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0:00:04 > 0:00:07- A world of extremes...
0:00:07 > 0:00:10- ..where fire...
0:00:10 > 0:00:12- ..battles with ice.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15- Giants of the mountains...
0:00:15 > 0:00:18- ..yield to verdant forests.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21- A forgotten wilderness.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26- Multi-coloured and diverse.
0:00:26 > 0:00:28- Seasons of darkness...
0:00:28 > 0:00:30- ..and eternal light.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36- The heart of life, in spite - of everything and everyone...
0:00:37 > 0:00:39- ..beats continuously.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42- In a brutal world...
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- ..fledglings - must master confidence in haste.
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0:01:10 > 0:01:16- For months, the cold winter has - held Scandinavia in its clutches.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- Only the howling wind...
0:01:19 > 0:01:21- ..is free to move.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26- Eventually...
0:01:26 > 0:01:29- ..slowly but surely...
0:01:29 > 0:01:32- ..it loosens its grip.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34- The days become longer...
0:01:35 > 0:01:37- ..and the weather milder.
0:01:38 > 0:01:39- The landscape awakens.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- The world reveals - its timeless, youthful wonders.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- The summer - doesn't hang around in the north.
0:02:03 > 0:02:08- For dozens of offspring, the race - for survival is just beginning.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28- Deep in the forests - of northern Finland...
0:02:28 > 0:02:33- ..a female brown bear - rediscovers her old territory.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41- She has been anything but lazy - during the winter months.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46- She has given birth - to three bear cubs.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57- All kinds of new plants have grown.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01- Mother bear - is keen to educate her young pupils.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- What delicacies - does the forest have to offer?
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- Having survived on her body's - fat stores during hibernation...
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- ..it's vital she restocks - the pantry with delicious fare...
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- ..on offer in these - fertile forests.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- Despite their reputation - for being notorious predators...
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- ..bears eat - both vegetables and meat.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33- Plants make up 90% of their diet.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37- But lessons - in food and nutrition are boring.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- The cubs - are more interested in playtime.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10- But if the forest...
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- ..resembles one huge adventure park - for the children...
0:04:15 > 0:04:18- ..for their mother, - it's a place filled with danger.
0:04:19 > 0:04:24- Lurking in the shadows is another - bear eyeing up the young family.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35- Adult bears roam alone.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- But with almost 1,000 - roaming in these forests...
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- ..it's always likely - their paths will meet.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47- Like lions, male bears - may kill unfamiliar bear cubs...
0:04:47 > 0:04:52- ..so that they may impregnate the - mother and transfer their genes...
0:04:52 > 0:04:54- ..from one generation to another.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- For the young cubs, - the spree is over.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- Mam knows - the sheer extent of the danger.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- The male might possibly be - the cubs' father...
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- ..but if he's not, with - the young only a few months old...
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- ..their short lives - might soon be over.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55- The winter recedes quickly...
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- ..to reveal Scandinavia's - magical diversity in all its glory.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17- Five countries, one area...
0:06:17 > 0:06:21- ..extending over the territories - of the northern hemisphere.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26- The ice is contained - in the Arctic Circle.
0:06:27 > 0:06:32- But closer south, the warmer climate - has transformed the landscape.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- New vegetation has flourished.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- But time is of the essence.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57- Soon the ice will return.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- Every creature and plant...
0:07:02 > 0:07:07- ..must capitalize - on the rare opportunity...
0:07:08 > 0:07:12- ..to hatch and pollinate, - to rear and foster...
0:07:12 > 0:07:15- ..in this short fertile period.
0:07:53 > 0:07:58- Even Iceland - had shed its winter cloak.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05- If the landscape bears the scars - of history and splits the rocks...
0:08:15 > 0:08:20- ..and if the coast - is far from welcoming...
0:08:21 > 0:08:27- ..this place provides shelter - for a mother and her young cubs.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- A litter of 10 - looks like hard work...
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- ..but this is standard - for the Arctic fox.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- There is no guarantee of survival.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48- Having a populated nest...
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- ..means that at least some of them - will see another day dawn.
0:08:54 > 0:08:55- At three days old...
0:08:56 > 0:09:00- ..these cubs are - completely reliant on their mother.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- They must wait three weeks - before leaving the lair.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- Though it's springtime, - the temperature never rises...
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- ..above 10 degrees Celsius.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- But in the comfort - of their hideaway...
0:09:13 > 0:09:17- ..the young foxes - may conserve their energy.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- In a fox's world, - raising offspring is a joint effort.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- While Mam comforts...
0:09:25 > 0:09:28- ..it's Dad's duty - to forage for food.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- But Dad left days ago...
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- ..and there's been - no sign of him since.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- If he doesn't appear soon...
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- ..Mam will be forced - to hunt for food.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- After all, without food, she - cannot provide milk for her young.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- Without milk, - they'll surely die of starvation.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- Even in - the greenest forests of Finland...
0:10:19 > 0:10:21- ..life is full of uncertainty.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- Mother bear - and her three young cubs...
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- ..are about to come face to face - with a mortal danger.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- A male bear is dangerously close.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- Mother bear tries her best - to distance herself from the enemy.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- Fights between bears are vicious...
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- ..but a mother will fight - to the death to protect her cubs.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- Somehow she must make sure - that the male bear...
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- ..isn't a threat to her offspring.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16- It's possible she would've mated - with several males last year.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- If he thinks he's the father - of the young bears...
0:11:21 > 0:11:23- ..he'll keep his distance.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- Things bode well.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- It's quite possible - that this male was her mate...
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- ..and the father of her cubs.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47- He has - no intention of attacking them.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53- He's merely looking for food - and some peace and quiet.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- One final warning - and her mind is put at rest.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- There's no threat this time.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- But for the cubs, - this brush with danger...
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- ..is a bitter foretaste - of the challenges ahead.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- They'll be in their mother's care - for another three years.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- They will - serve their apprenticeship...
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- ..and learn the art - of living in the big forest.
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0:12:45 > 0:12:49- 2,500km to the west of Finland...
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- ..lies - the largest island in the world.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- 80% of Greenland's surface area...
0:12:57 > 0:13:01- ..is covered by - an ice sheet all year round.
0:13:01 > 0:13:06- Greenland's ice sheet - is millions of years old.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- It moves eternally.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- It's a harsh and desolate kingdom.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- However, - the land isn't completely barren.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37- Wildlife exists here.
0:13:37 > 0:13:42- These rugged rocks provide a - summer retreat for feisty visitors.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- Having spent winter - off the Scottish coast...
0:13:45 > 0:13:49- ..where the climate - is mild compared to Greenland...
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- ..barnacle geese - have returned to Arctic shores.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- They nest vigilantly...
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- ..in summer dwellings - in the rocks.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03- Many return to exactly - the same spot year after year.
0:14:03 > 0:14:09- At first glance, rearing offspring - on a ledge with a 50-foot drop...
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- ..appears very strange.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- The reason for this - will soon reveal itself.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- The smallest move - attracts the guardians' attention.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22- These new parents guard the nest...
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- ..in which there are five chicks.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- Visitors are not welcome.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44- From their lofty position, - the geese can fool hungry foxes.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- Here, they are safe from harm.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53- But they're also a long way - from the food they need...
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- ..in the freshwater pools below.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- It isn't customary for barnacle - geese to bring food to their young.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- Instead, - they lead their chicks to the food.
0:15:05 > 0:15:10- Though the offspring - are merely hours old...
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- ..with no concept of flying...
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- ..they only have one option.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- They must jump.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23- But not until the path is clear.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- It's a frightening descent - for the chicks...
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- ..but it's a one-off.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- They won't return - until they're adults.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41- While the coast is clear, - the chicks follow their parents.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- They wait their turn...
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- ..and venture downwards.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- The descent is undignified...
0:15:50 > 0:15:55- ..though their frail bodies - and feathered jackets rescue them.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- But the third little chick - wasn't paying enough attention.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- The nosy neighbours have noticed.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49- It's game over for the little one.
0:16:49 > 0:16:54- The rest of the family seek out - a safe place from which to jump.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03- Of the five chicks that left the - nest, only four have made it so far.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08- The chicks - must work hard from now on...
0:17:09 > 0:17:11- ..as their growth period - is so short.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- The autumn, with its migration - and long distances...
0:17:17 > 0:17:19- ..is already on the horizon.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22- In less than seven weeks...
0:17:22 > 0:17:27- ..these chicks will grow to be - the same size as their parents...
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- ..and ready to fly 2,500km - back to the coast of Scotland.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- Back in Iceland, - in their seaside lair...
0:17:49 > 0:17:55- ..10 cubs are still - feeding from their exhausted mother.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- A week has gone by - with no sign of her mate.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- She must look after herself - as well as her offspring...
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- ..with no-one to help her.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08- She has no choice now...
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- ..but to leave her litter - and go in search of food.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14- Food to provide energy - to produce milk.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- It'll be easy enough - to follow her tracks...
0:18:20 > 0:18:22- ..over the next few days...
0:18:22 > 0:18:26- ..since her fur - indicates the route she's taken.
0:18:26 > 0:18:33- Of all the world's mammals, Arctic - foxes have the warmest winter coats.
0:18:33 > 0:18:38- They're a perquisite - for surviving temperatures...
0:18:38 > 0:18:41- ..that plummet as low - as minus 50 degrees Celsius.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- But as the temperature rises, - the thick coat becomes a nuisance.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- The summer coat is better.
0:18:51 > 0:18:57- It's darker and weighs less, making - it easier to hide in the vegetation.
0:18:57 > 0:19:02- In Iceland, - seabirds are a fox's standard prey.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07- But birds are rare - in this vixen's territory.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- On the beach, - the great tide has been generous.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- It's provided the perfect fare - among the pebbles.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19- The fish will keep - the vixen and her cubs alive.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27- But her feasting it cut short.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- She senses a stranger - loitering on her territory.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- It's best she returns to her nest.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- There's more food available - in the northernmost parts of Sweden.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- Woodland dominates - half the country.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- Its 95,000 lakes...
0:20:24 > 0:20:26- ..paint the landscape - blue and green.
0:20:28 > 0:20:34- This wild terrain sustains a - large population of European elk.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- More than 400,000 - inhabit this territory.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- They are solitary animals.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- They roam free - over these vast expanses...
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- ..and only come together - to find a mate...
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- ..and procreate.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- The females - that conceived during autumn...
0:21:04 > 0:21:06- ..are ready to birth their young.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- As they prepare - for their new-borns...
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- ..they search for remote areas - that are quiet and safe...
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- ..to welcome - their young into the world.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- Tenderly, this mother...
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- ..encourages her foal - to take its first steps.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- By eating the afterbirth, - she's making sure...
0:22:14 > 0:22:19- ..there's no smell left behind - that could attract predators.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- She's given birth to twins...
0:22:28 > 0:22:32- ..which is testament to her - fertile and bountiful environment.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47- In the season of plenty...
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- ..Scandinavia's forests come alive.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13- Perched on the lofty branches, - three great grey owls have hatched.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18- These owls - don't build their own nests.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- They prefer lodging - in the empty nests of others.
0:23:23 > 0:23:24- Mam keeps guard...
0:23:25 > 0:23:27- ..while Dad goes hunting.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31- When he returns with his bounty...
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- ..there's an enthusiastic - yet silent welcome.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- One chick - hatched a day later than the rest.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41- It is smaller and weaker.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44- It needs feeding - more than the others.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- The mother - does her best to help it...
0:23:57 > 0:24:00- ..but its big brother - has stolen its share.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04- There's no consolation prize...
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- ..or wooden spoon in this instance.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- The next few days will be critical.
0:24:20 > 0:24:25- This chick will have to fight hard - to stay alive.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- While the owls stay - in these forests all year round...
0:24:36 > 0:24:40- ..it is a temporary environment - for many other birds.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44- The goldeneye duck.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- Like the great grey owl...
0:24:47 > 0:24:52- ..this mother takes advantage - of another's hard work.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55- This nest was once home - to a woodpecker.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- As it lives far from the ground, - it keeps its chicks...
0:25:01 > 0:25:04- ..out of the reach - of predatory birds and bears.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08- It's a safe haven - for the next few months...
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- ..until it's time - for the chicks to hatch.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16- For the moment, she must kill time - and wait patiently.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37- As the season passes - and the days lengthen...
0:25:37 > 0:25:39- ..the forests thrive.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25- Two of - the great grey owl's chicks...
0:26:25 > 0:26:27- ..are growing well.
0:26:27 > 0:26:33- But the weakest chick couldn't - compete with its big brothers.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37- They demanded - more and more each day.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42- Their parents continue to hunt.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14- She feeds the largest chick first.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- The other - must patiently wait its turn.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- The summer is the season of plenty.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41- Everyone is treated - to a sumptuous feast.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04- Deep in the shadows, - the elk twins...
0:28:04 > 0:28:06- ..are now a fortnight old.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15- They've mastered the art - of standing still.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23- In five months' time, they - will give up their mother's milk...
0:28:23 > 0:28:26- ..but until then, - she will keep them safe.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28- The fat in her milk...
0:28:29 > 0:28:32- ..allows them - to gain weight quickly.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36- They won't stray - too far from her for a year.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45- After that, she will - send them out by themselves...
0:28:45 > 0:28:49- ..because it'll be time - for her to rear a new family.
0:28:58 > 0:28:59- .
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0:29:05 > 0:29:11- By mid-summer, there are - almost 24 hours of daylight.
0:29:11 > 0:29:16- Plenty of time to feed - and stockpile food ready for winter.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25- These three bear cubs - are enjoying the daylight.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50- They must gain twice their - bodyweight before winter arrives.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56- The vegetation, in addition - to their mother's milk...
0:29:56 > 0:29:58- ..keep them sated.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- On the banks of the lake, - a female brown bear...
0:30:20 > 0:30:23- ..reaches the end - of her maternal duties.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29- These twins have celebrated - their third birthday...
0:30:29 > 0:30:32- ..and are more than ready - to live independently.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41- Their mother is more than ready - to search for a new mate.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47- But the cubs are reluctant to leave.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51- They prefer to stay home - and have fun in the swimming pool.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04- As the twins play in the water...
0:31:05 > 0:31:08- ..Mam has already spotted - a potential partner.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23- She's playing hard-to-get.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26- Instant attraction just won't do.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38- She succumbs to his advances.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54- Now the deed's been done...
0:31:54 > 0:31:59- ..the male assumes he will be - the father of the next litter.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05- But minutes later...
0:32:06 > 0:32:08- ..another male comes to say hello.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14- One or two small greetings...
0:32:14 > 0:32:16- ..some whispering in the ear...
0:32:16 > 0:32:20- ..and the brown bear - welcomes another mate.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34- She freely accepts his advances.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40- There's a good reason - why she's so willing to succumb...
0:32:40 > 0:32:42- ..and so keen to mate.
0:32:42 > 0:32:47- If a male thinks - he is the father of the offspring...
0:32:47 > 0:32:50- ..it's far more likely - that he won't harm them.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53- It pays to be friends with everyone.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56- The bear's day is far from over.
0:33:06 > 0:33:11- A quick visit to the bushes and - she finds her third mate of the day.
0:33:11 > 0:33:16- It's been a busy day for her - on the banks of the quiet lake.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46- Back in the safety - of the forest in Finland...
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- ..the goldeneye ducks - have surfaced at last.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58- After 30 days, - all the eggs have hatched.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03- The busy nest - is full of new-born chicks.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10- Mam is never far away.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18- While she tidies the nest...
0:34:19 > 0:34:24- ..she consumes the nutritious - lime content in the eggshell.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29- The mother is about to set - her chicks their first challenge.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46- Though they are - merely a few hours old...
0:34:46 > 0:34:50- ..they know instinctively - to follow her everywhere.
0:35:13 > 0:35:14- Instinct kicks in.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17- It's part of the great plan.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26- She's no careless mother.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29- Like the barnacle geese...
0:35:29 > 0:35:33- ..the female must teach her chicks - to forage for food.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45- But the nest isn't completely empty.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49- Yet again, no-one hangs around...
0:35:49 > 0:35:52- ..for the little one to catch up.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00- It plucks up the courage to try.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18- It defies expectation...
0:36:19 > 0:36:21- ..and catches up - with the rest of the family.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36- This is a great adventure - for the new-born ducks.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45- Their first time to swim.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51- And their first time to hunt.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55- To satisfy their desire - for pond flies and vegetation...
0:36:55 > 0:36:59- ..foraging and diving - comes naturally to them.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14- It's summer in the foxes' domain.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18- The vixen is barely recognisable.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21- She has shed - almost all of her warm, white coat.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24- Her mate never returned...
0:37:24 > 0:37:27- ..so she must tirelessly - forage for food.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38- Now five weeks old...
0:37:38 > 0:37:42- ..her cubs have nuzzled their way - out of the lair.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00- Of the 10, only six have survived.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08- They've grown strong and healthy - but each of them is starving.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13- The older they are, the louder - their cry for milk and meat.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16- They must grow quickly.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20- When autumn comes, - they must leave their mother...
0:38:20 > 0:38:23- ..to face the biting chill - of the Arctic all by herself.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41- To complicate matters further...
0:38:41 > 0:38:45- ..the stray fox is snooping around - her territory, watching every move.
0:38:52 > 0:38:57- Without a mate to protect her, the - mother is trying to scare the foe...
0:38:58 > 0:39:01- ..by warning him - not to come any closer.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15- The brave display is enough for now.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19- But her young need feeding.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21- She must go hunting.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34- She leaves her vulnerable lair.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42- The stray seizes the opportunity.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52- The cubs retreat to their lair.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07- But instinct alone - isn't enough to save them.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12- SNARLING /SQUEALING
0:40:31 > 0:40:35- When their mother returns, - no-one is there to greet her.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38- After the din, there is silence.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42- A heavy silence - and the smell of death.
0:40:47 > 0:40:52- Rarely is a young cub killed - in the world of Arctic foxes.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57- The killer's nearby.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01- Perhaps he was trying - to abolish the competition for food.
0:41:02 > 0:41:08- Or perhaps he wanted to single out - the vixen as a mate for next year.
0:41:21 > 0:41:21- .
0:41:22 > 0:41:22- Subtitles
0:41:22 > 0:41:24- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:41:30 > 0:41:35- September arrives with - its shorter days and longer nights.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40- It's autumn.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51- The race for survival - is almost over.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57- A few more weeks - and the bitterly cold winter...
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- ..will once again - grip this land in its clutches.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12- The musk ox is one of Scandinavia's - prehistoric giants.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15- They make the most - of the autumn harvest.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51- This year's calves - haven't yet experienced...
0:42:52 > 0:42:56- ..Scandinavia's harshest weapon - - its biting winter.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00- Before it approaches, - Scandinavia reveals one last secret.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08- The season of mushrooms, of which - Norway has a wide variety...
0:43:09 > 0:43:11- ..of every colour and description.
0:43:28 > 0:43:33- The landscape is transformed into - a rich tapestry of fungi shoots.
0:44:05 > 0:44:10- The musk ox - stockpile enough food for winter.
0:44:10 > 0:44:13- As they head back - to the mountains...
0:44:13 > 0:44:16- ..they face winter...
0:44:16 > 0:44:19- ..at its most extreme.
0:44:22 > 0:44:25- With their warm coats - and full stomachs...
0:44:26 > 0:44:28- ..they're ready for the challenge.
0:44:42 > 0:44:46- For every creature, the final days - of autumn are crucial.
0:44:56 > 0:45:00- Preparation is key to survive - the forthcoming harsh winter.
0:45:01 > 0:45:05- Those that suspect they will not - be able to endure that hardship...
0:45:05 > 0:45:08- ..know that autumn - is the time to leave.
0:45:13 > 0:45:17- Things have quietened down - in the forests.
0:45:33 > 0:45:38- The brown bear - prepares for hibernation.
0:45:38 > 0:45:42- This mother and her - three offspring feast on a dead elk.
0:45:49 > 0:45:53- A Thanksgiving meal and - a final opportunity to stockpile...
0:45:53 > 0:45:55- ..before the extreme weather.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00- But there's competition - for the feast.
0:46:02 > 0:46:06- At this time of year, - nothing whatsoever is wasted.
0:46:23 > 0:46:28- This year, the three bear cubs - will share a den with each other...
0:46:28 > 0:46:32- ..but without their mother - for the first time ever.
0:46:35 > 0:46:38- This is their final supper - as a family.
0:46:42 > 0:46:46- Their mother hopes - that her young students...
0:46:46 > 0:46:48- ..have learnt all the survival tips.
0:46:49 > 0:46:53- The winter will be the test, - the examination and the challenge.
0:47:02 > 0:47:06- The young creatures have thrived - on the summer's offerings...
0:47:06 > 0:47:10- ..and prepared diligently - for the long winter ahead.
0:47:12 > 0:47:15- Some will sleep through it all.
0:47:16 > 0:47:18- Others will remain awake.
0:47:21 > 0:47:26- Each one will persevere - until the onset of spring.
0:47:26 > 0:47:29- Through it all, - the wheel is still turning.
0:47:48 > 0:47:50- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:47:50 > 0:47:50- .