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0:00:04 > 0:00:06- A land of extremes.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11- Where fire and ice clash.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18- Ancient mountains - give way to lush forests.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23- A forgotten wilderness.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26- Dazzling in its diversity.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30- Seasons of darkness - and perpetual light...
0:00:31 > 0:00:34- ..reveal life - thriving against all odds.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- Surviving a battle - against the elements and each other.
0:01:14 > 0:01:19- In the remote north of Scandinavia - lies a vast treeless wilderness.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- The Arctic tundra.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29- The temperature - rarely rises above freezing.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34- Very little grows.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- For a short period, - the surface thaws...
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- ..revealing - a carpet of moss and grass.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48- It is a harsh - and unforgiving landscape.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03- Perhaps surprisingly, - there's life here.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05- Major life.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- Musk oxen.
0:02:15 > 0:02:20- Their thick, shaggy coats protect - them from the extreme climate.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- They are at home on the tundra.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- It is autumn their mating season.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- Males, each weighing - as much as 400 kilos...
0:02:49 > 0:02:54- ..charge each other - at speeds of 40 kilometres an hour.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- Females wait - to see who will emerge victorious.
0:03:18 > 0:03:24- Between jousts, the males - strut and posture like toreadors...
0:03:24 > 0:03:26- ..in a ritual to intimidate.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- A thick pad - at the base of their horns...
0:03:37 > 0:03:39- ..protects them - from the worst ruts.
0:03:44 > 0:03:49- Sizing each other up, they get into - position for yet another charge.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12- They may go 20 rounds - before one of them retreats.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26- The loser is exiled.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- He's lost the battle - but not the war.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- Next year, the males must fight - for the females all over again.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51- Scandinavia - is made up of five countries...
0:04:51 > 0:04:56- ..encompassing an extreme range of - climates in the northern hemisphere.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- It is home to - a diverse array of animals...
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- ..uniquely adapted to survive - in this ice-scarred region.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16- The only visitors - to the this treeless expanse...
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- ..are herds of reindeer.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28- They cannot survive winter here...
0:05:28 > 0:05:33- ..so every autumn they migrate south - to the shelter of the forests.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40- It's a busy time for breeding males.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- The rutting period and migration...
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- ..happen concurrently.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- For more than three weeks, - the males do nothing...
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- ..but fight and mate - while keeping on the move.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17- They live entirely - off their fat reserves.
0:06:17 > 0:06:22- The herds travel - as much as 50 kilometres every day.
0:06:28 > 0:06:33- They must leave before extreme - conditions slam the door shut.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- Winter closes in fast.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41- Temperatures plunge, often - reaching minus 40 degrees Celsius.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44- Deep snow covers the land...
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- ..and the sun disappears - below the horizon for two months.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- The only respite - from the winter darkness...
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- ..is this celestial spectacle - - the Aurora Borealis.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- To the south of the tundra - lies a belt of forest...
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- ..covering thousands - of square kilometres...
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- ..which extends - through Norway, Sweden and Finland.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- This forest - is part of an even larger belt...
0:07:46 > 0:07:51- ..extending across the continents - of Eurasia and North America.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- This is the largest - expanse of forest in the world.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- By March, the days are longer...
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- ..but the temperatures - are still well below freezing.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- The red fox - is on a constant search for food.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28- The sea eagle's usual food - is buried under the ice.
0:08:29 > 0:08:35- Sea eagles rarely venture into - the forest, but times are hard.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- With its strength - and sharp talons...
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- ..it could easily catch a fox.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- But on the ground, - the fox has the advantage.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03- So it can risk - stealing a scrap of food.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- Its audacity pays off.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23- Scandinavian elk are the largest - member of the deer family.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- They search for food in the snow...
0:09:27 > 0:09:30- ..but with no greenery - to be found...
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- ..they're forced to eat - bark and twigs.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- They must consume - up to 20 kilos a day to survive.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- Elk are the favourite prey - of bears and wolves.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- In these drifts, elk can't run fast.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56- But they can fight back.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- Males can weigh up to 700 kilos.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- A kick from such a large creature - would inflict serious injury.
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0:10:22 > 0:10:27- Despite the freezing conditions, - ravens take time out to play.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- These large, intelligent birds...
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- ..shadow the forest's - most adept predators...
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- ..to make sure - they get regular meals.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41- They rely on grey wolves.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- This elk - has not survived the winter.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- The pack moves off, - leaving the youngest on guard.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- The ravens move in.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- They can strip a carcass bare.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- The young wolf - does his best to see them off.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22- The scene - has also attracted the attention...
0:11:22 > 0:11:27- ..of another of the forest's - predators - the big brown bear.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- Bears that emerge early - from hibernation are starving.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40- They will sniff out a carcass from - more than three kilometres away.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- He approaches with caution.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04- With the pack nearby, he grabs - what he can and swiftly retreats.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- Wolves and bears have competed - for millennia in these rich forests.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20- A full-grown male brown bear - can weigh over 300 kilos...
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- ..more than four times that - of an adult wolf.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30- But wolves have two advantages - - agility and mutual understanding.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- Their teamwork - forces the bear to drop his food.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- The wolves - have won the battle and the food.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- Even though - the land is still frozen...
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- ..this is - the breeding season for some.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- Whooper swans have arrived.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- It's possible - they spent the winter...
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- ..in central or eastern Russia, - thousands of miles away.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- These swans mate for life...
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- ..and return to the same place - to raise their brood.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- This noisy display - lays claim to their patch...
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- ..and serves as a warning - for others to stay away.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- Good territory is hard to come by.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03- Another pair has moved in.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13- The head down display is a - warning and a challenge to a duel.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- Whoopers are among - the largest of the world's swans.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45- Their vicious battles could easily - result in a broken neck or wing.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- The female is standing by.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- She joins in the fight.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02- The intruders are driven away...
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- ..and the territory holders - claim ownership.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- The deep snows of winter work - to the advantage of forest voles.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39- Tunnelling allows them to move - around, out of sight of predators.
0:15:42 > 0:15:48- But nothing is invisible to such a - gifted hunter as the great grey owl.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- It has developed - the perfect weapon.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- The discs on the front of its face - work like a sonar detector...
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- ..amplifying the faintest of sounds.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- It can hear a vole - moving under half a metre of snow.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10- Turning its head to the sound...
0:16:11 > 0:16:15- ..it knows to the nearest inch - where its prey is hiding.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- Owls' wings are completely silent.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36- The little vole - has no idea of its impending doom.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59- As spring advances...
0:16:59 > 0:17:03- ..there's one sound that - all the forest dwellers can hear.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10- The male capercaillie.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- It's mating season for them.
0:17:15 > 0:17:21- Weighing up to seven kilos, these - males are almost as big as turkeys.
0:17:21 > 0:17:26- Their characteristic call - resounds through the entire forest.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- To other males, it's a battle cry.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- As the males square up, - an audience congregates.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- Less colourful - and smaller in size...
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- ..the females - are shopping for a mate.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- The largest contenders challenge - and fight the dominant male.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- Their battles - can be bloody, even fatal.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51- When it's over, - females crouch and wait to be mated.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- The loser - is lucky to escape unscathed.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18- The winner claims his prize.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- Further south - the climate is much milder.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- The deciduous forests of Denmark...
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- ..support a very different - cast of characters.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05- The red deer is the protagonist.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- There are no wolves or bears here.
0:20:13 > 0:20:18- Man once hunted the deer - close to extinction.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20- Now they are protected.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- They are here in their thousands.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- During spring and summer...
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- ..the antlers the males shed - in winter grow back.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35- The antlers are made of bone...
0:20:35 > 0:20:39- ..and covered with - a thin layer of skin like velvet.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50- They grow as much as - three centimetres every day.
0:20:55 > 0:21:00- Size determines - the pecking order among stags.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02- When autumn comes...
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- ..antlers will be their - main weapon in winning females.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- They must fight - for the right to mate.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16- As spring progresses...
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- ..the ice and snow - of the northern forest zone melts.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25- The layer of permafrost beneath - prevents water draining away...
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- ..and the area - becomes a vast wetland.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35- Finland alone - is home to 200,000 lakes.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- These are rich in food...
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- ..and a prime location - for a variety of nesting birds.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- A haunting call - echoes through the morning mist.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54- Red-throated divers.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- They've flown inland - from the coast...
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- ..to take advantage - of the lake's bounty, and to nest.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- Their plaintive wail - serves as a mating call...
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- ..and helps them claim territory.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- Courtship is elegant. - A synchronized swim.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- Intruders aren't welcome.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- Even in - this bountiful environment...
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- ..it's worth fighting - for the best territory.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42- Victory is celebrated in style.
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0:23:55 > 0:23:55- Subtitles
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0:24:01 > 0:24:05- Birds aren't the only ones - to enjoy this season of plenty...
0:24:05 > 0:24:07- ..in the Scandinavian wetlands.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11- Lakes are - an important feeding ground for elk.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- Despite their bulk - they are agile swimmers.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29- They can take their pick - of succulent aquatic plants.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37- This male's antlers - have just started growing.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40- By autumn, - they'll be nearly two meters across.
0:24:46 > 0:24:51- Growing antlers - demands a huge supply of minerals.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55- To meet it, the elk eats - not five portions of greens a day...
0:24:55 > 0:24:57- ..but 20 kilos.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08- The wolves have noticed - the influx of water birds.
0:25:12 > 0:25:17- Two of them are lurking - in the lakeside vegetation...
0:25:17 > 0:25:19- ..eyeing the new arrivals.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46- The young wolf - is merely curious about the birds...
0:25:46 > 0:25:50- ..but its elder - seizes a perfect opportunity.
0:26:04 > 0:26:09- The duck - will satisfy his hunger for a while.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- During the summer months, - the tundra thaws.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- Melting snow swells the rivers.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45- Fresh vegetation...
0:26:46 > 0:26:52- ..is a signal for the musk oxen - to descend to the valleys...
0:26:52 > 0:26:55- ..to feast on wild flowers - and young shoots.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- They will gain weight quickly.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07- After the long, hard winter, - life is a little more leisurely.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55- The rutting period - is a distant memory...
0:27:55 > 0:27:59- ..and the males - are more tolerant of each other.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06- But the temptation - is too strong for some.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42- On the tundra, - the season of calm is a short one.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50- Is there peace? - Not in the depths of the forest.
0:29:00 > 0:29:05- For once, the hungry brown bear - thinks of something besides food.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12- This is their mating season.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20- The large males - don't hesitate at all.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24- They fight to hold on to territory - and win a female.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29- Standing two meters tall, - armed with sharp teeth and claws...
0:29:29 > 0:29:33- ..bears can be - cruel and vicious warriors.
0:29:38 > 0:29:43- But these fierce fights - are mostly about intimidation.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46- They rarely end in bloodshed.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51- The female awaits the outcome.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03- The loser exits, - giving the victor carte blanche...
0:30:03 > 0:30:05- ..to pursue the female.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25- For bears, - courtship requires perseverance.
0:30:43 > 0:30:48- Females are only on heat - every three to four years.
0:30:48 > 0:30:53- And both will mate with - more than one partner in a season.
0:31:21 > 0:31:26- What appears to be scratching - is in fact scent marking.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28- He's showing who's boss.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- But the exertion has taken its toll.
0:31:33 > 0:31:38- He'll need a long sleep before - he's ready for any more activity.
0:32:12 > 0:32:17- Late summer, and the landscape - basks in the heat.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33- The bull elk's antlers - have reached maturity...
0:32:33 > 0:32:36- ..and he's shedding the velvet.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39- Blood attracts a swarm of flies.
0:32:51 > 0:32:56- With a width of almost two metres - and a weight of 30 kilos...
0:32:56 > 0:33:00- ..the antlers are now as wide - as a man's outstretched arms.
0:33:09 > 0:33:14- This impressive spread - shows that he's in his prime...
0:33:14 > 0:33:17- ..and less likely - to be a target for predators.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21- These noble horns - indicate that he's ready to mate.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45- On the edge of the forest...
0:33:45 > 0:33:50- ..squawking ravens alert the - wolf pack to a feeding opportunity.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56- This time, it's the wolves - that follow the ravens to the food.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10- The birds' warm welcome...
0:34:11 > 0:34:14- ..has attracted - a big turn-out to the feast.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20- The wolves' old rival, the bear, - is also moving in.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34- The pack approaches with caution.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03- The bear - has beaten the wolves to the prize.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11- A solitary wolf - is no match for a bear...
0:35:11 > 0:35:14- ..but he decides to risk it.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31- They exercise caution.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54- The commotion attracts more wolves.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59- This is dangerous, and the bear - tries to escape with his portion.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15- Another bear appears.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27- But it is only a temporary alliance.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30- The wolves are lifelong friends.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49- The well-drilled pack - outwit the enemy at every turn.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59- Once again, the bear loses his meal.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04- The second bear vanishes too.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13- Since the bear - hasn't acquired any meat at all...
0:37:13 > 0:37:18- ..he must satisfy his hunger - with plants, nuts and insects.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25- Meat is not essential but - it is the best way to grow quickly.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30- With summer almost over, - time is of the essence.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40- If the bear fails to gain enough - weight in the next few weeks...
0:37:41 > 0:37:43- ..he will not survive the winter.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54- It's now autumn.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02- The bull elk's antlers - are completely free of velvet.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13- Female elk are in season.
0:38:19 > 0:38:25- Solitary males only congregate - at this time of year.
0:38:28 > 0:38:34- The females are on heat for just - three days over the coming weeks.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42- Younger, subordinate males - are no match for the bull...
0:38:43 > 0:38:45- ..and they keep their distance.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52- His whole year - has been leading up to this moment.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00- Mating is brief.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04- The male has to lift - his 500-kilo bulk onto the female.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15- The rest can only look on with envy.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23- Better luck next year, lads!
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0:39:33 > 0:39:33- Subtitles
0:39:33 > 0:39:35- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:39:35 > 0:39:40- In Denmark's forests, the red deer - must fight to retain its territory.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48- Its bellow is a war cry and - also a way of attracting females.
0:39:53 > 0:39:58- A stag that bellows the loudest and - most frequent gets the entire harem.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12- He'll challenge any rival male - who dares to approach.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30- They compare antlers, and - if they have to, they will fight.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50- During combat - he must leave his harem...
0:40:51 > 0:40:53- ..but still keep watch - at the same time.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58- If he is - to hold on to his females...
0:40:58 > 0:41:03- ..he must respond to every - challenge and win every battle.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07- Battles can last - for up to six weeks...
0:41:07 > 0:41:09- ..until he wins the day.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20- By the end of October, - autumn is turning to winter.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27- The first snow arrives.
0:41:49 > 0:41:54- The brown bear has delayed - hibernation as long as possible.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58- Food has been scarce this year.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06- He must find one big meal - before his winter sleep.
0:42:31 > 0:42:35- Food in the forest is scarce - but the hungry bear is in luck.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38- An elk carcass.
0:42:38 > 0:42:43- The big, heavy bear - tests the frozen lake.
0:42:53 > 0:42:58- He's aware that he might yet again - lose his meal to sly wolves.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11- He's not alone.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14- It's not a wolf pack - but a wolverine.
0:43:14 > 0:43:18- He hesitates to take on the bear.
0:43:28 > 0:43:33- The bear drags his prize - to the safety of the shore...
0:43:33 > 0:43:37- ..hoping he won't lose it - in the lake's icy water.
0:43:47 > 0:43:51- Unlike bears, wolverines - don't have to hibernate in winter.
0:43:52 > 0:43:54- It's in no rush.
0:44:17 > 0:44:21- This time, the bear can enjoy - his meal without interruption.
0:44:22 > 0:44:24- The wolverine may return...
0:44:24 > 0:44:28- ..for the rest of the carcass - once the bear has finished.
0:45:16 > 0:45:19- Now he's full, it's time to sleep...
0:45:19 > 0:45:22- ..until spring rouses him again.
0:46:16 > 0:46:20- Another year has passed...
0:46:20 > 0:46:23- ..and once again - winter grips the land.
0:46:23 > 0:46:26- Animals - have had to learn to survive...
0:46:27 > 0:46:29- ..in this mysterious - and hostile landscape.
0:46:32 > 0:46:36- Some, like the bear, - escape in sleep...
0:46:36 > 0:46:40- ..while others search for shelter - or migrate to warmer climes.
0:46:45 > 0:46:48- One animal, however, - stands its ground through it all.
0:47:01 > 0:47:04- With temperatures - well below freezing...
0:47:04 > 0:47:10- ..musk oxen face the most formidable - opponent of all the Arctic winter.
0:47:13 > 0:47:17- Their battle of endurance - will last more than six months.
0:47:17 > 0:47:22- But musk oxen - have adapted well to the cold.
0:47:26 > 0:47:31- They have been residents in the icy - north for more than 40,000 years...
0:47:31 > 0:47:35- ..and once shared this realm - with woolly mammoths.
0:47:37 > 0:47:41- In this never-ending fight - for survival...
0:47:42 > 0:47:44- ..they're holding on to life.
0:47:56 > 0:47:58- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:47:58 > 0:47:59- .