1 00:00:02,194 --> 00:00:05,037 Narrator: Deep in canada's remote yukon, 2 00:00:05,072 --> 00:00:07,506 On the fringe of the arctic circle, 3 00:00:10,219 --> 00:00:13,879 In the shadow of a majestic mountain 4 00:00:13,889 --> 00:00:18,550 A dramatic coming of age story unfolds. 5 00:00:18,585 --> 00:00:22,220 An adolescent grizzly takes her first harrowing steps 6 00:00:22,231 --> 00:00:29,061 Into adulthood and motherhood. (bear growling) 7 00:00:29,096 --> 00:00:33,449 The odds are stacked against her and her rambunctious cubs. 8 00:00:34,518 --> 00:00:35,567 But in a hidden sanctuary, 9 00:00:35,578 --> 00:00:38,737 Known only to a handful of grizzlies, 10 00:00:38,748 --> 00:00:42,249 A river churns with the key to their survival. 11 00:00:43,919 --> 00:00:48,747 It takes smarts, skills, (water splashing) 12 00:00:48,758 --> 00:00:51,083 And a certain amount of style 13 00:00:51,093 --> 00:00:53,418 To take part in this contested feast. 14 00:00:53,429 --> 00:00:54,836 (bears growling) 15 00:00:54,913 --> 00:00:59,424 But sophie will stop at nothing to save her first family 16 00:00:59,435 --> 00:01:02,427 In the legendary land of the ice bear. 17 00:01:02,438 --> 00:01:05,564 (icy fur crunching) 18 00:01:07,259 --> 00:01:10,069 (dramatic music) 19 00:01:13,449 --> 00:01:16,075 (crow cawing) 20 00:01:17,620 --> 00:01:21,413 It's April on the pristine expanse of the yukon. 21 00:01:23,316 --> 00:01:26,668 In the heart of a mountain, creatures are stirring. 22 00:01:27,797 --> 00:01:31,456 (light dramatic music) 23 00:01:31,491 --> 00:01:34,960 Bear cave mountain rises out of lands sacred 24 00:01:34,970 --> 00:01:36,762 To the vuntut gwitchin people. 25 00:01:37,914 --> 00:01:40,298 It serves as a singular fortress 26 00:01:40,309 --> 00:01:43,143 For sleeping giants during the winter. 27 00:01:45,147 --> 00:01:48,306 Shot through with water-carved caverns, 28 00:01:48,341 --> 00:01:51,143 This limestone peak couldn't be more perfect 29 00:01:51,153 --> 00:01:52,736 For a five month nap. 30 00:01:56,659 --> 00:01:59,901 But now, a groggy young grizzly emerges 31 00:01:59,978 --> 00:02:02,287 And stumbles down the mountainside. 32 00:02:05,000 --> 00:02:09,077 After nine years growing up here, sophie knows the mountain 33 00:02:09,154 --> 00:02:11,964 And its surroundings like the back of her paw. 34 00:02:13,175 --> 00:02:17,136 But she'll soon be in unfamiliar hormonal territory. 35 00:02:19,998 --> 00:02:22,558 Her childhood is nearing its end. 36 00:02:29,692 --> 00:02:30,599 (light music) 37 00:02:30,675 --> 00:02:32,684 Not for these guys. 38 00:02:32,719 --> 00:02:35,020 A couple of sub-adults find the descent off 39 00:02:35,030 --> 00:02:37,698 The mountain supremely entertaining. 40 00:02:39,643 --> 00:02:42,277 Sophie doesn't seem so sure. 41 00:02:42,312 --> 00:02:45,205 (bears growling) 42 00:02:52,214 --> 00:02:54,122 As with all young mammals, 43 00:02:54,157 --> 00:02:57,459 Play feeds their growing intelligence, 44 00:02:57,494 --> 00:03:01,013 And grizzlies are very smart bears indeed. 45 00:03:03,708 --> 00:03:06,551 (bears growling) 46 00:03:06,586 --> 00:03:10,731 But sophie seems to be putting away such childish things. 47 00:03:13,402 --> 00:03:17,896 She's being observed, but pays no attention. 48 00:03:17,931 --> 00:03:20,732 Wildlife filmmaker phil timpany has been 49 00:03:20,767 --> 00:03:24,152 Chronicling sophie all her life, 50 00:03:24,229 --> 00:03:28,240 And has all but faded into the background. 51 00:03:28,250 --> 00:03:31,826 For 30 years, his unique access in this remote, 52 00:03:31,903 --> 00:03:33,245 Protected wilderness 53 00:03:33,255 --> 00:03:35,747 Has provided an unprecedented glimpse 54 00:03:35,758 --> 00:03:38,717 Into the lives of all the local grizzlies. 55 00:03:39,929 --> 00:03:43,588 It's phil who gave sophie her name, watched her grow, 56 00:03:43,599 --> 00:03:47,100 And has long wondered if she'd have her own family. 57 00:03:50,463 --> 00:03:53,232 (bird chirping) 58 00:03:54,134 --> 00:03:55,267 (light dramatic music) 59 00:03:55,277 --> 00:03:58,436 The advent of spring has everyone on the move. 60 00:03:58,447 --> 00:04:00,772 Porcupine caribou are headed toward 61 00:04:00,783 --> 00:04:03,358 Their northern calving grounds, 62 00:04:03,435 --> 00:04:05,744 At least the ones that survived the winter. 63 00:04:07,289 --> 00:04:08,914 Some did not. 64 00:04:11,961 --> 00:04:15,787 After months of not eating during her long winter sleep, 65 00:04:15,822 --> 00:04:18,257 Sophie needs to find food quickly. 66 00:04:19,468 --> 00:04:21,793 But this caribou carcass has already 67 00:04:21,828 --> 00:04:23,428 Been picked nearly clean. 68 00:04:24,497 --> 00:04:27,266 Not much here for a hungry bear. 69 00:04:28,310 --> 00:04:31,812 (light dramatic music) 70 00:04:36,819 --> 00:04:40,812 She heads further north, away from bear cave mountain, 71 00:04:40,823 --> 00:04:43,699 In what will become a restless search for food. 72 00:04:45,852 --> 00:04:49,154 Her range extends over 100 square miles, 73 00:04:49,189 --> 00:04:52,157 Across open tundra, a summer feeding ground 74 00:04:52,167 --> 00:04:54,626 She shares with many other bears. 75 00:05:01,326 --> 00:05:05,420 As spring draws to a close, warm winds bring moisture 76 00:05:05,455 --> 00:05:09,308 From melting snow cascading over the mountains. 77 00:05:11,687 --> 00:05:14,813 A big male lumbers across the valley. 78 00:05:15,840 --> 00:05:19,151 (light dramatic music) 79 00:05:26,368 --> 00:05:29,277 He's following his formidable nose towards 80 00:05:29,354 --> 00:05:33,999 An irresistible scent; a female coming into estrus. 81 00:05:36,211 --> 00:05:40,380 It's sophie and another female, both ready to breed. 82 00:05:43,719 --> 00:05:46,345 His ardor may not be reciprocated, 83 00:05:48,557 --> 00:05:51,716 But he's not about to wait for permission. 84 00:05:51,727 --> 00:05:57,022 (dramatic music) (bears growling) 85 00:06:02,429 --> 00:06:06,198 The other female heads for the hills, literally. 86 00:06:12,355 --> 00:06:17,209 So, he targets sophie. (suspenseful music) 87 00:06:18,945 --> 00:06:24,582 Her instincts battle within her: To flee, to fight, 88 00:06:24,593 --> 00:06:26,418 (bears growling) 89 00:06:26,453 --> 00:06:29,763 Or to flirt, in loud grizzly fashion. 90 00:06:36,921 --> 00:06:40,432 Finally, the male herds her up onto a ridge, 91 00:06:40,467 --> 00:06:43,110 Where he can keep her away from other males. 92 00:06:48,617 --> 00:06:53,495 She accepts his advances for a while. 93 00:06:54,981 --> 00:06:57,749 (bears growling) 94 00:06:59,986 --> 00:07:02,587 Grizzlies often quarrel after sex. 95 00:07:06,951 --> 00:07:11,796 They'll stay together for three days, mating frequently, 96 00:07:11,831 --> 00:07:15,967 Before the male heads off in search of another partner. 97 00:07:15,978 --> 00:07:18,728 His reproductive duty is done here. 98 00:07:20,649 --> 00:07:24,642 But sophie's is just beginning, 99 00:07:24,677 --> 00:07:28,071 And she'll need all her energy for the journey ahead. 100 00:07:29,432 --> 00:07:31,316 Inside her, at least one 101 00:07:31,326 --> 00:07:36,070 Fertilized egg now rests dormant. 102 00:07:36,147 --> 00:07:37,322 It will only develop this winter 103 00:07:37,332 --> 00:07:40,542 If she enters hibernation in prime condition. 104 00:07:42,487 --> 00:07:44,829 (light music) 105 00:07:44,864 --> 00:07:46,080 (grass rustling) 106 00:07:46,157 --> 00:07:47,048 It's June. 107 00:07:48,177 --> 00:07:50,668 With the brief arctic summer upon her, 108 00:07:50,703 --> 00:07:54,848 Sophie enters hyperphagia, a phase of excessive eating. 109 00:08:01,673 --> 00:08:04,265 She must pack on 1/3 of her body weight 110 00:08:04,300 --> 00:08:06,351 To get herself through the winter, 111 00:08:06,361 --> 00:08:09,270 More, if her pregnancy is to succeed. 112 00:08:09,305 --> 00:08:11,990 (light music) 113 00:08:14,352 --> 00:08:18,780 She forages relentlessly but it's slim pickings. 114 00:08:18,856 --> 00:08:22,667 And there's only so much nutrition in grasses and roots. 115 00:08:24,046 --> 00:08:26,713 (crows cawing) 116 00:08:34,747 --> 00:08:39,050 August offers salvation, setting the hillsides aflame 117 00:08:39,085 --> 00:08:41,219 With plump, sweet blueberries. 118 00:08:41,230 --> 00:08:45,890 (gentle music) (birds chirping) 119 00:08:45,925 --> 00:08:48,560 Sophie gorges to her heart's content 120 00:08:48,595 --> 00:08:50,695 On calorie-rich fresh fruit. 121 00:08:54,892 --> 00:08:58,036 But the berry harvest lasts just three weeks. 122 00:09:00,106 --> 00:09:04,158 Instinct drives her to eat long after her appetite is sated. 123 00:09:04,193 --> 00:09:07,629 She must build up reserves for the struggles ahead. 124 00:09:10,366 --> 00:09:13,843 (light dramatic music) 125 00:09:18,082 --> 00:09:19,924 Once the berries are gone, 126 00:09:19,959 --> 00:09:22,727 Autumn brings lean times for bears. 127 00:09:26,382 --> 00:09:28,349 Even big males are reduced 128 00:09:28,426 --> 00:09:30,860 To hunting the smallest creatures. 129 00:09:33,056 --> 00:09:36,441 In this case, an unfortunate ground squirrel, 130 00:09:36,451 --> 00:09:39,411 Whose subterranean escape proves futile. 131 00:09:42,624 --> 00:09:45,875 (bear paws thudding) 132 00:09:50,299 --> 00:09:53,133 (bear growling) 133 00:09:53,926 --> 00:09:57,679 It's barely a mouthful, but a nice fatty one. 134 00:10:05,797 --> 00:10:06,804 (light dramatic music) 135 00:10:06,815 --> 00:10:08,607 Sophie knows it's time to head home 136 00:10:10,819 --> 00:10:14,812 And sets off toward bear cave mountain. 137 00:10:14,847 --> 00:10:17,365 But she's not ready to hibernate just yet. 138 00:10:20,662 --> 00:10:22,487 (light dramatic music) 139 00:10:22,497 --> 00:10:25,823 In the shadow of her mystical mountain 140 00:10:25,858 --> 00:10:29,377 A lavish bear's banquet should soon be arriving. 141 00:10:31,114 --> 00:10:34,999 She follows the meandering fishing branch river 142 00:10:35,010 --> 00:10:39,170 That cuts through this pristine wilderness. 143 00:10:39,181 --> 00:10:42,507 A protected park managed by the yukon territory 144 00:10:42,517 --> 00:10:44,851 And the vuntut gwitchin first nation. 145 00:10:47,522 --> 00:10:52,776 (light music) (birds chirping) 146 00:10:54,863 --> 00:10:57,522 The river is the life-blood of the park, 147 00:10:57,532 --> 00:11:01,359 Vital to the many creatures that thrive here. 148 00:11:01,370 --> 00:11:06,748 (water splashing) (birds chirping) 149 00:11:11,738 --> 00:11:14,381 (light music) 150 00:11:18,887 --> 00:11:21,179 But especially to the grizzlies. 151 00:11:23,332 --> 00:11:25,883 It seems bear cave mountain has called 152 00:11:25,918 --> 00:11:27,686 All its residents home. 153 00:11:29,672 --> 00:11:34,225 The grizzlies gather in eerie silence, waiting. 154 00:11:34,236 --> 00:11:36,611 (bear growling) another nomad is expected, 155 00:11:38,240 --> 00:11:40,824 And their survival depends on it. 156 00:11:44,771 --> 00:11:46,320 (gentle music) 157 00:11:46,355 --> 00:11:48,489 It's mid-September. 158 00:11:48,524 --> 00:11:53,244 A hushed anticipation hangs over the fishing branch river. 159 00:11:53,255 --> 00:11:56,164 Sophie and her fellow grizzlies await 160 00:11:56,199 --> 00:11:59,342 The annual miracle on which they depend. 161 00:12:02,580 --> 00:12:07,925 It began six weeks ago, and 1,500 miles away. 162 00:12:07,960 --> 00:12:13,347 A journey from the bering sea, across alaska to yukon. 163 00:12:13,424 --> 00:12:16,768 An epic migration that ends here, 164 00:12:16,778 --> 00:12:18,486 In the fishing branch river. 165 00:12:20,449 --> 00:12:23,408 (water splashing) 166 00:12:24,786 --> 00:12:27,287 Finally, the nomads arrive. 167 00:12:28,147 --> 00:12:30,281 Salmon. 168 00:12:30,292 --> 00:12:34,368 Tens of thousands of chum, returning to the very waters 169 00:12:34,403 --> 00:12:36,954 Where they hatched, four years ago. 170 00:12:36,989 --> 00:12:39,674 (gentle music) 171 00:12:41,911 --> 00:12:45,463 The gravel beds here are perfect for spawning. 172 00:12:45,474 --> 00:12:49,801 But the key ingredient is the water itself. 173 00:12:49,811 --> 00:12:53,137 Oxygenated groundwater and gases percolate up 174 00:12:53,172 --> 00:12:54,939 Through the river bed year-round. 175 00:12:55,608 --> 00:12:58,976 This constant flow keeps the river from freezing 176 00:12:59,011 --> 00:13:02,447 Long after the yukon's other waterways have iced over. 177 00:13:04,976 --> 00:13:07,985 Nowhere else this far north do chum spawn 178 00:13:07,996 --> 00:13:11,823 So late in the season, giving bears here more time 179 00:13:11,833 --> 00:13:14,167 To fatten up before hibernation. 180 00:13:17,530 --> 00:13:20,498 A female salmon completes her grueling journey 181 00:13:20,509 --> 00:13:22,842 Just as her eggs reach maturity. 182 00:13:26,181 --> 00:13:27,839 (light music) (water bubbling) 183 00:13:27,874 --> 00:13:30,174 She surveys the bottom intently, 184 00:13:30,185 --> 00:13:32,677 Using her sensitive nostrils to sniff out 185 00:13:32,687 --> 00:13:35,480 The ideal water chemistry for her nest. 186 00:13:40,529 --> 00:13:44,939 She's an ambitious engineer, excavating rocks and scraping 187 00:13:44,974 --> 00:13:48,025 Gravel before depositing her eggs. 188 00:13:48,060 --> 00:13:50,912 (water bubbling) 189 00:13:52,374 --> 00:13:56,117 The male chum are arriving as well. 190 00:13:56,152 --> 00:13:58,870 During the long trek from the bering sea 191 00:13:58,880 --> 00:14:02,841 They develop powerful jaws equipped with fearsome teeth. 192 00:14:05,387 --> 00:14:07,545 For two weeks they fight each other 193 00:14:07,580 --> 00:14:11,716 For mating rights with desperate fury. 194 00:14:11,726 --> 00:14:17,021 (dramatic music) (water splashing) 195 00:14:24,055 --> 00:14:27,615 The rivalries spill over into the mating itself. 196 00:14:30,770 --> 00:14:34,488 As the female deposits her eggs, her partner releases 197 00:14:34,565 --> 00:14:39,210 A cloud of sperm while other males try to muscle in. 198 00:14:46,953 --> 00:14:49,921 The female then gently covers up the fragile eggs, 199 00:14:49,956 --> 00:14:51,556 Cementing them in place. 200 00:14:52,792 --> 00:14:55,593 Her battle-scarred mate stands guard, 201 00:14:55,604 --> 00:14:58,354 Preventing rivals from getting too close. 202 00:15:02,093 --> 00:15:04,936 But the end is near. 203 00:15:04,971 --> 00:15:07,739 Exhausted males are in tatters. 204 00:15:11,227 --> 00:15:15,863 The female, also doomed, defends the nest to the last. 205 00:15:15,898 --> 00:15:17,949 (somber music) 206 00:15:17,959 --> 00:15:20,451 She abandons her post only as her 207 00:15:20,462 --> 00:15:24,088 Near lifeless body is carried downstream. 208 00:15:28,619 --> 00:15:30,127 (water splashing) 209 00:15:30,162 --> 00:15:31,379 As if the salmon's desperate battle 210 00:15:31,455 --> 00:15:32,713 To reproduce weren't enough, 211 00:15:32,790 --> 00:15:34,966 All the grizzlies of bear cave mountain 212 00:15:35,001 --> 00:15:37,143 Are intent on devouring them. 213 00:15:39,338 --> 00:15:41,639 Every adult bear is hundreds of pounds 214 00:15:41,650 --> 00:15:43,816 Of hunger that can't be sated. 215 00:15:44,844 --> 00:15:48,562 (bears growling) 216 00:15:48,639 --> 00:15:52,825 Phil's here, as he has been for most of the past 30 autumns. 217 00:15:53,769 --> 00:15:56,737 (water splashing) 218 00:15:56,772 --> 00:16:00,658 In the process, he's been swept up in the bears' lives, 219 00:16:00,693 --> 00:16:02,410 Rooting for them, and getting to know 220 00:16:02,445 --> 00:16:05,296 Their quirky fishing techniques. 221 00:16:09,678 --> 00:16:12,086 Nine years ago, (gentle music) 222 00:16:12,121 --> 00:16:15,756 He filmed a very young sophie being tutored 223 00:16:15,791 --> 00:16:20,186 In the fine art of killing chum by her mother, mrs. Tucker. 224 00:16:22,691 --> 00:16:25,692 (water splashing) 225 00:16:34,869 --> 00:16:36,694 And today he watches sophie putting 226 00:16:36,729 --> 00:16:38,863 Those lessons to good use. 227 00:16:38,898 --> 00:16:44,085 (water splashing) (gentle music) 228 00:16:48,407 --> 00:16:53,711 (light dramatic music) (wind whistling) 229 00:16:53,746 --> 00:16:57,048 As October arrives, an arctic cold front 230 00:16:57,058 --> 00:16:58,850 Sweeps in from the north. 231 00:17:04,840 --> 00:17:07,817 The chum spawning season is nearing its peak. 232 00:17:08,344 --> 00:17:11,529 Feeding time for hungry bears is short. 233 00:17:14,391 --> 00:17:17,568 Wary of the tension on the main river, 234 00:17:17,603 --> 00:17:19,871 Sophie heads for a little tributary. 235 00:17:22,191 --> 00:17:24,325 Some of the chum have also escaped 236 00:17:24,360 --> 00:17:26,878 The chaos by retreating into pools here. 237 00:17:29,257 --> 00:17:32,833 But sophie doesn't have her fishing hole to herself. 238 00:17:32,910 --> 00:17:34,502 (dramatic music) 239 00:17:34,578 --> 00:17:37,922 A big male bear appears downstream. 240 00:17:37,957 --> 00:17:42,477 It's morris, a huge, intimidating, 15-year-old. 241 00:17:43,605 --> 00:17:45,930 Sophie doesn't want any trouble. 242 00:17:45,965 --> 00:17:48,265 So, reluctantly she gives up 243 00:17:48,276 --> 00:17:53,446 Her spot grabbing a quick snack to go. 244 00:17:54,949 --> 00:17:57,274 (water splashing) 245 00:17:57,285 --> 00:18:00,078 (light music) 246 00:18:16,453 --> 00:18:20,381 Morris, a veteran fisherman, has refined his technique. 247 00:18:20,457 --> 00:18:23,142 (playful music) 248 00:18:24,336 --> 00:18:25,803 He stands tall, 249 00:18:25,814 --> 00:18:28,898 Getting a top-down perspective on the chum. 250 00:18:32,928 --> 00:18:35,947 (water splashing) 251 00:18:50,004 --> 00:18:51,662 When the coast is clear, 252 00:18:51,673 --> 00:18:54,132 Sophie ventures to the river once more. 253 00:18:56,702 --> 00:19:00,337 Remarkably, mrs. Tucker taught sophie long ago 254 00:19:00,348 --> 00:19:03,507 To use this very same log as a launch pad. 255 00:19:03,542 --> 00:19:05,342 (suspenseful music) 256 00:19:05,353 --> 00:19:08,437 (water splashing) 257 00:19:13,469 --> 00:19:16,353 Her charge, smash, and grab strategy 258 00:19:16,388 --> 00:19:18,656 Might not be as dignified as morris'. 259 00:19:20,726 --> 00:19:22,869 But eventually, it works. 260 00:19:29,360 --> 00:19:31,785 The salmon's juicy eggs help provide 261 00:19:31,820 --> 00:19:35,006 The tens of thousands of calories she needs every day. 262 00:19:38,219 --> 00:19:40,970 (light music) 263 00:19:41,497 --> 00:19:44,215 She continues working the shallow water, 264 00:19:44,225 --> 00:19:47,185 But the chum are getting to know her moves. 265 00:19:49,213 --> 00:19:50,387 (light dramatic music) (water splashing) 266 00:19:50,422 --> 00:19:52,389 When she loudly charges their spawning beds, 267 00:19:52,400 --> 00:19:55,610 They easily escape into deeper water. 268 00:19:58,597 --> 00:20:00,731 Taking a page out of morris' book, 269 00:20:00,742 --> 00:20:04,235 Sophie stands upright to see the fish as they flee. 270 00:20:04,245 --> 00:20:07,747 (light dramatic music) 271 00:20:11,610 --> 00:20:14,086 She herds the salmon toward the bank. 272 00:20:16,591 --> 00:20:17,924 Once they're corralled, 273 00:20:19,594 --> 00:20:22,002 (water splashing) she attacks! 274 00:20:22,037 --> 00:20:27,266 (dramatic music) (crows cawing) 275 00:20:35,634 --> 00:20:39,946 Meanwhile, the chum are upping their game as well. 276 00:20:42,116 --> 00:20:44,275 Every time sophie prowls the water, 277 00:20:44,310 --> 00:20:47,245 They hide in the cloud of debris she stirs up. 278 00:20:51,793 --> 00:20:55,119 (paws thudding) 279 00:20:55,129 --> 00:20:58,589 As the water clears, they beat a full retreat. 280 00:21:01,452 --> 00:21:04,295 But bears are remarkably intelligent. 281 00:21:04,305 --> 00:21:07,881 Sophie realizes that every time she touches the water, 282 00:21:07,958 --> 00:21:10,134 They head downstream. 283 00:21:10,144 --> 00:21:13,521 (light dramatic music) 284 00:21:15,507 --> 00:21:18,976 Not to be out-witted, she triggers the salmon's retreat 285 00:21:18,987 --> 00:21:22,146 With a paw swat, (water splashing) 286 00:21:22,156 --> 00:21:24,699 Then intercepts them as they flee. 287 00:21:27,161 --> 00:21:31,322 (suspenseful music) (water bubbling) 288 00:21:31,332 --> 00:21:34,333 (water splashing) 289 00:21:48,540 --> 00:21:49,840 In the main river channel, 290 00:21:49,851 --> 00:21:54,678 A 20 year old male named stanley fishes in deeper water. 291 00:21:54,713 --> 00:21:58,566 With age comes wisdom and efficiency. 292 00:22:01,863 --> 00:22:03,687 Stanley can't be bothered with all 293 00:22:03,722 --> 00:22:07,024 That chasing, leaping and struggling. 294 00:22:07,035 --> 00:22:10,661 Far easier to go after the fish that don't flee. 295 00:22:11,614 --> 00:22:16,033 He snorkels, scouring the river bottom for dead salmon. 296 00:22:16,044 --> 00:22:19,545 (light dramatic music) 297 00:22:21,049 --> 00:22:22,715 That one's a little too ripe. 298 00:22:24,218 --> 00:22:27,345 (water splashing) 299 00:22:40,676 --> 00:22:42,943 Now that's more like it! 300 00:22:47,241 --> 00:22:49,733 Time for his signature move. 301 00:22:49,744 --> 00:22:52,403 (suspenseful music) 302 00:22:52,413 --> 00:22:54,372 (water splashing) got it! 303 00:22:56,751 --> 00:22:59,502 (light music) 304 00:23:05,760 --> 00:23:08,886 A salmon feast without the bother. 305 00:23:12,433 --> 00:23:15,426 With each passing week, the urgency grows 306 00:23:15,436 --> 00:23:17,144 For sophie to gain weight. 307 00:23:17,455 --> 00:23:19,647 Her pregnancy is on the line. 308 00:23:21,967 --> 00:23:24,435 But again and again large males 309 00:23:24,445 --> 00:23:27,271 Like morris and stanley displace her. 310 00:23:27,306 --> 00:23:30,741 (light dramatic music) 311 00:23:32,644 --> 00:23:35,779 If she isn't fat enough when she starts hibernating, 312 00:23:35,790 --> 00:23:39,700 Her body will absorb the fertilized eggs in her uterus, 313 00:23:39,735 --> 00:23:42,044 And there will be no cubs. 314 00:23:45,157 --> 00:23:48,592 (light dramatic music) 315 00:23:50,329 --> 00:23:54,306 By November, only a few spawning salmon remain. 316 00:23:56,001 --> 00:23:57,301 (water splashing) 317 00:23:57,311 --> 00:24:00,637 Fishing has become a matter of diminishing returns; 318 00:24:00,648 --> 00:24:04,108 It burns more calories than sophie gets to eat. 319 00:24:08,156 --> 00:24:10,448 So she sets off along the river 320 00:24:12,660 --> 00:24:16,120 And picks her way up the slopes of bear cave mountain 321 00:24:17,648 --> 00:24:20,574 To the den where she was born. 322 00:24:20,651 --> 00:24:22,159 (wind whistling) 323 00:24:22,170 --> 00:24:24,995 The limestone mountain's many caves, 324 00:24:25,030 --> 00:24:27,414 Carved out by running water, 325 00:24:27,491 --> 00:24:31,302 Have been used by hibernating bears down through the ages. 326 00:24:33,539 --> 00:24:36,474 Sophie settles in to sleep away the winter. 327 00:24:38,502 --> 00:24:41,345 Her drive to feed for the last six months 328 00:24:41,355 --> 00:24:43,355 Now comes down to this. 329 00:24:45,026 --> 00:24:46,683 If she's healthy enough, 330 00:24:46,718 --> 00:24:50,854 Perhaps by spring she'll be a mother. 331 00:24:50,865 --> 00:24:53,782 (dramatic music) 332 00:24:58,230 --> 00:25:00,614 (wind whistling) (foliage rustling) 333 00:25:00,649 --> 00:25:04,168 April blows cold, here, in yukon's far north. 334 00:25:06,863 --> 00:25:10,457 Cinematographer phil timpany is searching for grizzlies 335 00:25:10,534 --> 00:25:13,210 Not far from bear cave mountain. 336 00:25:13,221 --> 00:25:14,628 (bears growling) 337 00:25:14,705 --> 00:25:16,046 The family he comes across has emerged from their den 338 00:25:16,057 --> 00:25:19,350 To discover winter is still in full force. 339 00:25:22,897 --> 00:25:28,559 A caribou carcass offers the mother meager pickings. 340 00:25:28,594 --> 00:25:32,062 But her two-year-old cubs are more interested 341 00:25:32,073 --> 00:25:33,781 In wrestling anyway. 342 00:25:35,409 --> 00:25:37,568 Phil's pleased to find any bears 343 00:25:37,578 --> 00:25:40,237 To film this early in the year. 344 00:25:40,248 --> 00:25:44,658 But he'll leave these grizzlies and keep looking for sophie. 345 00:25:44,735 --> 00:25:46,994 He's anxious to know whether this year 346 00:25:47,070 --> 00:25:48,712 She's got any cubs in tow. 347 00:25:51,092 --> 00:25:54,585 (light dramatic music) 348 00:25:54,595 --> 00:25:57,555 (wind whistling) 349 00:26:02,044 --> 00:26:03,677 (birds chirping) 350 00:26:03,712 --> 00:26:06,930 Only when the tundra begins to bloom in may 351 00:26:06,965 --> 00:26:10,601 Does he find her in a secluded valley 352 00:26:10,611 --> 00:26:12,736 Where he rarely sees bears. 353 00:26:14,765 --> 00:26:19,443 And he's delighted to find she's got company. 354 00:26:19,453 --> 00:26:24,197 A tiny male cub born in January in the safety of the den 355 00:26:24,274 --> 00:26:26,125 And now four months old. 356 00:26:29,154 --> 00:26:31,797 A little female completes the family. 357 00:26:34,785 --> 00:26:37,628 The cubs have already journeyed for many miles, 358 00:26:37,638 --> 00:26:39,597 Scampering after their mother. 359 00:26:41,809 --> 00:26:45,302 But as a first-time mom, sophie's learning the ropes, 360 00:26:45,313 --> 00:26:47,137 Trying to balance her own needs 361 00:26:47,172 --> 00:26:50,974 With feeding and protecting her young. 362 00:26:50,985 --> 00:26:55,228 More than half of all grizzly cubs die in their first year, 363 00:26:55,263 --> 00:26:58,315 So sophie has little room for error. 364 00:26:58,326 --> 00:27:01,785 (light dramatic music) 365 00:27:04,856 --> 00:27:08,408 During the next two months, the tundra flushes green with 366 00:27:08,443 --> 00:27:12,671 New growth as plants soak up the nearly endless sunshine. 367 00:27:15,617 --> 00:27:17,334 (ravens cawing) 368 00:27:17,369 --> 00:27:19,336 A pair of ravens draws sophie's attention 369 00:27:19,371 --> 00:27:22,422 To the carcass of a caribou. 370 00:27:22,457 --> 00:27:25,759 She and the cubs have been foraging on the lush grasses 371 00:27:25,836 --> 00:27:27,811 But welcome a change of diet. 372 00:27:29,881 --> 00:27:32,650 It's the cubs' first taste of meat. 373 00:27:35,178 --> 00:27:37,104 While the youngsters eat their fill, 374 00:27:37,180 --> 00:27:40,190 Sophie starts burying the windfall to protect it 375 00:27:40,201 --> 00:27:44,277 From ravens and other feathered thieves. 376 00:27:44,354 --> 00:27:47,114 She skillfully rolls up a ball of vegetation 377 00:27:47,190 --> 00:27:49,866 And soil to cover the carcass. 378 00:27:49,877 --> 00:27:53,203 The cubs watch carefully, learning a lesson that may 379 00:27:53,238 --> 00:27:55,714 Someday save them from starvation. 380 00:27:59,745 --> 00:28:02,462 (light dramatic music) 381 00:28:02,539 --> 00:28:04,464 But the most sure-fire way of protecting 382 00:28:04,541 --> 00:28:07,184 A meal is to sleep on it. 383 00:28:09,421 --> 00:28:13,857 With sophie nodding off, her cubs seize the moment. 384 00:28:23,602 --> 00:28:26,820 Meat might now be on the menu but they'll continue 385 00:28:26,855 --> 00:28:29,373 To suckle throughout their first year. 386 00:28:30,584 --> 00:28:34,044 (light dramatic music) 387 00:28:39,427 --> 00:28:41,418 Nearing the end of summer, 388 00:28:41,453 --> 00:28:45,756 The cubs discover one of the joys of the season; 389 00:28:45,766 --> 00:28:51,344 Berries, reaching their peak in late August. 390 00:28:51,421 --> 00:28:53,680 Sophie makes it clear how important it is to gorge 391 00:28:53,757 --> 00:28:56,316 On the fruit while the bounty lasts. 392 00:28:57,945 --> 00:29:00,779 And the cubs are happy to oblige. 393 00:29:02,766 --> 00:29:04,441 But in just three weeks, 394 00:29:04,452 --> 00:29:06,910 The berry patches will be picked clean. 395 00:29:09,564 --> 00:29:13,200 And once again, sophie will hear the siren call 396 00:29:13,276 --> 00:29:14,752 Of the fishing branch river. 397 00:29:15,037 --> 00:29:17,713 (light music) 398 00:29:22,452 --> 00:29:25,295 (birds cawing) 399 00:29:25,306 --> 00:29:28,223 (birds chirping) 400 00:29:33,797 --> 00:29:36,890 By the time the family arrives at bear cave mountain, 401 00:29:36,967 --> 00:29:38,776 The cubs are seven months old. 402 00:29:47,828 --> 00:29:51,789 The youngsters seem delighted to explore this new terrain, 403 00:29:53,334 --> 00:29:55,909 But sophie grows uneasy. 404 00:29:55,986 --> 00:29:58,328 As she's done every year of her life, 405 00:29:58,339 --> 00:30:01,799 She scours her favorite fishing sites for salmon. 406 00:30:03,844 --> 00:30:07,387 (light dramatic music) 407 00:30:12,353 --> 00:30:15,312 (water bubbling) nothing. 408 00:30:17,799 --> 00:30:19,858 Something is terribly wrong. 409 00:30:24,698 --> 00:30:27,825 The salmon run has never been this late before. 410 00:30:29,227 --> 00:30:32,663 For a first-time mother, this is a disaster. 411 00:30:34,375 --> 00:30:37,868 (dramatic music) (wind whistling) 412 00:30:37,878 --> 00:30:41,588 10 days pass with no sign of migrating chum. 413 00:30:42,883 --> 00:30:46,126 The cubs, still nursing, get virtually all their 414 00:30:46,161 --> 00:30:51,464 Nutrition from sophie, draining her of vital calories. 415 00:30:51,541 --> 00:30:54,217 Just when she should be fattening up to get them all 416 00:30:54,228 --> 00:30:57,888 Through months of hibernation, she's losing weight. 417 00:30:57,898 --> 00:31:01,057 (light dramatic music) 418 00:31:01,068 --> 00:31:04,728 If she doesn't eat soon and eat a lot, 419 00:31:04,763 --> 00:31:07,573 They might not survive the winter. 420 00:31:14,564 --> 00:31:17,324 (light dramatic music) (water splashing) 421 00:31:17,400 --> 00:31:19,993 It's late September and first-time mother 422 00:31:20,070 --> 00:31:23,246 Sophie faces a crisis. 423 00:31:23,257 --> 00:31:24,998 The annual run of chum salmon 424 00:31:25,033 --> 00:31:29,085 In the fishing branch river hasn't arrived. 425 00:31:29,096 --> 00:31:31,922 Without binging on fish for several weeks, 426 00:31:31,932 --> 00:31:34,090 Sophie can't store enough fat to survive 427 00:31:34,101 --> 00:31:37,895 Her coming hibernation or feed her cubs. 428 00:31:41,108 --> 00:31:43,817 (gentle music) 429 00:31:50,475 --> 00:31:53,610 At last, the chum start to appear, 430 00:31:53,645 --> 00:31:56,038 10 days later than usual. 431 00:31:57,291 --> 00:32:00,367 Sophie needs to make up for lost time 432 00:32:00,402 --> 00:32:03,203 And immediately gets down to business. 433 00:32:03,279 --> 00:32:07,457 (water splashing) 434 00:32:07,492 --> 00:32:09,793 She targets females when she can, 435 00:32:09,803 --> 00:32:13,764 Because they come with a vital bonus; eggs! 436 00:32:15,792 --> 00:32:19,645 The hungry cubs are eager for their first taste of salmon. 437 00:32:21,673 --> 00:32:25,308 Salmon eggs are a grizzly super-food, 438 00:32:25,319 --> 00:32:29,312 Packed with nutrients and all important fat. 439 00:32:29,323 --> 00:32:34,618 (crows cawing) (bears growling) 440 00:32:35,679 --> 00:32:41,491 Sophie lets her cubs know the precious caviar is hers alone. 441 00:32:41,526 --> 00:32:44,002 She needs the eggs more than they do. 442 00:32:49,117 --> 00:32:53,003 Instinct drives sophie to keep gorging herself, 443 00:32:53,038 --> 00:32:56,390 But her inexperience as a mother starts to show. 444 00:32:58,793 --> 00:33:02,512 Knowing the chum often spawn in shallows on the other side, 445 00:33:02,523 --> 00:33:04,347 She heads across the river, 446 00:33:04,358 --> 00:33:08,518 Leaving behind a pair of disconcerted cubs. 447 00:33:08,529 --> 00:33:12,072 (light dramatic music) 448 00:33:13,224 --> 00:33:15,275 Desperate for their mother, 449 00:33:15,351 --> 00:33:17,828 The cubs try swimming for the first time. 450 00:33:19,731 --> 00:33:23,366 But the strong current carries them downstream. 451 00:33:23,377 --> 00:33:26,378 (dramatic music) 452 00:33:30,384 --> 00:33:34,886 Intent on fishing, sophie is oblivious to the cubs' plight. 453 00:33:37,165 --> 00:33:38,882 They've made the far bank, 454 00:33:38,892 --> 00:33:41,518 But now they've lost track of her. 455 00:33:44,398 --> 00:33:47,065 Alone, they're extremely vulnerable. 456 00:33:50,595 --> 00:33:52,896 (suspenseful music) 457 00:33:52,906 --> 00:33:56,616 Sophie heads back across the river to share her catch. 458 00:34:05,360 --> 00:34:07,994 But it's deserted. 459 00:34:08,071 --> 00:34:13,258 Finally, she hears the cubs' cries and realizes her mistake. 460 00:34:15,745 --> 00:34:17,804 She hustles back to their rescue. 461 00:34:19,624 --> 00:34:23,060 (light dramatic music) 462 00:34:25,939 --> 00:34:28,815 (cubs squealing) 463 00:34:35,265 --> 00:34:38,075 A happy reunion and a lesson learned. 464 00:34:40,979 --> 00:34:44,498 Sophie will keep closer tabs on her youngsters from now on. 465 00:34:52,574 --> 00:34:55,092 (soft music) 466 00:34:57,328 --> 00:35:01,515 In early October, winter arrives at the fishing branch. 467 00:35:04,586 --> 00:35:06,603 But it's of little consequence. 468 00:35:08,339 --> 00:35:11,558 Here, the chum keep spawning and grizzlies 469 00:35:11,634 --> 00:35:14,111 Keep feeding late into the season. 470 00:35:16,639 --> 00:35:20,650 The cubs watch intently as sophie demonstrates her skills 471 00:35:20,685 --> 00:35:23,820 At one of the same spots where she learned from her mother 472 00:35:23,831 --> 00:35:26,123 How to outsmart the spawning chum. 473 00:35:28,359 --> 00:35:30,961 (light music) 474 00:35:32,506 --> 00:35:35,415 The cubs discover for themselves that the ice 475 00:35:35,491 --> 00:35:38,135 Hides fish that don't put up a fight. 476 00:35:56,387 --> 00:35:59,739 (light dramatic music) 477 00:36:00,442 --> 00:36:03,693 Later in October, full winter blankets the valley 478 00:36:03,704 --> 00:36:05,495 Below bear cave mountain. 479 00:36:07,190 --> 00:36:09,499 But the river continues to flow. 480 00:36:15,048 --> 00:36:20,343 At 30 below, ice forms on everything, including wet bears. 481 00:36:23,748 --> 00:36:28,351 It's stanley, the 20-year-old with surprising foot skills. 482 00:36:32,757 --> 00:36:35,225 He rubs his scent on a prominent tree 483 00:36:35,260 --> 00:36:40,480 To post a message to other bears, no trespassing. 484 00:36:40,556 --> 00:36:43,233 Lower-ranking grizzlies will get the message 485 00:36:43,243 --> 00:36:45,535 And head to a different part of the river. 486 00:36:51,609 --> 00:36:54,711 Grizzlies here are known as ice bears. 487 00:36:57,591 --> 00:37:00,759 (icy fur crunching) 488 00:37:02,787 --> 00:37:03,887 That's why. 489 00:37:05,123 --> 00:37:08,091 A good, crackling shake, and this ice bear's 490 00:37:08,126 --> 00:37:10,176 Ready to start fishing again. 491 00:37:10,253 --> 00:37:12,896 (light music) 492 00:37:16,217 --> 00:37:20,103 As always, the special alchemy in this stretch of river 493 00:37:20,113 --> 00:37:24,774 Enables the chum to keep spawning deep into winter. 494 00:37:24,809 --> 00:37:28,036 It helps make up for this year's late arrival of the salmon. 495 00:37:28,579 --> 00:37:30,947 But many of the grizzlies are struggling 496 00:37:30,982 --> 00:37:32,749 To pack on enough pounds. 497 00:37:36,129 --> 00:37:39,756 Soon, the spawning will begin to wind down. 498 00:37:40,825 --> 00:37:42,792 Most of the chum have died 499 00:37:42,827 --> 00:37:45,512 And been washed downriver or eaten. 500 00:37:49,500 --> 00:37:53,303 Sophie still needs to bulk up a bit more. 501 00:37:53,313 --> 00:37:55,805 The new mother has spent vital calories keeping 502 00:37:55,816 --> 00:37:59,442 Her cubs in line and sharing her food with them. 503 00:38:01,321 --> 00:38:04,114 But her fishing savvy is still growing. 504 00:38:05,826 --> 00:38:08,318 (water splashing) (crows cawing) 505 00:38:08,353 --> 00:38:11,404 Slowly and silently, she creeps toward 506 00:38:11,481 --> 00:38:13,623 The spawning beds from downstream. 507 00:38:14,984 --> 00:38:18,828 Then poses, like a sprinter in the starting blocks. 508 00:38:18,839 --> 00:38:21,998 (suspenseful music) 509 00:38:22,033 --> 00:38:24,759 Impatient mouths wait on the river bank. 510 00:38:26,871 --> 00:38:30,307 Eventually, the fish no longer notice her. 511 00:38:32,502 --> 00:38:34,177 A fatal mistake. 512 00:38:34,212 --> 00:38:38,315 (dramatic music) (water splashing) 513 00:38:52,372 --> 00:38:55,114 (gentle music) since arriving on the river, 514 00:38:55,191 --> 00:38:58,084 Sophie has gained nearly 50 pounds. 515 00:38:59,737 --> 00:39:02,372 But now her family is caught in that spiral 516 00:39:02,382 --> 00:39:04,090 Of diminishing returns. 517 00:39:06,553 --> 00:39:10,347 Fewer salmon, requiring more energy to catch. 518 00:39:12,893 --> 00:39:17,479 For sophie and her cubs it's a race against time. 519 00:39:18,881 --> 00:39:22,558 (light dramatic music) 520 00:39:22,593 --> 00:39:26,979 A November dawn and a shroud of ice fog 521 00:39:27,014 --> 00:39:29,324 Rises from the fishing branch river. 522 00:39:31,018 --> 00:39:34,329 Sophie has never lingered here so late in the season. 523 00:39:36,274 --> 00:39:38,157 But this is the first time she'll have to 524 00:39:38,234 --> 00:39:41,086 Nourish cubs during the hibernation ahead. 525 00:39:43,739 --> 00:39:47,217 She must gain even more weight before leaving the river. 526 00:39:50,079 --> 00:39:53,923 And the spawning salmon are nearly gone. 527 00:39:53,958 --> 00:39:55,925 At least the battered and exhausted few 528 00:39:55,936 --> 00:39:58,770 That remain are now easier to catch. 529 00:40:01,424 --> 00:40:05,935 Sophie is torn between two powerful instincts: 530 00:40:05,946 --> 00:40:08,271 Her hunger for ever more salmon 531 00:40:08,306 --> 00:40:10,448 And her need to protect her cubs. 532 00:40:11,952 --> 00:40:14,777 Every day they remain on the river bank, 533 00:40:14,788 --> 00:40:17,705 The threats against her family intensify. 534 00:40:19,960 --> 00:40:22,452 (dramatic music) 535 00:40:22,487 --> 00:40:24,704 With less salmon to scavenge, 536 00:40:24,739 --> 00:40:27,715 Hungry wolves might risk attacking a cub. 537 00:40:31,496 --> 00:40:34,097 (crow cawing) 538 00:40:37,418 --> 00:40:39,302 And the male bears would like to keep 539 00:40:39,312 --> 00:40:42,722 The rest of the chum for themselves. 540 00:40:42,757 --> 00:40:44,307 These big bruisers burn through 541 00:40:44,317 --> 00:40:48,144 Far more calories than smaller females. 542 00:40:48,155 --> 00:40:51,573 They'll stop at nothing to get every fish they can. 543 00:40:56,496 --> 00:41:01,082 Sophie, growing increasingly anxious, sniffs for trouble. 544 00:41:02,860 --> 00:41:06,212 And the scent she just picked up is unmistakable; 545 00:41:09,509 --> 00:41:13,336 A one-eared male the oldest bear on the river. 546 00:41:13,371 --> 00:41:14,504 (light dramatic music) 547 00:41:14,539 --> 00:41:16,506 Like most elderly grizzlies, 548 00:41:16,516 --> 00:41:18,975 His reproductive days are behind him. 549 00:41:24,858 --> 00:41:28,351 The cubs are no competition. 550 00:41:28,386 --> 00:41:30,436 But they've learned their lessons well 551 00:41:30,471 --> 00:41:33,323 And get out of the way of any male bear. 552 00:41:45,378 --> 00:41:49,047 Sophie's choice gets more difficult every day. 553 00:41:50,717 --> 00:41:53,125 The salmon are irresistible, 554 00:41:53,202 --> 00:41:56,796 But the encounter she dreads is inevitable. 555 00:41:56,872 --> 00:42:00,350 (light dramatic music) 556 00:42:05,923 --> 00:42:07,807 It's morris. 557 00:42:07,883 --> 00:42:11,894 Unlike the retired champions, this 15-year-old nearing 558 00:42:11,929 --> 00:42:16,199 His prime is all about eliminating the competition. 559 00:42:21,272 --> 00:42:25,074 Morris is a very real threat to the cubs. 560 00:42:25,085 --> 00:42:28,378 (suspenseful music) 561 00:42:34,761 --> 00:42:39,472 With a last longing glance at the river, sophie decides. 562 00:42:41,268 --> 00:42:44,343 The risks of staying now outweigh the benefits. 563 00:42:44,378 --> 00:42:46,846 She'll just have to trust that she's gained 564 00:42:46,881 --> 00:42:49,315 All the weight she needs to hibernate. 565 00:42:50,944 --> 00:42:54,437 It's time to leave the river to the big guys. 566 00:42:54,447 --> 00:42:57,865 (light dramatic music) 567 00:42:58,785 --> 00:43:02,194 (crows cawing) 568 00:43:02,271 --> 00:43:05,582 Sophie's first year of motherhood is nearly over. 569 00:43:07,294 --> 00:43:09,285 She's done well. 570 00:43:09,320 --> 00:43:10,953 She has guided her cubs through 571 00:43:10,964 --> 00:43:15,291 The most precarious year of their lives. 572 00:43:15,302 --> 00:43:18,294 Thanks to her diligence and the singular bounty 573 00:43:18,329 --> 00:43:23,049 Of the fishing branch river, they've beaten the odds. 574 00:43:23,125 --> 00:43:26,469 She'll still look after them for two more years, 575 00:43:26,504 --> 00:43:29,647 But she's prepared them well for the challenges ahead. 576 00:43:31,342 --> 00:43:33,809 And now they can retreat to the shelter 577 00:43:33,844 --> 00:43:36,696 Of their den for their long winter nap. 578 00:43:37,991 --> 00:43:39,815 (light music) (bear snoring) 579 00:43:39,850 --> 00:43:42,318 Mother and cubs hunker down, 580 00:43:42,329 --> 00:43:46,831 Nestled in the safe haven of legendary bear cave mountain. 581 00:43:49,502 --> 00:43:53,046 (light dramatic music)