0:00:00 > 0:00:00- 888
0:00:04 > 0:00:08- I'm on a journey through Russia, - the world's largest country.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12- I went from the Caucasus Mountains - in the west...
0:00:12 > 0:00:16- ..through Siberia to Lake Baikal.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20- I have reached eastern Russia - and the Kamchatka Peninsula.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24- This is Petropavlovsk.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27- It may not be picturesque - but it's the gateway...
0:00:27 > 0:00:32- ..to one of world's most remote - and most beautiful places.
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0:00:57 > 0:01:01- Kamchatka - the land of volcanoes.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- A land frozen in ice - and scorched by fire.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09- It's home to some giants - of the world's wildlife.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- There are also countless - natural wonders to be found here.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33- Russia is huge.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36- It covers an eighth - of the world's land area...
0:01:37 > 0:01:41- ..and there are eleven time zones - across the country.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45- Russia extends over 40% of Europe - and the whole of northern Asia.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50- Kamchatka Peninsula - lies at Russia's eastern tip.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- It stretches out to sea - for over 800 miles.
0:02:03 > 0:02:08- The Russian government hid Kamchatka - from the world for 50 years.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- No-one, including Russians, - were allowed to travel there.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- The Russian army - controlled Kamchatka...
0:02:16 > 0:02:21- ..because the enemy's land in Alaska - and Japan was just across the water.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- Kamchatka was reopened - to the world in 1990.
0:02:24 > 0:02:30- Before I explore the land, - I'll sail around its coastline.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- In addition to tens of thousands - of aquatic birds...
0:02:35 > 0:02:37- ..a bird of prey nests on that rock.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- The Steller's sea eagle.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44- The Steller's sea eagle - has adapted to feed on fish.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- It eats dead animals - but it also eats aquatic birds.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52- This is the perfect home for it...
0:02:52 > 0:02:57- ..because there are - thousands of seagulls beneath it.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- Food is scarce - for this huge eagle in winter.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20- Lake Kurilskoye, the largest lake - on Kamchatka, rarely freezes over...
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- ..making it an ideal gathering place - for these birds of prey.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- They come here hoping to catch fish.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46- It's January.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- The salmon have - laid their eggs and died.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- Their dead bodies - are a feast for the eagles.
0:03:58 > 0:04:04- As they eat, they stay alert in case - another eagle steals their food.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- These powerful birds, - which weigh 18 pounds each...
0:04:13 > 0:04:18- ..must battle for every morsel - if they are to survive the winter.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- There's fierce competition - for the food.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26- The eagles' sharp beaks and claws - make them fearsome hunters.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36- Kamchatka has hard winters.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40- Snow falls on the peninsula daily...
0:04:40 > 0:04:44- ..making life hard - for the Steller's sea eagle.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48- It must survive in temperatures of - minus 30 degrees Celsius.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- The harsh weather conditions - last for eight months of the year.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59- Other sea eagles - head south for the winter...
0:04:59 > 0:05:03- ..but the Steller's sea eagle - stays in Kamchatka.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07- Despite the cold, - they mate in a fierce, unique way.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- The red fox is another animal - which can withstand the cold.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24- Rather than hibernate, the red fox - grows a thick coat to keep it warm.
0:05:26 > 0:05:32- Winter may be a bleak and quiet time - for other Kamchatka creatures...
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- ..this is the best time - for a fox to find a mate.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- Here, the male welcomes the female - on to his territory.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11- They must find a shelter - for the winter.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19- They don't leave this beautiful - piece of land immediately.
0:06:35 > 0:06:40- The mating calls of the male - black-billed capercaillie...
0:06:40 > 0:06:42- ..fills the morning air.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50- The black-billed capercaillie's - performance starts at daybreak.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55- It will continue to parade like this - until the first female arrives.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- Its calls have attracted - some unwanted attention.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- For Kamchatka residents, - these calls signify one thing.
0:07:18 > 0:07:19- Spring is on its way.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- As the sun grows stronger, - life awakens in Kamchatka.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- The snow melts, - the rivers flow once again...
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- ..and plants begin to emerge.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- The first signs of spring...
0:07:56 > 0:08:01- ..means one of the giants of - Kamchatka emerges after hibernation.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- Within days, 10,000 brown bears - will appear across Kamchatka.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- Having slept for six months - in their warm dens...
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- ..the hungry bears - will eat anything.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24- Kamchatka Brown Bears are among the - largest grizzly bears in the world.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- Fortunately for the weasel, - the bear isn't interested in him.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- It's more interested - in what's under the snow.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46- Months spent in a dark den makes - the bear appreciate the open air.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- While the bears wake up...
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- ..the foxes have been busy - and they've found a den.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- With the breeding season - about to start...
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- ..the female - shows the male she's ready.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- She stays close to him - and she makes vocal calls.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- If they succeed, cubs will be born - in seven weeks' time.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- Seeing the nature and wildlife - of Kamchatka is thrilling.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- I can't wait to see what else - Kamchatka has to offer...
0:09:52 > 0:09:54- ..as my journey continues.
0:10:02 > 0:10:03- .
0:10:06 > 0:10:06- 888
0:10:06 > 0:10:08- 888- - 888
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- I'm in Kamchatka, - a magical area of Russia...
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- ..which has - a store of natural wonders.
0:10:19 > 0:10:20- This is a volcanic area.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- Entire valleys are steamed - by hot springs...
0:10:27 > 0:10:29- ..and a series of geysers.
0:10:31 > 0:10:36- Underground chambers fill with water - and are heated from below.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- When the water reaches - boiling point, the geyser erupts.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- With much of Kamchatka - still covered in snow...
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- ..this area - serves as a magnet for life.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03- The plants which grow in the fertile - ground is a lure for animals...
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- ..including bears.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- Incredibly, the bears are vegetarian - for much of the year.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24- In Kamchatka, animals have adapted - to their surroundings.
0:11:27 > 0:11:32- The white wagtail builds its nest - near to the heat of the hot springs.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- Bears are as happy in the water - as they are on the land.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- Like humans, they love the curative - properties of the hot springs.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53- In Kamchatka, animals must choose - feeding grounds carefully.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- Hot springs can be toxic...
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- ..creating surreal landscapes - and real dangers.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- With over 200 volcanoes, - the majority of which are active...
0:12:12 > 0:12:17- ..the dark Kamchatka nights - are often lit by flowing lava.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- Petropavlovsk stands in the shadow - of Avachinskaya volcano.
0:12:46 > 0:12:52- People here live with the threat - of volcanic eruption every day.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- I meet two volcanologists - who have lived here for years.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02- Galina and Yevgeny, her husband, - have retired...
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- ..but their passion for volcanoes - is still strong.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- They remember the last eruption - to hit Kamchatka in 1991.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- They watched the explosion - from their house.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- Yevgeny says there are so many - active volcanos in Kamchatka...
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- ..because seismic activity - still happens here.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29- The earth's tectonic plates - push against each other.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35- Yevgeny and Galina invited me and - Mikhail, my translator, to dinner.
0:13:37 > 0:13:42- Kamchatka is an interesting place - for retired volcanologists to live!
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- Mother Earth herself - poses a real threat to Kamchatka.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- In June 2007...
0:13:53 > 0:13:58- ..part of the Valley of Geysers - was destroyed by a mudslide.
0:13:58 > 0:14:04- Without warning, millions of cubic - metres of mud flooded the valley.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- The landscape was changed for ever.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- This was - the most devastating mudslide...
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- ..ever registered on Kamchatka.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- There are no villages - in this remote area...
0:14:21 > 0:14:25- ..but several geysers and several - bears were buried under the mud.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- Wildlife adapts to new surroundings.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- This bear must find its way - to new territory.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48- The rivers and lakes did just that.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56- The landscape is ever-changing, - shaped by the elements.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- It's one factor which makes - Kamchatka such a magical place.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- The changes merely serve to enhance - the striking views.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- Kamchatka offers rich habitats...
0:15:29 > 0:15:34- ..but many species of birds have - vanished from here over the years.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- Doctor Nikolai Gerasimov...
0:15:38 > 0:15:42- ..is an ornithologist who strives - to rectify the situation.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48- Nikolai has been reintroducing - the Aleutian Goose to Kamchatka...
0:15:48 > 0:15:50- ..since 1989.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- He runs a small breeding centre - here, in Petropavlovsk.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- I asked him how the Kamchatka - wildlife protection system...
0:15:58 > 0:16:02- ..compares with - the systems of yesteryear.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- Nikolai told me the system - was better in Soviet Union times...
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- ..as a keener interest - was taken in wildlife.
0:16:12 > 0:16:17- Nikolai says current wildlife - protection measures are inadequate.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19- He hopes the situation improves.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22- I think we should drink to that.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- Cheers!
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- Before I leave, - I take a look at the birds.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- They disappeared from Kamchatka - some 70 years ago...
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- ..before Nikolai - started his work here.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42- He has now released over 400 birds - on Kuril Islands.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44- I admire his enthusiasm.
0:17:00 > 0:17:05- This Steller's sea eagle has - a magnificent view from its nest.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- Kamchatka is one of the few places - in which this bird breeds.
0:17:10 > 0:17:15- The eagle often lays two eggs - but usually only one chick survives.
0:17:23 > 0:17:28- There are two chicks in this nest - and they both seem healthy.
0:17:33 > 0:17:38- The chicks' baby down feathers - will soon toughen and turn brown.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- Their wings will - become stronger, ready to fly.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- For the time being, - they enjoy their parents' catering!
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- Both mother and father - are attentive parents.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02- Each parent usually provides - a pound of fish every day.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11- The chicks are fed small fish, - torn into bite-sized pieces.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17- They are fed two or three times - a day, until they leave the nest.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57- I'm about to - fly out of Petropavlovsk...
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- ..to see the wildlife of Kamchatka.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- I'm waiting to leave - Petropavlovsk...
0:19:05 > 0:19:08- ..to go to very remote place - at Lake Kurilskoye.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- I was due to leave - by helicopter yesterday...
0:19:12 > 0:19:14- ..since there are no roads - out of this city.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17- Unfortunately, - the weather was rough.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- It's fine here this morning - but it's not good at my destination.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27- I'll wait here for an hour or two - and wait for the all-clear.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- I'm packed and ready to go, so - all I can do is sit here and wait.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- Fortunately, - I don't have a long wait.
0:19:51 > 0:19:52- The clouds cleared...
0:19:53 > 0:19:58- ..and it was time to venture - to the heart of Kamchatka.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- There's no time to waste.
0:20:00 > 0:20:05- The crew and me rush to load the - helicopter as quickly as possible.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- Our plan is to spend three days - on Lake Kurilskoye.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- We took plenty of supplies, in case - the weather delayed our return.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- I'm excited - because I'm about to see...
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- ..one of the remotest, - wildest places in the world.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- The real adventure - is about to start.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- Lake Kurilskoye is the best place - to see brown bears.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- Bears gather around the lake - in August and September.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- They eat the salmon - which migrate from the sea.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25- It has been ten months - since the bears last fed on fish.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- Their survival depends on - eating as many as possible...
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- ..during the next two months.
0:21:33 > 0:21:34- It's August.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- The salmon's migration upstream - to lay eggs has just begun...
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- ..and the bears must be patient.
0:21:41 > 0:21:47- Over the coming weeks, millions of - salmon will swim up these rivers.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- It's a two-hour flight - from Petropavlovsk.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- The aerial view is breathtaking.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- As I approach the lake...
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- ..the bears sense the presence - of the helicopter.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45- They watch it closely, but clearly, - it doesn't bother them in the least.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22- I'll stay in this remote place - for the next three days.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- This is such a remote spot, - there is no hotel here.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- I'm staying here, - in the warden's lodge.
0:23:39 > 0:23:44- The great advantage of this is I'm - right in the middle of the wildlife.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55- There's no denying this part - of Kamchatka feels remote...
0:23:56 > 0:24:01- ..and as the helicopter leaves us, - I realize I'm far away from home.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17- Judging by the view - from the window...
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- ..tomorrow will be - a great adventure.
0:24:35 > 0:24:35- .
0:24:43 > 0:24:43- 888
0:24:43 > 0:24:45- 888- - 888
0:24:51 > 0:24:52- Morning has broken.
0:24:53 > 0:24:58- The view across Lake Kurilskoye - is stunning, as it was last night.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- Here I am, on my first morning - at Lake Kurilskoye.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18- And what a glorious morning!
0:25:18 > 0:25:22- Why are people - attracted to such a remote spot?
0:25:22 > 0:25:24- They come to see brown bears.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26- At this time of year...
0:25:26 > 0:25:30- ..salmon leave the deep water - and swim into the shallow water.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35- They're here to lay their eggs - and that attracts dozens of bears.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40- I'm so excited because there are - two bears down there this morning.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43- I'm about to - take a closer look at them.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51- With all the bears in the area...
0:25:51 > 0:25:54- ..it wouldn't be wise for me - to explore on my own.
0:25:55 > 0:26:00- Vasily, the warden, brought his gun - and Mikhail was here to translate...
0:26:00 > 0:26:03- ..and we ventured down to the lake.
0:26:16 > 0:26:21- The bears have waited patiently - for the salmon to arrive for weeks.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24- They move slowly to conserve energy.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32- Good things - come to those who wait...
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- ..and the fish - start to arrive in August.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39- This is - one of nature's most amazing sights.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47- Most bears wait for the salmon - to reach shallow water...
0:26:47 > 0:26:52- ..but the temptation is too much - for less-experienced bears.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56- It's not easy for a 300-kilo bear - to catch fish in deep water.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00- Those who hunt in deep water - need good skills.
0:27:15 > 0:27:21- Bears eat thousands of fish but this - only forms 10% of their annual diet.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25- The fat in the fish - helps them survive the hard winter.
0:27:30 > 0:27:35- The salmon enter the shallow water, - and it's now or never for the bears.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03- This is just the beginning.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05- During the coming weeks...
0:28:05 > 0:28:09- ..the bears must catch and eat - thousands of fish.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13- I'm witnessing one of the - greatest spectacles on earth.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13- As we leave the safety of our - shelter and walk to the lake...
0:29:14 > 0:29:15- ..we get closer to the bears.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20- I really hope I'll see the bears - hunting for fish with my own eyes.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29- Within minutes, - I'm ten metres away from these two.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49- The bears gather at the point - where the river flows into the lake.
0:29:49 > 0:29:55- That's because the fish make their - way from the deep water upstream...
0:29:55 > 0:29:56- ..in order to lay eggs.
0:29:57 > 0:30:02- The salmon are restricted to - a small, shallow stretch of water...
0:30:02 > 0:30:06- ..and the bears know - it's easier to catch fish there.
0:30:18 > 0:30:23- I must be patient, like the bears, - if I want to see fish being caught.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26- Fortunately, - I don't have a long wait.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39- These young bears are probably - hunting alone for the first time.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43- One has more luck than the other.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58- It's not share and share alike here!
0:31:17 > 0:31:19- Wow! What can I say about that?
0:31:19 > 0:31:23- I was standing within 15 metres - of a bear catching a fish.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27- That was really amazing!
0:31:28 > 0:31:29- The bear ignored me.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31- It was focused on the salmon.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34- It caught one - and went into the woods to eat it.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37- It went to hide in the woods...
0:31:37 > 0:31:41- ..away from the much bigger bears - who are in the area.
0:31:41 > 0:31:46- Had they seen it with the fish, - they would have come and stolen it.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48- I hope it will be left in peace.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58- The big bears tend to gather - at the other end of the lake.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02- Their hunting technique - is more aggressive.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13- Bears only come into such - close contact with each other...
0:32:13 > 0:32:15- ..in the hunting season.
0:32:15 > 0:32:21- Minor clashes happen but - vicious fighting rarely breaks out.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25- There will soon be - more than enough fish for everyone.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46- The bears only have two months - in which to feed on the salmon.
0:32:47 > 0:32:52- During that time, a bear can eat - up to 40 kilos of fish every day.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- That means catching 15 fish a day.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58- Easier said than done!
0:33:10 > 0:33:12- They must eat as much as possible...
0:33:13 > 0:33:17- ..if they are to survive - the six winter months.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28- This bear must also - make sure her cubs eat enough.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20- Here we have a mother and two cubs.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22- She catches salmon...
0:34:22 > 0:34:27- ..and gives them to the youngsters, - who eat them on the lakeside.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30- She must be really vigilant.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33- She gave birth to three cubs - in the spring...
0:34:36 > 0:34:39- ..but a male bear - killed and ate one of them.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42- That's why she seems very nervous.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45- There are some other bears around.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48- There's a big one over here.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52- She must keep an eye on her cubs - all the time.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59- Watching a mother and her cubs - is amazing.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04- Cubs usually stay with their mother - for three years.
0:35:04 > 0:35:09- During that time, the mother - teaches them every possible skill.
0:35:09 > 0:35:14- The bears prefer salmon skin - and the rich eggs the fish carry.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17- These will help bears store - up to 200kg of body fat...
0:35:18 > 0:35:20- ..to see them through the winter.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34- Meanwhile, the Steller's sea eagle - takes care of her chicks.
0:35:36 > 0:35:41- Her efforts paid off - because her chicks seem healthy...
0:35:41 > 0:35:44- ..and their feathers - have changed colour.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53- The young still rely - on their parents to feed them...
0:35:53 > 0:35:57- ..but they're developing - the tools they need for life.
0:35:57 > 0:36:02- Things like a sharp beak - for ripping open salmon.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16- The chicks - are starting to spread their wings.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19- This is - the only practice they'll get...
0:36:20 > 0:36:22- ..before they fly the nest.
0:36:32 > 0:36:32- .
0:36:40 > 0:36:40- 888
0:36:40 > 0:36:42- 888- - 888
0:36:47 > 0:36:51- I've come to Lake Kurilskoye - in Kamchatka.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58- I'm staying in the wooden hut - on the island.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01- We're surrounded by brown bears.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06- There are two bears up there - and there's one by the river.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09- One is making its way - towards the lodge.
0:37:09 > 0:37:14- The people who live here - are very familiar with the bears...
0:37:15 > 0:37:19- ..but even then, they must be - on their guard at all times.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22- It's all too easy - to make one fatal mistake.
0:37:26 > 0:37:31- The bears are more interested in the - salmon than in us at the moment...
0:37:32 > 0:37:34- ..but we must be very vigilant.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36- The lake belongs to the bears.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50- Vasily is someone - who shows the bears great respect.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54- He's worked as a warden here - for four years.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12- In addition to looking after - tourists who visit the lake...
0:38:12 > 0:38:16- ..Vasily keeps away poachers - and protects the bears.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22- Mikhail asked him if he recognized - all the bears...
0:38:23 > 0:38:28- ..but he said he recognized half the - bears but they all recognized him!
0:38:30 > 0:38:34- I'm very envious of the job he does - and the life he lives here.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39- Despite the dangers...
0:38:39 > 0:38:43- ..millions of salmon make it safely - to the spawning ground.
0:38:44 > 0:38:49- The female makes a nest for herself - and lays around 5,000 eggs in it.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53- The eggs are then immediately - fertilized by the male.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05- After reproducing, their mission - is fulfilled and they die.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10- Their bodies provide nutrition - for eggs and other fish...
0:39:10 > 0:39:12- ..as they decay in the river.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17- The three of us are on our way - to the other end of the lake...
0:39:17 > 0:39:19- ..in search of other bears.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22- There's plenty of fish here.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28- Seconds later, - one of the big bears plod past us...
0:39:29 > 0:39:32- ..and he catches a salmon - effortlessly.
0:39:59 > 0:40:04- We've come to a part of the lake - where there are more fish...
0:40:04 > 0:40:06- ..which attracts larger bears.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10- This bear is doing something - I've never seen before.
0:40:10 > 0:40:15- I've never seen it with my own eyes - or seen it on television.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18- It's diving underwater - to catch fish.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22- This part of the lake - is teeming with fish.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34- These bears won't be threatened - with starvation this winter!
0:40:35 > 0:40:39- I'm relieved there's enough salmon - in the water...
0:40:39 > 0:40:41- ..to deflect attention from us.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46- I've never been this close to - these incredible creatures.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55- It's priceless - to be able to sit here...
0:40:56 > 0:40:59- ..and watch them - go about their daily lives.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31- The lake isn't the sole attraction.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36- As Vasily, Mikhail and me - walked across the tundra...
0:41:36 > 0:41:41- ..we saw a family of bears who were - in a hurry to reach the lake.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45- Bears certainly - make the most of this period.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59- It's beautiful here in the summer - and it's a time of plenty.
0:41:59 > 0:42:04- The bears, the foxes and all the - other creatures who live here...
0:42:04 > 0:42:06- ..have eaten as much as possible.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11- That's very important because - the winters here are very bleak.
0:42:23 > 0:42:27- When autumn arrives, - Kamchatka is awash with colour.
0:42:27 > 0:42:32- Air temperature may drop but the - underground temperature is constant.
0:42:42 > 0:42:48- Days get shorter and life everywhere - begins to prepare for winter.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03- Our crew spent four seasons here...
0:43:03 > 0:43:07- ..so we know bears spend the autumn - foraging for berries...
0:43:07 > 0:43:11- ..although they're heavy - with layers of warmth.
0:43:11 > 0:43:15- They'll then hibernate - in the mountains.
0:43:37 > 0:43:41- This is their last day - in the open air for some months.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45- They're about to find a warm shelter - for the winter.
0:43:52 > 0:43:55- Kamchatka will soon be - covered in snow and ice.
0:44:07 > 0:44:09- Rain gradually turns to snow.
0:44:17 > 0:44:21- The majority of Kamchatka wildlife - must escape the winter.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32- The world's largest eagle - can withstand the winters.
0:44:33 > 0:44:35- It's amazingly strong.
0:44:39 > 0:44:43- The red fox is grateful for whatever - it can find on the frozen land.
0:45:00 > 0:45:04- At the moment, Lake Kurilskoye - attracts dozens of bears.
0:45:04 > 0:45:08- They have all been attracted here - by millions of salmon.
0:45:09 > 0:45:13- Two months from now, when the bears - have gone into hibernation...
0:45:13 > 0:45:18- ..the fish will attract one of - the world's most majestic birds.
0:45:18 > 0:45:22- A huge bird - called the Steller's sea eagle.
0:45:28 > 0:45:33- Steller's sea eagles gather around - the still unfrozen lake.
0:45:34 > 0:45:39- This is the best place to find - the fish which live in the water.
0:45:44 > 0:45:48- Golden eagles - often challenge them over the fish.
0:45:49 > 0:45:51- This leads to fierce fighting.
0:46:35 > 0:46:39- The Steller's sea eagle - is heavier than the golden eagle...
0:46:39 > 0:46:42- ..but brains can triumph over brawn.
0:46:52 > 0:46:54- Unlike Steller's sea eagles...
0:46:55 > 0:46:58- ..golden eagles work as a team - to catch fish.
0:46:59 > 0:47:02- They form a barrier - with their bodies as they eat...
0:47:03 > 0:47:06- ..keeping - the Steller's sea eagles away.
0:47:31 > 0:47:36- My journey around Russia ends here, - in Kamchatka, among the bears.
0:47:36 > 0:47:39- To me, this place is a miracle.
0:47:39 > 0:47:41- It's a miracle of nature.
0:47:41 > 0:47:43- It's one of a few places on earth...
0:47:43 > 0:47:48- ..where you can walk for hundreds - of miles and see no sign of humans.
0:47:51 > 0:47:55- Kamchatka is certainly - one of those untouched areas.
0:47:55 > 0:47:59- Looking back at my time in Russia, - there are many highlights.
0:48:00 > 0:48:05- The Ural Mountains and the Caucasus - with its striking landscapes.
0:48:05 > 0:48:08- The Arctic and the polar bear.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11- Then, Lake Baikal, - the world's largest lake...
0:48:11 > 0:48:13- ..and its seals.
0:48:13 > 0:48:17- I was also amazed by - Ussuriland and the Siberian tiger.
0:48:17 > 0:48:22- But perhaps the greatest highlight - of all has been Kamchatka...
0:48:22 > 0:48:25- ..and my experience - of seeing all these bears.
0:48:25 > 0:48:28- What I've enjoyed - more than anything else...
0:48:29 > 0:48:33- ..in a time where aeroplanes take us - to every corner of the world...
0:48:34 > 0:48:39- ..is knowing it's still possible - for us all to discover wild Russia.
0:49:29 > 0:49:29- .