:06,016 --> 00:37:09,592
Snoozing right through
the worst of storms.
450
00:37:09,603 --> 00:37:18,276
♪
451
00:37:18,445 --> 00:37:20,520
But this blizzard
passes quickly...
452
00:37:20,530 --> 00:37:22,405
Too quickly.
453
00:37:29,498 --> 00:37:30,956
The temperature still
doesn't fall enough
454
00:37:31,032 --> 00:37:35,126
To begin freezing hudson bay.
455
00:37:35,203 --> 00:37:38,046
No ice means no seal hunt.
456
00:37:42,970 --> 00:37:57,315
♪
457
00:38:05,150 --> 00:38:07,492
Against the ticking
clock of starvation,
458
00:38:07,569 --> 00:38:11,788
The young bear
continues on his quest.
459
00:38:14,993 --> 00:38:21,464
♪
460
00:38:25,512 --> 00:38:27,670
While polar bears spend the
majority of their life
461
00:38:27,681 --> 00:38:33,426
On the move, ruffed grouse
don't venture far from home.
462
00:38:33,437 --> 00:38:36,187
Summer or winter,
they spend their lives
463
00:38:36,264 --> 00:38:42,110
Within just a few acres.
464
00:38:42,187 --> 00:38:44,696
While the bears go hungry,
these birds take
465
00:38:44,773 --> 00:38:51,778
Full advantage of the
late arrival of winter.
466
00:38:51,788 --> 00:38:54,122
Dense stands of
young willow,
467
00:38:54,199 --> 00:39:00,712
Alder and poplar are
a grouse's favorite.
468
00:39:00,789 --> 00:39:04,382
Their buds are its
staple winter food.
469
00:39:04,509 --> 00:39:09,054
♪
470
00:39:09,130 --> 00:39:11,222
This grouse got lucky:
471
00:39:11,299 --> 00:39:14,392
It's found some
leftover cranberries.
472
00:39:14,519 --> 00:39:22,817
♪
473
00:39:22,894 --> 00:39:25,153
When it comes to
winter adaptations,
474
00:39:25,230 --> 00:39:29,649
It's tough to beat
the ruffed grouse.
475
00:39:29,659 --> 00:39:32,735
Fleshy projections grow on
the sides of their toes
476
00:39:32,746 --> 00:39:37,156
In the fall,
like natural snowshoes...
477
00:39:37,167 --> 00:39:40,877
Giving the grouse a
firm grip on icy branches.
478
00:39:45,550 --> 00:39:48,593
They can easily
withstand the bitter cold.
479
00:39:53,258 --> 00:39:57,260
Puffing up their feathers,
they sit almost motionless -
480
00:39:57,270 --> 00:40:02,598
Unseen to predators.
481
00:40:02,609 --> 00:40:04,692
When the weather
gets too severe,
482
00:40:04,769 --> 00:40:07,028
They burrow in the snow,
and can wait out
483
00:40:07,105 --> 00:40:10,240
The entire winter in
this cozy huddle.
484
00:40:24,539 --> 00:40:27,707
Early December, as the
days become shorter,
485
00:40:27,717 --> 00:40:31,210
The temperature
finally starts to drop.
486
00:40:31,221 --> 00:40:39,477
♪
487
00:40:39,604 --> 00:40:43,148
The ocean water
begins to freeze...
488
00:40:43,224 --> 00:40:46,809
Forming small needle-like
ice crystals called "frazil."
489
00:40:46,820 --> 00:40:50,730
♪
490
00:40:50,740 --> 00:40:52,565
These crystals are tiny,
491
00:40:52,576 --> 00:40:55,493
Only an eighth
to a quarter inch.
492
00:40:55,662 --> 00:40:58,571
But when they accumulate
in the thousands at the surface,
493
00:40:58,582 --> 00:41:02,667
They have the power
to turn the ocean into ice.
494
00:41:02,744 --> 00:41:13,669
♪
495
00:41:13,680 --> 00:41:16,923
This morning, the incoming
waves are transformed
496
00:41:16,933 --> 00:41:19,675
Into what's called grease ice.
497
00:41:19,686 --> 00:41:25,523
♪
498
00:41:25,734 --> 00:41:29,944
The ocean is roiling
as if fighting itself.
499
00:41:30,021 --> 00:41:40,029
♪
500
00:41:40,040 --> 00:41:50,089
♪
501
00:41:50,091 --> 00:42:01,384
♪
502
00:42:01,394 --> 00:42:03,561
Out in the rougher waters,
503
00:42:03,638 --> 00:42:08,307
Grease ice can't fuse into
a continuous blanket.
504
00:42:08,318 --> 00:42:13,655
This slush forms
circular disks.
505
00:42:13,731 --> 00:42:17,742
The first pancake ice of
the season rides the surf.
506
00:42:17,819 --> 00:42:21,404
♪
507
00:42:21,414 --> 00:42:24,582
In smaller inlets,
grease and pancake ice
508
00:42:24,793 --> 00:42:27,335
Near the shore begin to
consolidate and
509
00:42:27,412 --> 00:42:32,999
Bond into larger sheets.
510
00:42:33,009 --> 00:42:35,167
If the temperature
continues to drop,
511
00:42:35,178 --> 00:42:40,265
It will be only days now until
western hudson bay freezes.
512
00:42:46,356 --> 00:42:53,686
♪
513
00:42:53,697 --> 00:42:55,280
For the mother
with two cubs,
514
00:42:55,356 --> 00:42:59,442
It won't come a
moment too soon.
515
00:42:59,452 --> 00:43:03,112
She's grown more gaunt
with each passing day.
516
00:43:03,123 --> 00:43:09,794
Even through her thick coat,
her hip bones jut out.
517
00:43:09,871 --> 00:43:12,046
The family has taken
advantage of
518
00:43:12,123 --> 00:43:14,206
The freshly fallen snow,
519
00:43:14,217 --> 00:43:19,712
And the cubs have
cleaned up nicely.
520
00:43:19,848 --> 00:43:23,466
As they grow,
they become more independent.
521
00:43:23,476 --> 00:43:26,894
♪
522
00:43:26,971 --> 00:43:29,480
Each has a mind of its own,
523
00:43:29,557 --> 00:43:36,738
And their distinct personalities
are beginning to show.
524
00:43:36,814 --> 00:43:40,658
While one is more cautious,
sticking close to mum...
525
00:43:40,869 --> 00:43:43,661
The other walks ahead,
undeterred.
526
00:43:43,872 --> 00:43:58,259
♪
527
00:43:58,336 --> 00:44:00,836
Mom remains on
constant watch,
528
00:44:00,847 --> 00:44:04,015
And eventually convinces
her adventurous youngster
529
00:44:04,092 --> 00:44:07,101
To rejoin her for protection.
530
00:44:07,178 --> 00:44:15,693
♪
531
00:44:15,820 --> 00:44:19,280
Five months have passed since
the family tasted seal meat.
532
00:44:19,357 --> 00:44:27,029
♪
533
00:44:27,040 --> 00:44:31,209
Their mother's
milk is depleted.
534
00:44:31,285 --> 00:44:35,797
Their need for nutrition is now
a matter of life and death.
535
00:44:35,873 --> 00:44:45,881
♪
536
00:44:45,892 --> 00:44:53,564
♪
537
00:44:53,641 --> 00:44:58,894
She leads them to
the rocky shore.
538
00:44:58,905 --> 00:45:01,572
They'd much prefer
seal over seaweed,
539
00:45:01,649 --> 00:45:04,909
But they don't
have a choice.
540
00:45:04,986 --> 00:45:16,996
♪
541
00:45:17,006 --> 00:45:18,998
With a longer
ice-free period,
542
00:45:19,008 --> 00:45:22,093
The sight of one of the
world's fiercest predators
543
00:45:22,170 --> 00:45:25,596
Grazing on seaweed is
becoming more common.
544
00:45:25,673 --> 00:45:34,856
♪
545
00:45:35,024 --> 00:45:36,932
If the climate
trend continues,
546
00:45:36,943 --> 00:45:39,861
These young polar bears
will have to do much more
547
00:45:39,937 --> 00:45:42,780
Foraging than
their mother ever did.
548
00:45:42,857 --> 00:45:52,206
♪
549
00:45:52,283 --> 00:45:55,451
Finally, the
temperature plummets.
550
00:45:55,503 --> 00:46:06,304
♪
551
00:46:06,380 --> 00:46:11,467
Overnight, the sea locks
into a solid sheet of ice.
552
00:46:11,478 --> 00:46:21,486
♪
553
00:46:21,562 --> 00:46:31,987
♪
554
00:46:31,998 --> 00:46:35,324
The freeze-up is
about three weeks late.
555
00:46:35,335 --> 00:46:42,006
♪
556
00:46:42,083 --> 00:46:47,002
The young male made the
right decision to walk north.
557
00:46:47,180 --> 00:46:49,931
His gamble has paid off.
558
00:46:50,007 --> 00:46:56,854
♪
559
00:46:57,065 --> 00:47:01,183
Soon, the seals will be
returning with the ice.
560
00:47:01,194 --> 00:47:04,862
He's made it through
his first summer alone.
561
00:47:05,031 --> 00:47:09,942
♪
562
00:47:09,953 --> 00:47:11,360
Now,
he ventures out on
563
00:47:11,371 --> 00:47:16,123
The start of a new
phase of life...
564
00:47:16,200 --> 00:47:21,379
His first winter alone,
hunting seals...
565
00:47:21,455 --> 00:47:24,715
On the frozen expanse
of hudson bay.
566
00:47:24,792 --> 00:47:34,717
♪
567
00:47:34,727 --> 00:47:44,902
♪
568
00:47:44,988 --> 00:47:55,872
♪
44808
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