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(logo whooshing)
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(soft music)
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(uplifting music)
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- [Narrator] On rejuvenated mountainsides
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roams one of Japan's most elusive animals.
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Moon bears share their home
with an array of wild neighbors.
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Cubs emerge from hibernation,
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seeing the outside world
for the very first time.
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Life lessons are learned
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as they follow their
mother's every footstep.
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(dramatic music)
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Sometimes to their detriment.
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A family life is fraught with danger.
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Mothers will courageously
fight to protect their cubs.
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Above all, they face a race against time
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to stock up on food
(uplifting music)
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and find shelter before the
mountain's bitter winter hits.
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These resilient bears
must fight to survive.
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(awe-inspiring music)
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(peaceful music)
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To the southwest of
Japan's Tochigi Prefecture
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lies the picturesque Ashio Mountain Range.
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Lush green forest
blankets the mountainsides
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and stretch for as far as the eye can see.
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(peaceful music)
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(birds chirping)
These woodlands have
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become one of the few
remaining strongholds
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for much of Japan's wildlife.
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Japanese macaques thrive
amongst Ashio's many trees.
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(peaceful music)
(birds chirping)
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The mountain's grassy plains
provide the perfect habitat
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for sika deer.
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They are not the only large mammal
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to be found grazing on the mountains.
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Japanese serow also call Ashio home.
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(peaceful music)
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The two species are often seen
together, living in harmony
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in the intermixed terrain.
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(birds chirping)
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Ashio's forests were not always
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the pristine habitat we see today.
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They have risen from the ashes.
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Industrial copper mines once dominated
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the now lush green landscape.
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(melancholy music)
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Pollution and deforestation
choked the mountain range.
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(melancholy music)
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The mining industry stripped
Ashio of its many trees.
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(wind whooshing)
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(melancholy music)
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Only bare hills were left
in the wake of the mines.
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But the mountains have
seen an astonishing revival
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over the last 60 years.
(peaceful music)
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Half of the Ashio forests have recovered.
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As life has been breathed
back into the landscape,
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wild animals have begun to return.
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(peaceful music)
(birds chirping)
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One wildlife photographer has made it
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his life goal to document Ashio's
remarkable transformation.
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Mr. Hiroshi Yokota has been filming
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the mountain's inhabitants
for over 27 years.
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One wild occupant has become
the center of his attention.
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Hiroshi searches the mountainsides
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for his favorite Ashio resident.
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(birds chirping)
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Deer graze in the distance,
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but they are not the
species he is searching for.
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Hiroshi heads to a valley that was one
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of the first locations to
recover from the invasive mining.
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(truck rattling)
(birds chirping)
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A figure is spotted in the distance.
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(birds chirping)
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(Hiroshi speaks in Japanese)
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It is the elusive species
he has been searching for.
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A moon bear.
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(peaceful music)
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Solitary by nature,
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the rugged bear searches
the mountain sides for food.
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(calm music)
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The large mammals are carnivorous,
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but more than 90% of their
diet is made up of plants.
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(calm music)
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Weighing between 70 to 120 kilograms,
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moon bears are one of
Japan's largest animals.
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The striking mammals get their name
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from the moon-shaped
crescent on their chest.
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(birds chirping)
(wind whooshing)
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Hiroshi runs a busy chiropractic
clinic for a living,
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but devotes his spare time
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to filming his favorite Ashio resident.
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(peaceful music)
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He has been mesmerized by the moon bears
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ever since his first
encounter over 27 years ago.
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The moon bears are confined
to Japan's southern islands
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of Shikoku and Honshu
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and live deep within isolated forests,
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making them incredibly hard to film.
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Yet Hiroshi has managed to film
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over 1000 hours of footage.
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From his tapes,
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we witnessed the trials and tribulations
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of Ashio's moon bears.
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(calm music)
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In early March,
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the mountains are still covered
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with a thick blanket of snow.
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But spring is just around the corner.
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(water whooshing)
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Snow and ice begin to melt.
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Cascading down the mountains,
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the liberated water nourishes
Ashio's thirsty foliage.
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It is time for wintering birds,
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like the Steller's sea eagle,
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to head back to their breeding grounds.
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(calm music)
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Until spring fully awakens,
Japanese macaques have
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to make do with tree bark as a meal.
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Deer feed on the few patches of grass
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that have pierced the blanket of snow.
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(calm music)
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With spring nearing,
some Ashio's moon bears
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have begun to wake from hibernation.
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It is only males and females without cubs
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that will rise this early.
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(wind whooshing)
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The drowsy bears' first port of call is
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to find a mountainside stream.
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Unable to drink during hibernation,
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a gulp of fresh water is much overdue.
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(water whooshing)
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Using its powerful sense of smell,
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the bear scans its surroundings for food.
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Strongly built and
equipped with curved claws,
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the moon bears are perfectly adapted
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to their mountainside home.
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(curious music)
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A steep rock face is no obstacle.
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Bears are accomplished climbers.
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Using its curved claws,
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this individual makes short
work of the steep climb.
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The rock face becomes almost vertical.
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A fall from this height could be fatal.
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(curious music)
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But despite their heavy weight,
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the large mammals are
remarkably nimble climbers.
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After a long hibernation with no food,
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this bear is starving and
must find nourishment soon.
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(calm music)
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Something has caught its attention.
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00:11:36,070 --> 00:11:38,530
It is only recently sprouted grass,
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but it will have to do.
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All of Ashio's waking
residents are finding it tough.
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This bear makes do with bark
from a willow tree as a meal.
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(birds chirping)
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The slopes are bare and food is scarce.
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The early risers will have to
make do with meager pickings.
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A rare patch of grass grown
from a mountainside spring
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provides a little nourishment.
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More substantial meals must be found soon
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in order for the bears
to regain their strength,
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lost from their long hibernation.
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Some have fared better than others.
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A dead deer provides a much
needed fat and protein boost.
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The ravenous bear tears
off every piece of meat
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it can find on the decomposing carcass.
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(peaceful music)
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As spring starts to blossom in Ashio,
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the mountain's mother
bears will soon awake.
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Pregnant females give birth
during their long hibernation.
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Hiroshi patiently waits
for a new family's arrival.
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(birds chirping)
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Two small figures appear
from within a den.
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(peaceful music)
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It's two moon bear cubs,
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seeing the outside world
for the first time.
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Gingerly, they take their first steps
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into the great outdoors.
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(peaceful music)
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Their mother seems a little
more hesitant to leave.
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(bright music)
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Eventually, she follows suit,
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leaving her cozy winter home behind.
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It's follow the leader for the cubs
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as they shadow their mother's every step.
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(bright music)
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While Mum feeds, the cubs
have a chance to explore.
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After three long months underground,
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the young bears are fascinated
by their surroundings.
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In May, the forest is in full blossom.
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(peaceful music)
(birds chirping)
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Flowers spring into life
all over the mountainside.
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Finally, food has become more
abundant for the moon bears.
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Fresh young leaves are soft,
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easily digested, and
bursting with protein.
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This is a vital time for the bears.
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They must begin to regain their strength
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after their long hibernation.
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00:15:36,986 --> 00:15:39,736
(peaceful music)
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A young family have
taken to a steep slope,
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covered in fresh vegetation.
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The mother bear settles
down on her haunches.
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It's feeding time for the cubs.
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(bear cub grunts)
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Eagerly, the youngsters suckle.
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(wind whooshing)
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Gently, the mother
holds her precious young
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as they feed.
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(bear cub bleats)
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Moon bear's milk is packed
full of fat and protein,
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containing three times as much energy
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as human breast milk.
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(cheerful music)
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The nutritious meal
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has given the restless
cubs an energy boost.
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00:17:03,310 --> 00:17:07,630
Using their sharp claws, the
playing youngsters shred bark
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as they clamber up a tree.
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The sibling rivalry
between the two is strong,
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which helps to build up their strength.
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But the young cubs cannot
spend their entire day playing.
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There is work to be done.
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(birds chirping)
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Constantly on the move,
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the youngsters must learn
crucial survival skills
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00:17:37,040 --> 00:17:38,540
whilst following their mother.
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00:17:41,920 --> 00:17:43,980
Using her powerful jaws,
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the mother rips bark off a larch tree.
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00:17:47,162 --> 00:17:49,912
(birds chirping)
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Sap is extracted and
provides a sweet treat.
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00:17:57,190 --> 00:17:59,670
The liquid is full of sugar,
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00:17:59,670 --> 00:18:03,283
making it an excellent energy
source for the hungry bears.
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00:18:18,161 --> 00:18:20,000
(peaceful music)
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00:18:20,000 --> 00:18:21,850
Cubs are quick learners
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and soon follow their mother's example.
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00:18:24,810 --> 00:18:28,910
This learned behavior could
prove to be an lifesaver
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as the cubs develop into adults.
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00:18:37,200 --> 00:18:39,720
Every day, the cubs grow physically
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and garner more knowledge
from their mother.
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00:18:42,950 --> 00:18:44,600
Between life lessons,
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00:18:44,600 --> 00:18:48,243
the two still find time for
a bit of rough and tumble.
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00:18:50,294 --> 00:18:52,801
(grass rustling)
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00:18:52,801 --> 00:18:56,150
(insects chirring)
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00:18:56,150 --> 00:18:59,603
Loud buzzing sounds engulf
the mountainside forests.
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00:19:01,090 --> 00:19:02,943
It is the sound of the cicada.
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Their deafening song heralds
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the start of the summer.
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(cicadas chirring)
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00:19:10,530 --> 00:19:14,223
The moon bear's favorite
fruit has begun to ripen.
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00:19:15,380 --> 00:19:17,083
Wild cherry trees.
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00:19:23,160 --> 00:19:25,970
The blossoming cherries
present the moon bears
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00:19:25,970 --> 00:19:27,923
with a sweet-tasting feast.
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00:19:29,660 --> 00:19:30,760
Since the spring,
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00:19:30,760 --> 00:19:33,483
they have primarily been
eating grass or leaves.
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00:19:36,140 --> 00:19:39,902
The ravenous bears crave
the sweet food source.
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00:19:39,902 --> 00:19:42,819
(cicadas chirring)
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00:19:50,590 --> 00:19:52,990
Hardest to reach branches are snapped off
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00:19:52,990 --> 00:19:55,083
to get to the sweetest of prizes.
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00:20:02,350 --> 00:20:03,650
It looks wasteful,
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00:20:03,650 --> 00:20:06,900
as a lot of the branches,
laden with precious cherries,
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00:20:06,900 --> 00:20:08,203
fall to the ground.
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00:20:13,470 --> 00:20:16,454
But one man's trash is another's treasure.
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00:20:16,454 --> 00:20:19,121
(curious music)
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00:20:22,710 --> 00:20:24,830
In the day, a badger appears
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00:20:24,830 --> 00:20:27,223
and feeds on the discarded cherries.
264
00:20:30,410 --> 00:20:33,653
The area becomes particularly
active during the night.
265
00:20:36,440 --> 00:20:38,260
Sniffing through the undergrowth,
266
00:20:38,260 --> 00:20:40,543
a wild boar joins the feast.
267
00:20:43,770 --> 00:20:46,653
A deer inspects the discarded branches.
268
00:20:48,790 --> 00:20:51,872
But this time, feeds on the leaves.
269
00:20:51,872 --> 00:20:53,980
(curious music)
270
00:20:53,980 --> 00:20:57,053
All the activity attracts
the forest's predators,
271
00:20:58,260 --> 00:20:59,813
like the carnivorous marten.
272
00:21:03,300 --> 00:21:06,243
A red fox has also sensed activity.
273
00:21:06,243 --> 00:21:09,160
(insects chirring)
274
00:21:10,254 --> 00:21:11,240
(curious music)
275
00:21:11,240 --> 00:21:14,600
The bear's discarded
branches have become a feast
276
00:21:14,600 --> 00:21:17,660
for forest animals that
would not normally be able
277
00:21:17,660 --> 00:21:19,883
to reach the ripest of cherries.
278
00:21:23,015 --> 00:21:25,932
(insects chirring)
279
00:21:30,670 --> 00:21:32,300
Hiroshi is on his way
280
00:21:32,300 --> 00:21:35,650
to try to capture a
rare summertime behavior
281
00:21:35,650 --> 00:21:37,373
of the mountain's moon bears.
282
00:21:46,130 --> 00:21:49,361
Conditions are not always easy in Ashio.
283
00:21:49,361 --> 00:21:51,840
(curious music)
284
00:21:51,840 --> 00:21:54,093
A recent rock slide has blocked the path.
285
00:21:55,173 --> 00:21:57,923
(birds chirping)
286
00:21:59,410 --> 00:22:02,170
Undeterred by the natural blockade,
287
00:22:02,170 --> 00:22:04,549
Hiroshi shifts the fallen rocks.
288
00:22:04,549 --> 00:22:07,299
(curious music)
289
00:22:20,200 --> 00:22:24,396
After 10 minutes of clearing,
he is back on track.
290
00:22:24,396 --> 00:22:27,146
(wind whooshing)
291
00:22:28,570 --> 00:22:30,310
(birds chirping)
292
00:22:30,310 --> 00:22:32,350
Hiroshi heads to a deep valley
293
00:22:32,350 --> 00:22:35,610
that has a mix of both forest and rock.
294
00:22:35,610 --> 00:22:37,970
It is the perfect location
for the moon bears
295
00:22:37,970 --> 00:22:40,403
to exhibit the behavior he is after.
296
00:22:44,240 --> 00:22:47,380
A bear appears on the steep rock face.
297
00:22:47,380 --> 00:22:50,297
(insects chirring)
298
00:22:51,150 --> 00:22:53,600
Using its powerful sense of smell,
299
00:22:53,600 --> 00:22:55,383
it examines the hillside.
300
00:22:58,199 --> 00:23:01,199
(suspenseful music)
301
00:23:12,700 --> 00:23:14,490
With incredible strength,
302
00:23:14,490 --> 00:23:16,840
the bear dislodges a giant rock,
303
00:23:16,840 --> 00:23:18,963
sending it flying down the slope.
304
00:23:21,600 --> 00:23:24,473
The shifted boulder exposes an ant nest.
305
00:23:25,470 --> 00:23:29,000
This is the behavior
Hiroshi has been after.
306
00:23:29,000 --> 00:23:31,556
Ants are packed full of nutrition.
307
00:23:31,556 --> 00:23:34,139
(upbeat music)
308
00:23:36,210 --> 00:23:38,840
In the summer, moon bears
will spend the majority
309
00:23:38,840 --> 00:23:41,293
of their day searching for nests.
310
00:23:43,960 --> 00:23:47,363
However, foraging is
not without its dangers.
311
00:23:48,527 --> 00:23:51,490
(suspenseful music)
312
00:23:51,490 --> 00:23:55,300
In 2007, Hiroshi filmed a family foraging
313
00:23:55,300 --> 00:23:56,635
on the mountainside.
314
00:23:56,635 --> 00:23:59,635
(suspenseful music)
315
00:24:01,040 --> 00:24:05,030
The mother bear is fully
focused on finding ant nests,
316
00:24:05,030 --> 00:24:07,393
seemingly forgetting about her cubs.
317
00:24:09,430 --> 00:24:10,940
Joining in with the search,
318
00:24:10,940 --> 00:24:14,107
the youngsters take on
some of the smaller rocks.
319
00:24:14,107 --> 00:24:17,107
(suspenseful music)
320
00:24:38,050 --> 00:24:39,870
(rock rumbles)
321
00:24:39,870 --> 00:24:42,350
A jagged rock is shifted by the mother,
322
00:24:42,350 --> 00:24:45,295
which slams into her oblivious cub.
323
00:24:45,295 --> 00:24:48,295
(suspenseful music)
324
00:24:52,090 --> 00:24:54,763
Miraculously, the minor is uninjured.
325
00:24:56,990 --> 00:25:00,144
However, cubs do not
always come out unscathed.
326
00:25:00,144 --> 00:25:03,144
(suspenseful music)
327
00:25:04,550 --> 00:25:06,220
This mother has a bad habit
328
00:25:06,220 --> 00:25:09,223
of being reckless during
her frantic ant hunts.
329
00:25:15,130 --> 00:25:17,620
Again, the mother shifts a large rock,
330
00:25:17,620 --> 00:25:20,140
which rolls straight into her cub.
331
00:25:20,140 --> 00:25:23,680
(melancholy music)
(rocks rattling)
332
00:25:23,680 --> 00:25:27,183
The heavy impact sends the cub
tumbling down the rock face.
333
00:25:32,520 --> 00:25:35,130
Once more, the young bear managers to rise
334
00:25:35,130 --> 00:25:37,413
to its feet after the hefty collision.
335
00:25:41,170 --> 00:25:44,433
But this time, it has not
escaped without injury.
336
00:25:47,330 --> 00:25:50,540
Its front leg is visibly damaged.
337
00:25:50,540 --> 00:25:53,457
(melancholy music)
338
00:25:58,240 --> 00:26:01,433
The mother shows little
concern for her wounded cub.
339
00:26:03,210 --> 00:26:06,483
Growing up in Ashio is
not for the faint hearted.
340
00:26:10,320 --> 00:26:14,173
The stricken cub must keep
up, or face being abandoned.
341
00:26:22,012 --> 00:26:25,180
(calm music)
342
00:26:25,180 --> 00:26:28,913
Hiroshi finds the ill-fated
youngster two years.
343
00:26:34,390 --> 00:26:37,480
It still bears the mark
of the ant hunting ordeal,
344
00:26:37,480 --> 00:26:39,708
but has survived.
345
00:26:39,708 --> 00:26:42,125
(calm music)
346
00:26:47,560 --> 00:26:50,940
This individual's
survival against the odds
347
00:26:50,940 --> 00:26:54,233
is a testament to the moon
bear's astonishing resilience.
348
00:26:59,580 --> 00:27:01,220
The wildlife of Ashio
349
00:27:01,220 --> 00:27:04,240
has always faced many dangers.
350
00:27:04,240 --> 00:27:06,230
By far, their biggest challenge
351
00:27:06,230 --> 00:27:09,158
has been surviving human influences.
352
00:27:09,158 --> 00:27:12,158
(suspenseful music)
353
00:27:14,750 --> 00:27:17,270
Aerials of the mountains
serve as a reminder
354
00:27:17,270 --> 00:27:20,557
of the harmful impacts people
have had on the landscape.
355
00:27:20,557 --> 00:27:23,390
(uplifting music)
356
00:27:30,460 --> 00:27:33,230
Nonetheless, Ashio is recovering,
357
00:27:33,230 --> 00:27:36,200
thanks to a full scale
regeneration project
358
00:27:36,200 --> 00:27:38,584
which started in the 1950s.
359
00:27:38,584 --> 00:27:41,417
(uplifting music)
360
00:27:43,700 --> 00:27:46,890
Thousands of blocks of
soil, mixed with grass seed,
361
00:27:46,890 --> 00:27:49,330
were planted on the mountainsides.
362
00:27:49,330 --> 00:27:52,163
(uplifting music)
363
00:28:02,470 --> 00:28:04,540
It was a mammoth task,
364
00:28:04,540 --> 00:28:07,603
but slowly the grass began to take root.
365
00:28:17,160 --> 00:28:20,383
Ashio has been regenerating ever since.
366
00:28:24,000 --> 00:28:26,600
Restored woodland has
had a positive effect
367
00:28:26,600 --> 00:28:29,603
on the region by acting as a natural dam.
368
00:28:31,490 --> 00:28:33,870
Rainwater gathers underground
369
00:28:33,870 --> 00:28:37,450
and is naturally filtered
by the renewed foliage.
370
00:28:37,450 --> 00:28:40,283
(water pattering)
371
00:28:43,090 --> 00:28:46,581
The water is then released
back into the landscape.
372
00:28:46,581 --> 00:28:48,430
(water whooshing)
373
00:28:48,430 --> 00:28:50,760
It pours down the mountainsides
374
00:28:50,760 --> 00:28:53,373
and into Ashio's flowing rivers.
375
00:28:54,689 --> 00:28:57,439
(peaceful music)
376
00:29:04,050 --> 00:29:08,753
The bare mountains of the 1870s
once muddied these waters.
377
00:29:09,700 --> 00:29:13,378
Now they are crystal
clear and full of life.
378
00:29:13,378 --> 00:29:16,128
(peaceful music)
379
00:29:17,720 --> 00:29:21,113
The river's fish have returned
to the rejuvenated waters.
380
00:29:22,930 --> 00:29:25,990
Among them, the landlocked masu salmon
381
00:29:25,990 --> 00:29:27,763
and whitespotted char.
382
00:29:29,308 --> 00:29:32,003
(water whooshing)
383
00:29:32,003 --> 00:29:34,753
(peaceful music)
384
00:29:37,210 --> 00:29:40,840
Forests dominate the vast
mountainous landscape
385
00:29:40,840 --> 00:29:44,723
and even Ashio's smaller
residents with a home.
386
00:29:44,723 --> 00:29:47,473
(peaceful music)
387
00:29:54,480 --> 00:29:58,463
Over 27 species of tree now
grow on the mountainsides.
388
00:30:08,470 --> 00:30:11,880
Japanese macaques have been
quick to take advantage,
389
00:30:11,880 --> 00:30:13,913
setting up home in the canopies.
390
00:30:15,360 --> 00:30:18,580
The healthy monkey population is testament
391
00:30:18,580 --> 00:30:20,523
to Ashio's regeneration.
392
00:30:26,020 --> 00:30:29,920
Moon bears were one of the
last residents to return.
393
00:30:29,920 --> 00:30:32,680
They require a variety of food,
394
00:30:32,680 --> 00:30:35,810
so could only reappear
once the forests were back
395
00:30:35,810 --> 00:30:37,062
to full health.
396
00:30:37,062 --> 00:30:42,062
(birds chirping)
(branches rustling)
397
00:30:49,530 --> 00:30:51,730
Moon bears have been known to eat up
398
00:30:51,730 --> 00:30:54,033
to 20 different kinds of fruit.
399
00:30:56,066 --> 00:30:58,816
(birds chirping)
400
00:31:01,010 --> 00:31:02,710
A range of food is essential
401
00:31:02,710 --> 00:31:04,330
for building up strength,
402
00:31:04,330 --> 00:31:08,211
as life in the forest can
throw up many challenges.
403
00:31:08,211 --> 00:31:11,970
(peaceful music)
(birds chirping)
404
00:31:11,970 --> 00:31:16,070
Summertime is the breeding
season for Ashio's moon bears.
405
00:31:16,070 --> 00:31:19,103
It is a dangerous time
to be a mother with cubs.
406
00:31:24,130 --> 00:31:27,140
Hiroshi has been tracking
one bear in particular
407
00:31:27,140 --> 00:31:31,610
for 10 years, recording
the trials and tribulations
408
00:31:31,610 --> 00:31:34,053
of a cub reaching adulthood.
409
00:31:37,078 --> 00:31:38,769
(wind whooshing)
410
00:31:38,769 --> 00:31:41,370
(bright music)
411
00:31:41,370 --> 00:31:44,830
They first met in May of 2005
412
00:31:44,830 --> 00:31:47,323
while the cub was riding
on its mother's back.
413
00:31:48,690 --> 00:31:51,490
The young bear caught Hiroshi's attention,
414
00:31:51,490 --> 00:31:54,860
as it had a particularly
distinguishing moon crescent.
415
00:31:54,860 --> 00:31:56,510
It's marking as longer than that
416
00:31:56,510 --> 00:31:57,843
of a normal moon bear.
417
00:31:59,830 --> 00:32:02,960
Hiroshi named the cub Jiro,
418
00:32:02,960 --> 00:32:06,673
as he believed it to be a male
by its boisterous behavior.
419
00:32:07,818 --> 00:32:09,630
(wind whooshing)
420
00:32:09,630 --> 00:32:12,840
Seven years later, he finds a mother bear
421
00:32:12,840 --> 00:32:15,113
with the same distinguishable marking.
422
00:32:16,560 --> 00:32:19,463
Jiro is, in fact, a female.
423
00:32:20,925 --> 00:32:24,173
(peaceful music)
424
00:32:24,173 --> 00:32:26,923
(bears grunting)
425
00:32:32,230 --> 00:32:35,503
She safely raised her first
offspring to adulthood.
426
00:32:37,750 --> 00:32:41,400
Another two years passed
and Jiro, once again,
427
00:32:41,400 --> 00:32:44,991
gives birth, this time
to two healthy cubs.
428
00:32:44,991 --> 00:32:47,741
(peaceful music)
429
00:32:49,830 --> 00:32:51,950
These two cubs disappeared,
430
00:32:51,950 --> 00:32:55,360
highlighting the danger a
mother and her offspring face
431
00:32:55,360 --> 00:32:57,043
during the breeding season.
432
00:33:00,590 --> 00:33:03,480
After Jiro's previous tragic losses,
433
00:33:03,480 --> 00:33:05,850
she once again gets a chance at motherhood
434
00:33:12,960 --> 00:33:15,270
With only one young to focus on,
435
00:33:15,270 --> 00:33:19,312
Hiroshi had high hopes
it would reach adulthood.
436
00:33:19,312 --> 00:33:22,732
(peaceful music)
437
00:33:22,732 --> 00:33:25,482
(birds chirping)
438
00:33:27,980 --> 00:33:32,283
Jiro and her cub are later
found huddled in a larch tree.
439
00:33:33,620 --> 00:33:35,707
It soon becomes apparent why.
440
00:33:35,707 --> 00:33:37,400
(suspenseful music)
441
00:33:37,400 --> 00:33:39,600
A large male has detected them
442
00:33:39,600 --> 00:33:41,883
and begins to scramble up the tree.
443
00:33:45,730 --> 00:33:48,853
Jiro desperately tries to
intercept the aggressor.
444
00:33:51,650 --> 00:33:54,633
Branches shake under the
force of the fighting bears.
445
00:33:55,931 --> 00:34:00,850
(suspenseful music)
(bears grunting)
446
00:34:00,850 --> 00:34:02,560
Gripped in a vicious battle,
447
00:34:02,560 --> 00:34:05,413
the two tumble down a steep slope.
448
00:34:05,413 --> 00:34:08,246
(dramatic music)
449
00:34:17,070 --> 00:34:19,920
The aggressor shakes off the brave mother
450
00:34:19,920 --> 00:34:22,253
and heads back towards
the defenseless cub.
451
00:34:23,181 --> 00:34:25,931
(dramatic music)
452
00:34:34,850 --> 00:34:36,880
In an act of sheer bravery,
453
00:34:36,880 --> 00:34:39,390
Jiro attempts to again stop the male
454
00:34:39,390 --> 00:34:41,278
from reaching her offspring.
455
00:34:41,278 --> 00:34:44,028
(dramatic music)
456
00:34:50,660 --> 00:34:51,993
Her efforts are futile.
457
00:34:56,600 --> 00:35:00,193
The male has the tiny,
defenseless bear in his jaws.
458
00:35:09,690 --> 00:35:12,940
Jiro has not let her young
go down without a fight,
459
00:35:12,940 --> 00:35:15,080
but she cannot stop the inevitable
460
00:35:21,350 --> 00:35:24,103
Eventually, she accepts
her offspring's fate.
461
00:35:39,620 --> 00:35:41,610
It is a brutal behavior,
462
00:35:41,610 --> 00:35:43,600
but females will not mate
463
00:35:43,600 --> 00:35:45,973
while they're still
breastfeeding their cubs.
464
00:35:49,920 --> 00:35:51,890
By killing Jiro's offspring,
465
00:35:51,890 --> 00:35:54,030
she will become ready to mate again,
466
00:35:54,030 --> 00:35:57,188
giving the male a chance
to add to his bloodline.
467
00:35:57,188 --> 00:35:59,830
(melancholy music)
468
00:35:59,830 --> 00:36:04,323
This violent behavior is part
and parcel of moon bear life.
469
00:36:06,200 --> 00:36:09,340
Despite these hardships,
better times are ahead
470
00:36:09,340 --> 00:36:11,710
as September brings a valuable gift
471
00:36:11,710 --> 00:36:13,803
to Ashio's rugged residents.
472
00:36:16,120 --> 00:36:19,063
Oak trees start to yield acorns.
473
00:36:23,530 --> 00:36:25,550
Like the cherries of the summer,
474
00:36:25,550 --> 00:36:27,250
oaks provide the moon bears
475
00:36:27,250 --> 00:36:29,603
with another valuable seasonal food.
476
00:36:32,280 --> 00:36:35,780
The large bears climb even
the most precarious trees
477
00:36:35,780 --> 00:36:37,163
to get to the bounty.
478
00:36:42,130 --> 00:36:44,600
Acorns are one of the most important foods
479
00:36:44,600 --> 00:36:45,963
at this time of the year.
480
00:36:47,660 --> 00:36:51,130
With only three months before
they go into hibernation,
481
00:36:51,130 --> 00:36:54,724
they must consume as many as possible.
482
00:36:54,724 --> 00:36:55,990
(peaceful music)
483
00:36:55,990 --> 00:36:59,150
Building a substantial
fat reserve is vital
484
00:36:59,150 --> 00:37:01,370
for their impending sleep.
485
00:37:01,370 --> 00:37:06,370
(peaceful music)
(birds chirping)
486
00:37:09,100 --> 00:37:13,406
Other fat rich opportunities
also present themselves.
487
00:37:13,406 --> 00:37:16,156
(birds chirping)
488
00:37:17,900 --> 00:37:21,423
A deer carcass has been
found entangled in a fence.
489
00:37:23,220 --> 00:37:25,603
This is a rare feast for the moon bears.
490
00:37:26,578 --> 00:37:29,328
(birds chirping)
491
00:37:37,600 --> 00:37:39,710
The carcass does not go unnoticed
492
00:37:39,710 --> 00:37:41,623
by other hungry observers.
493
00:37:43,520 --> 00:37:45,240
It is highly unusual for bears
494
00:37:45,240 --> 00:37:47,303
to be in such close proximity.
495
00:38:04,060 --> 00:38:06,670
The late visitor begins to eat the deer
496
00:38:06,670 --> 00:38:08,383
from the other side of the fence.
497
00:38:12,700 --> 00:38:15,610
Sensing the two are of similar strength,
498
00:38:15,610 --> 00:38:19,483
the initial bear on the scene
gives up the precious carcass.
499
00:38:20,370 --> 00:38:23,510
This is the moon bear's
way of avoiding conflict
500
00:38:23,510 --> 00:38:25,299
and potential injury.
501
00:38:25,299 --> 00:38:30,299
(birds chirping)
(wind whooshing)
502
00:38:42,820 --> 00:38:46,346
Sensing something, the
bear briefly stops eating.
503
00:38:46,346 --> 00:38:47,340
(suspenseful music)
504
00:38:47,340 --> 00:38:50,678
The valuable meat is bound
to attract more attention.
505
00:38:50,678 --> 00:38:53,630
(suspenseful music)
506
00:38:53,630 --> 00:38:55,490
With one final mouthful,
507
00:38:55,490 --> 00:38:58,153
this individual makes a hasty retreat.
508
00:39:00,910 --> 00:39:03,593
A much larger bear has
arrived on the scene.
509
00:39:04,920 --> 00:39:07,020
When there is judged to
be a great difference
510
00:39:07,020 --> 00:39:10,662
in size and power, the
weaker will retreat.
511
00:39:10,662 --> 00:39:13,622
(suspenseful music)
512
00:39:13,622 --> 00:39:14,810
(wings whooshing)
513
00:39:14,810 --> 00:39:18,090
The dominant individual
feasts without interruption,
514
00:39:18,090 --> 00:39:19,963
bar a few noisy neighbors.
515
00:39:21,273 --> 00:39:23,856
(crows cawing)
516
00:39:25,050 --> 00:39:27,710
Obliviously gorging, the ravenous bear
517
00:39:27,710 --> 00:39:31,762
has an unseen observer,
watching in the undergrowth.
518
00:39:31,762 --> 00:39:32,595
(curious music)
519
00:39:32,595 --> 00:39:36,349
It is the hungry diner that
was the first on the scene.
520
00:39:36,349 --> 00:39:39,460
(curious music)
521
00:39:39,460 --> 00:39:40,810
10 more minutes pass
522
00:39:40,810 --> 00:39:44,563
and finally, the imposter
leaves with a full stomach.
523
00:39:44,563 --> 00:39:47,230
(curious music)
524
00:39:56,010 --> 00:39:57,370
After waiting eagerly,
525
00:39:57,370 --> 00:40:00,573
the patient bear walks back to his find.
526
00:40:06,800 --> 00:40:08,940
By lingering in the undergrowth,
527
00:40:08,940 --> 00:40:11,716
it is still able to get an adequate meal
528
00:40:11,716 --> 00:40:14,293
and has avoided any risky conflict.
529
00:40:19,213 --> 00:40:21,660
(bright music)
530
00:40:21,660 --> 00:40:26,300
Autumn arrives and the forest
is burning with red leaves.
531
00:40:26,300 --> 00:40:30,623
The vibrant colors signal the
eminent winter is on its way.
532
00:40:37,040 --> 00:40:41,223
A tapestry of rich colors
blanket the mountainside forests.
533
00:40:44,790 --> 00:40:46,960
Many trees bear fruit,
534
00:40:46,960 --> 00:40:51,121
which becomes a lifeline to
much of Ashio's wildlife.
535
00:40:51,121 --> 00:40:53,704
(bright music)
536
00:41:13,540 --> 00:41:17,023
A mother bear and cub
feed on a fruiting tree.
537
00:41:18,120 --> 00:41:20,950
The youngster was only born this year
538
00:41:20,950 --> 00:41:23,543
and has already mastered
the art of climbing.
539
00:41:27,090 --> 00:41:31,620
All of Ashio's moon bears
will soon enter hibernation.
540
00:41:31,620 --> 00:41:34,270
It is their final chance load themselves
541
00:41:34,270 --> 00:41:36,423
with as much nutrition as possible.
542
00:41:47,464 --> 00:41:49,250
(peaceful music)
543
00:41:49,250 --> 00:41:52,573
The winter strips the forest
of its vibrant leaves.
544
00:41:56,050 --> 00:41:58,793
Autumn has now fully departed.
545
00:41:59,757 --> 00:42:02,174
(calm music)
546
00:42:10,730 --> 00:42:13,933
A lone bear roams the naked landscape.
547
00:42:23,910 --> 00:42:26,150
Climbing a steep, rocky hill,
548
00:42:26,150 --> 00:42:29,093
this bear is searching for something.
549
00:42:29,093 --> 00:42:31,610
(wind whooshing)
550
00:42:31,610 --> 00:42:34,493
It peers into gaps in
the hillside's rocks.
551
00:42:36,070 --> 00:42:40,748
The lone bear is probing for
a suitable hibernation den.
552
00:42:40,748 --> 00:42:43,498
(wind whooshing)
553
00:42:49,720 --> 00:42:51,870
This hole is only just big enough
554
00:42:51,870 --> 00:42:53,810
for the moon bear to squeeze into.
555
00:42:55,243 --> 00:42:57,910
(curious music)
556
00:43:01,950 --> 00:43:03,330
Dens are usually found
557
00:43:03,330 --> 00:43:06,330
between rocks or beneath tree roots
558
00:43:06,330 --> 00:43:08,673
and have a depth of around three meters.
559
00:43:13,280 --> 00:43:14,940
They are natural holes,
560
00:43:14,940 --> 00:43:17,909
but bears will expand the interior.
561
00:43:17,909 --> 00:43:20,576
(curious music)
562
00:43:26,240 --> 00:43:28,600
To make its winter home more habitable,
563
00:43:28,600 --> 00:43:30,980
this bear gathers fallen leaves
564
00:43:30,980 --> 00:43:33,813
and loose foliage, rolling its gatherings
565
00:43:33,813 --> 00:43:36,003
into a more compact size.
566
00:43:46,230 --> 00:43:48,770
Grasping the collection in its large arms,
567
00:43:48,770 --> 00:43:53,026
this bear has collected a
decent amount for a comfy bed.
568
00:43:53,026 --> 00:43:55,693
(curious music)
569
00:43:59,480 --> 00:44:02,080
Awkwardly, the new bedding is carried
570
00:44:02,080 --> 00:44:03,383
into its secluded home.
571
00:44:14,230 --> 00:44:18,093
This bear can now hunker down
for the impending winter.
572
00:44:22,090 --> 00:44:26,403
Snow has already begun to fall
on the Ashio Mountain range.
573
00:44:28,940 --> 00:44:32,120
Winter is almost upon this young family.
574
00:44:32,120 --> 00:44:34,138
They must find a den soon.
575
00:44:34,138 --> 00:44:39,138
(birds chirping)
(wind whooshing)
576
00:44:40,520 --> 00:44:44,130
The hefty cub was only born this year.
577
00:44:44,130 --> 00:44:46,150
At this astonishing growth rate,
578
00:44:46,150 --> 00:44:48,133
a large winter home is needed.
579
00:44:57,510 --> 00:45:00,210
Juveniles will spend
their first hibernation
580
00:45:00,210 --> 00:45:01,123
with their mother.
581
00:45:02,030 --> 00:45:05,473
The pair will not resurface until March.
582
00:45:05,473 --> 00:45:08,223
(wind whooshing)
583
00:45:10,660 --> 00:45:12,680
As snow covers Ashio,
584
00:45:12,680 --> 00:45:16,633
the moon bears lie sheltered
in their snug dens.
585
00:45:16,633 --> 00:45:19,383
(wind whooshing)
586
00:45:23,260 --> 00:45:26,630
Conditions on the
mountains can be extreme.
587
00:45:26,630 --> 00:45:29,713
It is no wonder the bears
avoid the harsh winters.
588
00:45:34,700 --> 00:45:38,635
Some, however, do not have it
as good as the sleeping bears.
589
00:45:38,635 --> 00:45:40,230
(suspenseful music)
590
00:45:40,230 --> 00:45:43,460
Non-hibernating animals
have to tough it out
591
00:45:43,460 --> 00:45:44,960
on the freezing mountainsides.
592
00:45:45,978 --> 00:45:50,978
(wind whooshing)
(suspenseful music)
593
00:45:54,480 --> 00:45:57,260
Blizzards range throughout the winter,
594
00:45:57,260 --> 00:46:00,182
shutting off Ashio to the outside world.
595
00:46:00,182 --> 00:46:02,932
(wind whooshing)
596
00:46:18,541 --> 00:46:22,110
(birds chirping)
597
00:46:22,110 --> 00:46:23,690
As spring arrives,
598
00:46:23,690 --> 00:46:25,910
the snow begins to melt
599
00:46:25,910 --> 00:46:28,923
and the forest slowly
starts to come back to life.
600
00:46:30,026 --> 00:46:34,841
(birds chirping)
(wind whooshing)
601
00:46:34,841 --> 00:46:37,591
(peaceful music)
602
00:46:40,480 --> 00:46:45,450
The mother and large cub begin
to awake from their slumber.
603
00:46:45,450 --> 00:46:47,480
It's been around three months
604
00:46:47,480 --> 00:46:49,953
since the two entered into hibernation.
605
00:46:50,857 --> 00:46:53,440
(bright music)
606
00:47:06,830 --> 00:47:08,780
They exit the den together,
607
00:47:08,780 --> 00:47:11,350
but soon the juvenile
will leave his mother
608
00:47:11,350 --> 00:47:13,003
and fend for himself.
609
00:47:17,160 --> 00:47:20,680
Going solo can be a daunting prospect.
610
00:47:20,680 --> 00:47:24,300
Nonetheless, it is time to go it alone.
611
00:47:24,300 --> 00:47:26,560
With the knowledge
garnered from its mother,
612
00:47:26,560 --> 00:47:29,300
this individual is well
equipped for a life
613
00:47:29,300 --> 00:47:30,774
in the wilderness.
614
00:47:30,774 --> 00:47:33,607
(uplifting music)
615
00:47:36,700 --> 00:47:41,700
Today, moon bear habitats are
threatened all over Japan.
616
00:47:41,860 --> 00:47:45,470
Ashio's recovering forests
have become a lifeline
617
00:47:45,470 --> 00:47:47,173
for the enchanting bears.
618
00:47:49,180 --> 00:47:52,460
Young families can
flourish in the safe haven
619
00:47:52,460 --> 00:47:55,140
of the protected mountainsides,
620
00:47:55,140 --> 00:47:58,023
undisturbed by human impacts.
621
00:48:07,600 --> 00:48:10,480
The resilient bears will
face many challenges
622
00:48:10,480 --> 00:48:14,877
as they grow up in their
often precarious surroundings.
623
00:48:14,877 --> 00:48:17,620
(uplifting music)
624
00:48:17,620 --> 00:48:22,283
Life can be tough and surprises
lurk around every corner,
625
00:48:23,930 --> 00:48:27,360
but as long as Ashio's recovery continues,
626
00:48:27,360 --> 00:48:32,203
the moon bears will survive
in their mountainside kingdom.
627
00:48:32,203 --> 00:48:35,036
(uplifting music)
628
00:48:40,009 --> 00:48:43,176
(awe-inspiring music)
629
00:49:16,310 --> 00:49:18,893
(bright music)
46758
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