1 00:00:09,438 --> 00:00:12,705 IRONS: "3rd of May, 1893. 2 00:00:12,705 --> 00:00:16,038 My friend, welcome to the Carpathians. 3 00:00:16,038 --> 00:00:19,338 I am anxiously expecting you. 4 00:00:19,338 --> 00:00:23,171 I trust your journey from London has been a happy one 5 00:00:23,171 --> 00:00:27,171 and that you will enjoy your stay in my beautiful land." 6 00:00:29,605 --> 00:00:33,571 With these words an unknown Irish writer introduced one 7 00:00:33,571 --> 00:00:37,671 of the most famous characters in western culture. 8 00:00:37,671 --> 00:00:40,738 A character so compelling, 9 00:00:40,738 --> 00:00:44,805 his obscure homeland has become a household name 10 00:00:44,805 --> 00:00:46,071 around the globe. 11 00:00:49,971 --> 00:00:57,005 Today, this remote land is one of Europe's last wild frontiers. 12 00:00:59,905 --> 00:01:08,205 Home to vast mountain ranges where wolves and wildcats roam. 13 00:01:08,205 --> 00:01:12,005 To pristine rivers and ancient forests 14 00:01:12,005 --> 00:01:16,138 where Europe's great bears still run free. 15 00:01:18,138 --> 00:01:22,671 While Dracula was a figment of Bram Stoker's imagination, 16 00:01:22,671 --> 00:01:26,371 there is a place called Transylvania. 17 00:01:26,371 --> 00:01:31,605 ♪♪ 18 00:01:31,605 --> 00:01:39,005 [ Woman vocalizing ] 19 00:01:39,005 --> 00:01:58,471 ♪♪ 20 00:02:20,738 --> 00:02:29,138 ♪♪ 21 00:02:29,138 --> 00:02:33,838 IRONS: Transylvania lies in central Romania, 22 00:02:33,838 --> 00:02:36,938 on the far southeastern edge of Europe. 23 00:02:39,138 --> 00:02:44,105 Shielded from the world by the majestic Carpathian Mountains 24 00:02:44,105 --> 00:02:50,138 and in the 20th century by a hard communist regime, 25 00:02:50,138 --> 00:02:56,438 Transylvania is, to this day, a wild and wonderful land. 26 00:02:56,438 --> 00:03:01,971 ♪♪ 27 00:03:01,971 --> 00:03:04,905 A place where the great predators of Europe 28 00:03:04,905 --> 00:03:07,405 still have room to roam. 29 00:03:07,405 --> 00:03:21,205 ♪♪ 30 00:03:21,205 --> 00:03:24,238 Like the lynx. 31 00:03:24,238 --> 00:03:26,805 Hardly ever glimpsed by human eyes, 32 00:03:26,805 --> 00:03:29,605 it is a true phantom of the forest. 33 00:03:35,738 --> 00:03:39,438 High in the Carpathians, winter is on the wane. 34 00:03:42,038 --> 00:03:44,571 Record temperatures have left little snow 35 00:03:44,571 --> 00:03:46,205 on the mountains. 36 00:03:50,671 --> 00:03:54,871 A final flurry falls somewhere between sleet and rain. 37 00:03:54,871 --> 00:03:56,571 [ Rain falling ] 38 00:04:00,438 --> 00:04:05,338 After months of darkness, some big beasts are on the move. 39 00:04:09,805 --> 00:04:14,871 Transylvania is home to almost half of Europe's brown bears, 40 00:04:14,871 --> 00:04:18,571 and they haven't fed for five or six months. 41 00:04:22,771 --> 00:04:26,738 These are lean times. Everyone is hungry. 42 00:04:27,438 --> 00:04:34,871 ♪♪ 43 00:04:34,871 --> 00:04:38,305 For the great predators of Transylvania, spring 44 00:04:38,305 --> 00:04:40,171 can't come soon enough. 45 00:04:41,238 --> 00:04:50,105 ♪♪ 46 00:04:50,105 --> 00:04:54,305 In the high country, some heat from our life-giving star 47 00:04:54,305 --> 00:04:56,671 finally punches through. 48 00:04:56,671 --> 00:04:59,705 The mountains burst into life. 49 00:04:59,705 --> 00:05:15,805 ♪♪ 50 00:05:15,805 --> 00:05:18,371 After feeding up for a few weeks, 51 00:05:18,371 --> 00:05:22,338 this male's mind is turning to other matters. 52 00:05:24,071 --> 00:05:27,205 There are healthy genes to be passed on, 53 00:05:27,205 --> 00:05:30,238 but first he must deal with the competition. 54 00:05:30,238 --> 00:05:31,905 [ Bear roaring ] 55 00:05:41,238 --> 00:05:43,771 The fighting can go on for weeks... 56 00:05:46,371 --> 00:05:47,971 ...and gives the females a chance 57 00:05:47,971 --> 00:05:50,471 to see who's made of the right stuff. 58 00:05:50,471 --> 00:05:52,305 [ Bears growling ] 59 00:06:11,871 --> 00:06:14,805 Fighting off rivals is a tiring business, 60 00:06:14,805 --> 00:06:18,071 but wooing a disinterested female 61 00:06:18,071 --> 00:06:20,705 is another level of pain altogether. 62 00:06:20,705 --> 00:06:40,705 ♪♪ 63 00:06:40,705 --> 00:06:42,371 She is just not in the mood. 64 00:06:42,371 --> 00:06:45,338 ♪♪ 65 00:06:47,805 --> 00:06:50,771 He heads off to try his luck elsewhere. 66 00:06:55,438 --> 00:06:58,005 Mating season lasts from April to June, 67 00:06:58,005 --> 00:07:02,271 so he has time to fine-tune his flirting skills. 68 00:07:04,071 --> 00:07:05,171 [ Bear roars ] 69 00:07:08,771 --> 00:07:25,905 ♪♪ 70 00:07:25,905 --> 00:07:30,938 Both may mate many times with different partners. 71 00:07:30,938 --> 00:07:33,538 It's a n exhausting business. 72 00:07:33,538 --> 00:07:49,505 ♪♪ 73 00:07:49,505 --> 00:07:51,505 All winter long, 74 00:07:51,505 --> 00:07:54,705 some powerful spirits have been missing from villages 75 00:07:54,705 --> 00:07:56,338 across Transylvania. 76 00:07:58,471 --> 00:08:03,338 But then a day comes in early spring 77 00:08:03,338 --> 00:08:06,071 when the lost souls return. 78 00:08:06,071 --> 00:08:10,705 ♪♪ 79 00:08:12,105 --> 00:08:15,538 White storks are revered in Transylvania, 80 00:08:15,538 --> 00:08:19,538 bringing good luck and fertility to those who treat them well. 81 00:08:21,871 --> 00:08:27,271 It takes the storks seven weeks to fly the 7,000 miles 82 00:08:27,271 --> 00:08:30,505 from their winter grounds in southern Africa, 83 00:08:30,505 --> 00:08:33,005 a little rest is in order... 84 00:08:33,005 --> 00:08:34,638 and there's no rush. 85 00:08:34,638 --> 00:08:36,938 [ Hooves clopping ] 86 00:08:36,938 --> 00:08:38,238 [ Horse chuffs ] 87 00:08:40,571 --> 00:08:46,038 Village life in Transylvania runs to its own relaxed rhythm. 88 00:08:46,038 --> 00:08:47,871 ♪♪ 89 00:08:47,871 --> 00:08:49,405 [ Stork shrieks ] 90 00:08:51,105 --> 00:08:56,105 The male storks arrive first to check all is clear. 91 00:08:56,105 --> 00:08:59,905 It also allows him time for some house maintenance 92 00:08:59,905 --> 00:09:03,505 before the boss makes an appearance. 93 00:09:03,505 --> 00:09:07,338 ♪♪ 94 00:09:07,338 --> 00:09:09,738 She is still flying north. 95 00:09:09,738 --> 00:09:23,638 ♪♪ 96 00:09:23,638 --> 00:09:27,205 [ Beak clacking ] 97 00:09:27,205 --> 00:09:35,638 ♪♪ 98 00:09:35,638 --> 00:09:38,671 When she does finally appear, 99 00:09:38,671 --> 00:09:41,905 they're just delighted to see each other. 100 00:09:41,905 --> 00:09:43,605 [ Beaks clacking ] 101 00:09:43,605 --> 00:09:59,005 ♪♪ 102 00:09:59,005 --> 00:10:05,405 Storks may live for 20 years or more and they mate for life. 103 00:10:05,405 --> 00:10:07,371 It's a powerful bond. 104 00:10:07,371 --> 00:10:08,771 [ Birds chirping ] 105 00:10:19,971 --> 00:10:27,038 ♪♪ 106 00:10:27,038 --> 00:10:30,505 History hangs heavy in Transylvania. 107 00:10:32,338 --> 00:10:34,171 Germans, Turks, 108 00:10:34,171 --> 00:10:39,038 Romanians all have fought and died over this land. 109 00:10:39,038 --> 00:10:44,238 ♪♪ 110 00:10:44,238 --> 00:10:49,571 800 years ago, the horsemen of Mongolia, the Tatars, 111 00:10:49,571 --> 00:10:51,838 laid waste to the countryside. 112 00:10:51,838 --> 00:10:57,238 ♪♪ 113 00:10:57,238 --> 00:11:02,171 Some local villagers made a last stand on this hill. 114 00:11:02,171 --> 00:11:05,938 Their dead buried all around the summit. 115 00:11:11,038 --> 00:11:14,005 Because Tatar Hill is left alone, 116 00:11:14,005 --> 00:11:18,205 every summer it explodes with wildflowers. 117 00:11:18,205 --> 00:11:23,105 ♪♪ 118 00:11:23,105 --> 00:11:28,271 Modern agriculture wipes almost all before it, 119 00:11:28,271 --> 00:11:33,305 but Transylvania still offers small windows into the past. 120 00:11:36,771 --> 00:11:40,371 Her surviving wildflower meadows are world-famous 121 00:11:40,371 --> 00:11:43,838 for their diversity and complexity. 122 00:11:43,838 --> 00:11:53,805 ♪♪ 123 00:11:53,805 --> 00:11:56,738 The keys to their survival -- 124 00:11:56,738 --> 00:12:01,738 traditional farming without chemical fertilizers or poisons, 125 00:12:01,738 --> 00:12:05,138 and harvesting maybe once in the year. 126 00:12:05,138 --> 00:12:12,371 ♪♪ 127 00:12:12,371 --> 00:12:17,105 Transylvania's traditional meadows are one of Europe's 128 00:12:17,105 --> 00:12:20,038 great natural treasures. 129 00:12:20,038 --> 00:12:24,505 ♪♪ 130 00:12:24,505 --> 00:12:27,838 Almost 200 different kinds of butterflies 131 00:12:27,838 --> 00:12:29,538 are found in Romania. 132 00:12:29,538 --> 00:12:34,071 ♪♪ 133 00:12:34,071 --> 00:12:38,371 Most will live for only three or four weeks, 134 00:12:38,371 --> 00:12:43,371 a tiny window to enjoy the wildflowers and the summer sun. 135 00:12:43,371 --> 00:12:48,038 [ Bee buzzing ] 136 00:12:48,038 --> 00:12:50,371 [ Birds chirping ] 137 00:12:50,371 --> 00:12:53,171 Where there are bees in Transylvania, 138 00:12:53,171 --> 00:12:57,805 often not far away are bee-eaters. 139 00:12:59,805 --> 00:13:03,171 These spectacular creatures appear from the south 140 00:13:03,171 --> 00:13:09,371 in early May and settle in for a busy summer of bee eating. 141 00:13:11,605 --> 00:13:16,371 The bees may be dead, but they are still dangerous. 142 00:13:16,371 --> 00:13:18,238 With a strategic squeeze, 143 00:13:18,238 --> 00:13:23,238 the birds remove the stings and expel the venom. 144 00:13:26,138 --> 00:13:33,138 ♪♪ 145 00:13:33,138 --> 00:13:36,205 And bee-eaters are more than happy to broaden their diet 146 00:13:36,205 --> 00:13:38,271 if something else flies by. 147 00:13:38,271 --> 00:13:47,471 ♪♪ 148 00:13:47,471 --> 00:13:52,238 It's now breeding time, and everyone is busy, 149 00:13:52,238 --> 00:13:55,438 establishing just who is who in the pecking order. 150 00:13:56,805 --> 00:14:01,971 [ Birds chirping ] 151 00:14:01,971 --> 00:14:04,371 With competition out of the way, 152 00:14:04,371 --> 00:14:08,771 the males can get to work on their prospective mates. 153 00:14:08,771 --> 00:14:12,771 First, tasty treats are offered to win her over. 154 00:14:12,771 --> 00:14:18,838 ♪♪ 155 00:14:18,838 --> 00:14:25,071 If they go down well, he moves in closer to test the waters. 156 00:14:25,071 --> 00:14:29,971 ♪♪ 157 00:14:29,971 --> 00:14:34,305 And if all is going to plan, he springs into action. 158 00:14:34,305 --> 00:14:53,671 ♪♪ 159 00:14:53,671 --> 00:14:56,071 On the longest days of the year, 160 00:14:56,071 --> 00:14:59,705 journey into Transylvania's meadows 161 00:14:59,705 --> 00:15:02,771 and you just might meet some fairies. 162 00:15:06,938 --> 00:15:11,638 Sanziene is a ritual that goes back to pagan times, 163 00:15:11,638 --> 00:15:14,805 the village girls bestowing magical powers 164 00:15:14,805 --> 00:15:16,871 on the wild flowers. 165 00:15:16,871 --> 00:15:30,071 ♪♪ 166 00:15:30,071 --> 00:15:34,071 Tradition dies hard in Transylvania. 167 00:15:34,071 --> 00:15:36,805 Thousands of years on, the girls 168 00:15:36,805 --> 00:15:41,271 still weave their floral crowns to celebrate summer 169 00:15:41,271 --> 00:15:43,238 and the gift of life. 170 00:15:45,338 --> 00:15:54,671 ♪♪ 171 00:15:54,671 --> 00:15:58,938 The eve of Sanziene is when the heavens open 172 00:15:58,938 --> 00:16:01,705 and spirits roam free. 173 00:16:03,371 --> 00:16:07,171 Fires are lit to ward off the evil ones. 174 00:16:07,171 --> 00:16:17,171 ♪♪ 175 00:16:17,171 --> 00:16:21,138 On this night, the 23rd of June, 176 00:16:21,138 --> 00:16:25,005 the gates to the other world are wide open. 177 00:16:25,671 --> 00:16:35,071 ♪♪ 178 00:16:35,071 --> 00:16:39,938 "Dracul" means dragon or devil, 179 00:16:39,938 --> 00:16:43,671 and a 15th-century warlord, Vlad Dracul, 180 00:16:43,671 --> 00:16:46,038 is widely regarded as the inspiration 181 00:16:46,038 --> 00:16:48,205 for the legendary vampire. 182 00:16:48,205 --> 00:16:53,705 ♪♪ 183 00:16:53,705 --> 00:16:57,305 Bran Castle is often touted as Vlad's lair. 184 00:17:00,238 --> 00:17:03,805 But Vlad barely visited Bran, if at all. 185 00:17:03,805 --> 00:17:09,205 ♪♪ 186 00:17:09,205 --> 00:17:13,238 40 miles to the south is Targoviste, 187 00:17:13,238 --> 00:17:16,005 where Vlad established his court. 188 00:17:16,005 --> 00:17:20,471 ♪♪ 189 00:17:20,471 --> 00:17:25,371 His other nickname was Vlad the Impaler, 190 00:17:25,371 --> 00:17:29,971 as he would skewer his enemies on wooden stakes, alive. 191 00:17:32,938 --> 00:17:38,171 He had 20,000 Turks impaled outside Targoviste. 192 00:17:40,438 --> 00:17:44,338 The skies filled with their dying screams 193 00:17:44,338 --> 00:17:46,838 and departing souls. 194 00:17:46,838 --> 00:17:50,405 [ Birds cawing ] 195 00:17:50,405 --> 00:17:55,171 ♪♪ 196 00:18:02,038 --> 00:18:08,138 Then, as now, religion was a backdrop for bloodshed and war. 197 00:18:10,971 --> 00:18:13,005 Across Transylvania, 198 00:18:13,005 --> 00:18:17,205 churches were often fortified with high walls and battlements. 199 00:18:17,205 --> 00:18:22,138 [ Crowd singing in foreign language ] 200 00:18:30,338 --> 00:18:32,405 500 years on, 201 00:18:32,405 --> 00:18:35,305 many still provide shelter for some 202 00:18:35,305 --> 00:18:39,438 of the other great characters in the story of Dracula. 203 00:18:39,438 --> 00:18:42,805 [ Singing continues ] 204 00:18:42,805 --> 00:18:51,771 ♪♪ 205 00:18:51,771 --> 00:18:56,971 [ Bell tolling ] 206 00:18:56,971 --> 00:19:01,805 Transylvania is a wonderland for bats. 207 00:19:01,805 --> 00:19:06,238 26 different kinds make their homes here, 208 00:19:06,238 --> 00:19:09,471 and this is one of the most successful, 209 00:19:09,471 --> 00:19:11,638 the greater mouse-eared bat. 210 00:19:11,638 --> 00:19:16,105 [ Bats chittering ] 211 00:19:16,105 --> 00:19:20,171 Come summertime they often search out church towers, 212 00:19:20,171 --> 00:19:24,071 spending the daylight hours gathered in tight bundles 213 00:19:24,071 --> 00:19:25,505 for companionship. 214 00:19:32,538 --> 00:19:35,771 But as dusk falls across Transylvania, 215 00:19:35,771 --> 00:19:38,705 the bats start to come alive. 216 00:19:41,338 --> 00:19:43,338 It's time to go hunting. 217 00:19:43,338 --> 00:19:50,538 ♪♪ 218 00:19:50,538 --> 00:19:53,271 One of the largest bats in Europe, 219 00:19:53,271 --> 00:19:55,038 greater mouse-eareds 220 00:19:55,038 --> 00:19:59,138 are ferocious predators, and Transylvania's 221 00:19:59,138 --> 00:20:03,938 wild woods and meadows are still full of prey. 222 00:20:03,938 --> 00:20:09,971 ♪♪ 223 00:20:09,971 --> 00:20:15,171 Unlike many, these bats don't use sonar to locate their prey. 224 00:20:15,171 --> 00:20:18,838 Instead, their ears are hypersensitive 225 00:20:18,838 --> 00:20:22,538 to any tiny sounds from insects on the move. 226 00:20:22,538 --> 00:20:23,938 [ Leaf rustles ] 227 00:20:27,871 --> 00:20:29,005 [ Owl hoots ] 228 00:20:32,538 --> 00:20:35,538 Once these huge ears lock on, 229 00:20:35,538 --> 00:20:39,038 their unfortunate prey has little chance. 230 00:20:39,038 --> 00:21:09,605 ♪♪ 231 00:21:04,705 --> 00:21:09,605 ♪♪ 232 00:21:09,605 --> 00:21:13,038 But keep very still 233 00:21:13,038 --> 00:21:17,705 and you might just survive to see another night in the forest. 234 00:21:17,705 --> 00:21:19,771 [ Thunder rumbles ] 235 00:21:25,871 --> 00:21:29,505 While churches make handy summer shelters, 236 00:21:29,505 --> 00:21:33,905 caves are critical sanctuaries for Transylvania's bats. 237 00:21:35,238 --> 00:21:42,871 And Romania is riddled with caves, more than 12,000 in all. 238 00:21:42,871 --> 00:21:47,671 In winter, they are the perfect hibernation hideaways. 239 00:21:47,671 --> 00:21:49,805 [ Water dripping ] 240 00:21:53,071 --> 00:21:56,705 15 years ago in western Transylvania, 241 00:21:56,705 --> 00:21:59,171 a large chamber was discovered 242 00:21:59,171 --> 00:22:02,471 with a very different kind of natural treasure... 243 00:22:05,338 --> 00:22:10,871 ...charcoal drawings more than 30,000 years old. 244 00:22:13,005 --> 00:22:17,238 On one wall, the two-horned head of a rhinoceros. 245 00:22:19,771 --> 00:22:24,771 On another, a faint outline of a giant, 246 00:22:24,771 --> 00:22:29,671 a horned beast that was critical to these early human hunters. 247 00:22:29,671 --> 00:22:35,471 ♪♪ 248 00:22:35,471 --> 00:22:37,671 Millions roamed the continent. 249 00:22:40,038 --> 00:22:46,438 But for the next 30,000 years, the slaughter of these giants 250 00:22:46,438 --> 00:22:55,971 never stopped, until a century ago when just 54 survived. 251 00:23:01,805 --> 00:23:06,938 But from these ashes, a minor miracle has unfolded. 252 00:23:09,205 --> 00:23:14,605 Today, European bison are back in Transylvania. 253 00:23:16,238 --> 00:23:19,538 Across Europe from Bulgaria to Belarus, 254 00:23:19,538 --> 00:23:22,705 the bison are coming home to the wild. 255 00:23:22,705 --> 00:23:30,505 ♪♪ 256 00:23:30,505 --> 00:23:34,271 Introduced by local conservationists, 257 00:23:34,271 --> 00:23:37,905 there are now over 200 in Romania. 258 00:23:41,805 --> 00:23:46,438 Today, their quiet presence brings vital new life 259 00:23:46,438 --> 00:23:49,238 to these ancient forests. 260 00:23:49,238 --> 00:23:51,638 [ Birds chirping ] 261 00:24:07,938 --> 00:24:11,805 Lynx are opportunistic hunters. 262 00:24:11,805 --> 00:24:14,938 They like surprise to be on their side. 263 00:24:23,638 --> 00:24:26,338 Chamois may be very wary, 264 00:24:26,338 --> 00:24:29,471 but it's often someone else who raises the alarm. 265 00:24:29,471 --> 00:24:32,771 [ Birds calling ] 266 00:24:42,371 --> 00:24:52,305 ♪♪ 267 00:24:52,305 --> 00:24:55,305 One of the iconic sounds of summer. 268 00:24:55,305 --> 00:24:57,771 [ Hoopoe warbling ] 269 00:24:57,771 --> 00:25:00,405 There is nothing quite like a hoopoe. 270 00:25:00,405 --> 00:25:05,705 ♪♪ 271 00:25:05,705 --> 00:25:10,671 With their glorious plumage and unmistakable calls, 272 00:25:10,671 --> 00:25:14,038 hoopoes bring their unique presence to Transylvania 273 00:25:14,038 --> 00:25:15,571 at this time of year. 274 00:25:22,771 --> 00:25:28,671 Hoopoes usually nest in holes in the ground or in hollow trees. 275 00:25:36,938 --> 00:25:39,305 This is the last of the brood. 276 00:25:39,305 --> 00:25:42,571 His siblings have already left the nest. 277 00:25:42,571 --> 00:25:43,938 He's on his own... 278 00:25:47,738 --> 00:25:50,805 ...which has its advantages. 279 00:25:50,805 --> 00:25:53,105 The parents have no one else to feed. 280 00:25:53,105 --> 00:26:09,038 ♪♪ 281 00:26:12,905 --> 00:26:15,538 But he still has some lessons to learn. 282 00:26:17,638 --> 00:26:21,938 Prey won't always stay still just waiting to be eaten. 283 00:26:31,871 --> 00:26:35,471 It's almost time for his maiden flight, 284 00:26:35,471 --> 00:26:38,505 and those wing muscles have to be in good shape. 285 00:26:38,505 --> 00:26:59,271 ♪♪ 286 00:27:01,671 --> 00:27:06,905 He soon learns that life is very different on the outside. 287 00:27:06,905 --> 00:27:10,505 Mum won't always tolerate this constant begging. 288 00:27:14,871 --> 00:27:17,305 School is down in the meadow 289 00:27:17,305 --> 00:27:19,871 where the hunting and feeding lessons continue. 290 00:27:21,971 --> 00:27:26,438 But that big bill is a tricky weapon to master. 291 00:27:33,405 --> 00:27:35,571 [ Birds chirping ] 292 00:27:49,871 --> 00:27:53,638 [ Bear grunting ] 293 00:27:53,638 --> 00:28:04,638 ♪♪ 294 00:28:04,638 --> 00:28:07,305 Barely five months old, 295 00:28:07,305 --> 00:28:09,805 the cubs were born in their mother's den back 296 00:28:09,805 --> 00:28:12,205 in the dark days of midwinter. 297 00:28:12,205 --> 00:28:17,338 ♪♪ 298 00:28:17,338 --> 00:28:20,171 Fed on their mother's rich milk, 299 00:28:20,171 --> 00:28:23,105 they're growing stronger and bolder. 300 00:28:24,338 --> 00:28:26,471 [ Bear cub squealing ] 301 00:28:30,571 --> 00:28:34,838 Someday their fighting skills will be put to good use, 302 00:28:34,838 --> 00:28:37,505 but first they must practice. 303 00:28:37,505 --> 00:28:53,238 ♪♪ 304 00:28:53,238 --> 00:28:54,771 [ Bear cub whines ] 305 00:28:57,305 --> 00:28:58,905 For the next two years, 306 00:28:58,905 --> 00:29:02,871 the cubs are completely dependent on their mother 307 00:29:02,871 --> 00:29:04,738 as they learn all 308 00:29:04,738 --> 00:29:07,971 they need for their future lives in the forest. 309 00:29:27,005 --> 00:29:28,905 In Viscri, 310 00:29:28,905 --> 00:29:31,671 the Stork parents have a healthy brood to care for. 311 00:29:34,371 --> 00:29:37,338 Four large chicks now share the nest. 312 00:29:37,338 --> 00:29:38,705 [ Stork shrieks ] 313 00:29:40,738 --> 00:29:44,838 From hatching, the young storks won't leave this tiny space 314 00:29:44,838 --> 00:29:46,805 for two or three months. 315 00:29:49,038 --> 00:29:52,005 For mum and dad, it's a full-time job 316 00:29:52,005 --> 00:29:54,338 to keep them fed and watered. 317 00:30:05,271 --> 00:30:09,138 Transylvania's traditional farms are a critical reason 318 00:30:09,138 --> 00:30:12,571 they fly from Africa to raise their families here. 319 00:30:17,671 --> 00:30:21,905 Storks aren't fussy. They'll eat just about anything. 320 00:30:24,871 --> 00:30:27,338 Their pickings are stored in their gut, 321 00:30:27,338 --> 00:30:29,805 for the family waiting at home. 322 00:30:31,038 --> 00:30:40,938 ♪♪ 323 00:30:40,938 --> 00:30:44,271 Dinner is not an elegant affair. 324 00:30:44,271 --> 00:30:48,338 [ Storks shrieking, squawking ] 325 00:30:48,338 --> 00:30:51,338 Nothing seems to satisfy these youngsters. 326 00:30:54,005 --> 00:30:58,638 Trapped in their nest, the chicks have no access to water 327 00:30:58,638 --> 00:31:01,938 except what comes out of their parents' mouths. 328 00:31:01,938 --> 00:31:10,771 ♪♪ 329 00:31:10,771 --> 00:31:12,738 From just after sunrise, 330 00:31:12,738 --> 00:31:15,805 mum and dad keep up a relentless routine... 331 00:31:15,805 --> 00:31:20,405 ♪♪ 332 00:31:24,905 --> 00:31:30,171 ...until late afternoon when they finally take a break. 333 00:31:31,638 --> 00:31:46,738 ♪♪ 334 00:31:46,738 --> 00:31:51,271 The chicks can mind themselves until another day dawns. 335 00:31:51,271 --> 00:32:05,171 ♪♪ 336 00:32:13,371 --> 00:32:15,271 [ Birds chirping ] 337 00:32:20,638 --> 00:32:24,005 The story of modern humans in Transylvania 338 00:32:24,005 --> 00:32:27,738 goes back at least 40,000 years. 339 00:32:30,038 --> 00:32:32,271 Here in the Carpathians 340 00:32:32,271 --> 00:32:36,171 were found some of the oldest bones of our direct ancestors 341 00:32:36,171 --> 00:32:37,738 ever discovered in Europe. 342 00:32:37,738 --> 00:32:38,905 [ Sheep bleats ] 343 00:32:40,605 --> 00:32:44,205 These pioneers faced high mountains 344 00:32:44,205 --> 00:32:47,105 and almost limitless forests. 345 00:32:50,271 --> 00:32:54,371 But there were some islands in this ocean of trees. 346 00:32:56,771 --> 00:33:02,271 ♪♪ 347 00:33:02,271 --> 00:33:09,605 Vast herds of bison, deer and auroch carved out open meadows, 348 00:33:09,605 --> 00:33:11,738 which over time evolved 349 00:33:11,738 --> 00:33:16,505 their own unique family of trees and meadow plants. 350 00:33:20,338 --> 00:33:24,438 Transylvania is home to some of the only remnants 351 00:33:24,438 --> 00:33:26,671 of these ancient pastures. 352 00:33:26,671 --> 00:33:34,371 ♪♪ 353 00:33:39,738 --> 00:33:43,205 The first farmers continued to use the meadows 354 00:33:43,205 --> 00:33:46,338 and hold back the encroaching woodlands. 355 00:33:48,138 --> 00:33:52,205 But giant oaks were left unharmed 356 00:33:52,205 --> 00:33:56,038 as their acorns were often welcome food for the animals. 357 00:33:58,105 --> 00:34:02,005 Some of these oaks are 800 years old. 358 00:34:02,005 --> 00:34:04,238 [ Cows mooing ] 359 00:34:07,438 --> 00:34:09,871 Today, farming with a light touch 360 00:34:09,871 --> 00:34:14,371 is still needed to preserve these unique forest clearings. 361 00:34:18,338 --> 00:34:24,171 The old and dead oak trees support a bonanza of tiny lives 362 00:34:24,171 --> 00:34:27,905 and one of the most spectacular insects on the planet. 363 00:34:27,905 --> 00:34:33,805 ♪♪ 364 00:34:33,805 --> 00:34:37,605 With jaws almost as long as his body, 365 00:34:37,605 --> 00:34:41,838 this stag beetle is in a hurry. 366 00:34:41,838 --> 00:34:46,838 He has spent five years underground as a juvenile, 367 00:34:46,838 --> 00:34:52,738 and now, as an adult, will only live for a few weeks. 368 00:34:52,738 --> 00:34:57,005 He must find a female and fast. 369 00:35:00,071 --> 00:35:06,105 This male has got lucky -- a female in a cozy crevice, 370 00:35:06,105 --> 00:35:09,138 but there are plenty of other males about. 371 00:35:09,138 --> 00:35:11,205 This is not going to be easy. 372 00:35:11,205 --> 00:35:21,138 ♪♪ 373 00:35:21,138 --> 00:35:23,971 Those great jaws swing into action. 374 00:35:23,971 --> 00:35:35,338 ♪♪ 375 00:35:35,338 --> 00:35:39,805 His rival may be down, but he's certainly not out. 376 00:35:39,805 --> 00:35:47,671 ♪♪ 377 00:35:47,671 --> 00:35:50,971 And another interloper joins the fray. 378 00:35:50,971 --> 00:35:53,438 It's a full on beetle battle. 379 00:35:53,438 --> 00:35:56,371 ♪♪ 380 00:35:56,371 --> 00:35:58,371 [ Cymbal crashes ] 381 00:35:58,371 --> 00:36:03,471 Rivals dealt with, he heads back to mate with the waiting female. 382 00:36:05,605 --> 00:36:08,005 She may live for a few months more, 383 00:36:08,005 --> 00:36:11,138 but his days are numbered. 384 00:36:11,138 --> 00:36:16,438 His massive jaws mean he can't feed properly, 385 00:36:16,438 --> 00:36:21,405 and though he may have the energy to mate a few more times, 386 00:36:21,405 --> 00:36:24,171 he will not live to see this summer out. 387 00:36:40,271 --> 00:36:45,071 As weeks go by, the bear family are constantly on the move. 388 00:36:48,605 --> 00:36:51,771 The cubs never stray too far from mum... 389 00:36:57,538 --> 00:37:00,105 And for good reason -- 390 00:37:00,105 --> 00:37:02,138 they're in constant danger. 391 00:37:05,671 --> 00:37:08,038 Other bears are the problem. 392 00:37:08,038 --> 00:37:12,238 Mature males will kill cubs on sight, 393 00:37:12,238 --> 00:37:14,771 hoping to bring the mother back in heat 394 00:37:14,771 --> 00:37:16,271 so they can mate with her. 395 00:37:18,471 --> 00:37:22,405 Any sign of danger, the cubs are up in the trees... 396 00:37:22,405 --> 00:37:37,438 ♪♪ 397 00:37:37,438 --> 00:37:40,471 ...while she stands guard with the youngest. 398 00:37:40,471 --> 00:37:49,871 ♪♪ 399 00:37:52,205 --> 00:37:54,771 When the coast does clear, 400 00:37:54,771 --> 00:37:58,905 there's the tricky business of getting back down. 401 00:37:58,905 --> 00:38:12,071 ♪♪ 402 00:38:12,071 --> 00:38:15,305 Until strong enough to defend themselves, 403 00:38:15,305 --> 00:38:18,438 the cubs' lives will depend on mum 404 00:38:18,438 --> 00:38:22,538 and her skills at keeping them fed and safe from harm. 405 00:38:22,538 --> 00:38:27,038 ♪♪ 406 00:38:27,038 --> 00:38:31,805 But right now danger is the last thing on their minds. 407 00:38:31,805 --> 00:38:47,405 ♪♪ 408 00:38:47,405 --> 00:38:51,071 [ Rain falling ] 409 00:38:58,005 --> 00:38:59,871 [ Birds chirping ] 410 00:39:14,271 --> 00:39:18,238 There is another new kid on the block in Transylvania. 411 00:39:18,238 --> 00:39:24,305 ♪♪ 412 00:39:24,305 --> 00:39:26,871 Though mostly active at night, 413 00:39:26,871 --> 00:39:30,205 you can't miss the telltale signs of their presence. 414 00:39:30,205 --> 00:39:33,705 ♪♪ 415 00:39:33,705 --> 00:39:39,205 Once found throughout Europe, beavers were ruthlessly hunted. 416 00:39:39,205 --> 00:39:44,038 ♪♪ 417 00:39:44,038 --> 00:39:48,405 It's 200 years since the last native beaver was reported 418 00:39:48,405 --> 00:39:49,838 in Transylvania. 419 00:39:52,105 --> 00:39:55,738 But today some natural migration 420 00:39:55,738 --> 00:39:59,571 and a reintroduction program has brought them back. 421 00:39:59,571 --> 00:40:16,838 ♪♪ 422 00:40:16,838 --> 00:40:22,071 Beaver dams form new ponds for all kinds of aquatic life 423 00:40:22,071 --> 00:40:25,471 and slow down the rivers, reducing floods. 424 00:40:25,471 --> 00:40:31,538 ♪♪ 425 00:40:31,538 --> 00:40:36,871 Engineering marvels creating whole new worlds of life. 426 00:40:36,871 --> 00:40:41,838 ♪♪ 427 00:40:48,271 --> 00:40:49,838 [ Birds chirping ] 428 00:40:53,305 --> 00:40:58,205 In Viscri, the stork chicks are almost three months old... 429 00:41:00,405 --> 00:41:04,371 ...and very keen to leave their tiny home. 430 00:41:08,605 --> 00:41:11,905 Every day their wing muscles grow stronger. 431 00:41:17,271 --> 00:41:21,405 Soon, they face the biggest leap of their lives. 432 00:41:23,971 --> 00:41:26,671 And finally the moment comes. 433 00:41:26,671 --> 00:41:32,471 ♪♪ 434 00:41:32,471 --> 00:41:33,971 Flying is hard enough, 435 00:41:33,971 --> 00:41:37,005 but many challenges, both big and small, 436 00:41:37,005 --> 00:41:39,771 await in this crooked new world. 437 00:41:39,771 --> 00:41:51,705 ♪♪ 438 00:41:51,705 --> 00:41:53,938 In just a few short weeks, 439 00:41:53,938 --> 00:41:57,405 the stork family will sense a chill in the air 440 00:41:57,405 --> 00:42:01,071 and their new wings will carry the chicks south 441 00:42:01,071 --> 00:42:03,271 across two continents. 442 00:42:17,738 --> 00:42:27,738 ♪♪ 443 00:42:27,738 --> 00:42:33,671 In autumn, Transylvania puts on her finest show. 444 00:42:33,671 --> 00:42:38,638 ♪♪ 445 00:42:38,638 --> 00:42:41,471 She is home to some of the largest stretches 446 00:42:41,471 --> 00:42:44,238 of ancient forest in Europe. 447 00:42:47,205 --> 00:42:53,038 But there is the shadow of logging and development, 448 00:42:53,038 --> 00:42:56,905 as most of the wild woods are unprotected. 449 00:43:00,138 --> 00:43:04,205 Pressure is growing for a huge new national park 450 00:43:04,205 --> 00:43:06,305 in the Fagaras Mountains 451 00:43:06,305 --> 00:43:10,538 to preserve these priceless natural treasures. 452 00:43:10,538 --> 00:43:34,771 ♪♪ 453 00:43:42,238 --> 00:43:47,938 For Transylvania's bears, autumn is a critical time. 454 00:43:47,938 --> 00:43:51,171 They will soon head into their dens for the winter. 455 00:43:53,105 --> 00:43:56,838 To survive five or six months without food, 456 00:43:56,838 --> 00:43:59,905 they must build up their fat reserves. 457 00:44:01,905 --> 00:44:08,338 [ Birds chirping ] 458 00:44:08,338 --> 00:44:10,005 [ Horse snorts ] 459 00:44:12,038 --> 00:44:14,271 Autumn is often the time 460 00:44:14,271 --> 00:44:19,605 the bears come into closest contact with humans. 461 00:44:19,605 --> 00:44:24,405 For the people of Transylvania are master fruit growers. 462 00:44:24,405 --> 00:44:27,071 Plums are a specialty 463 00:44:27,071 --> 00:44:31,638 and used to distill a favorite liquor, palinca. 464 00:44:33,505 --> 00:44:37,905 But someone else is also a fan of ripe juicy plums. 465 00:44:37,905 --> 00:44:42,971 ♪♪ 466 00:44:42,971 --> 00:44:45,738 Come the quiet of evening, 467 00:44:45,738 --> 00:44:48,905 they'll risk a raid on the nearest orchard. 468 00:44:48,905 --> 00:45:17,171 ♪♪ 469 00:45:07,238 --> 00:45:17,171 ♪♪ 470 00:45:17,171 --> 00:45:21,471 These cubs are now eight months old and sturdy enough 471 00:45:21,471 --> 00:45:24,571 to be given a little more freedom by their mother. 472 00:45:27,305 --> 00:45:31,438 The cubs will soon face their first winter sleep, 473 00:45:31,438 --> 00:45:36,738 and with nights drawing in, this is a very welcome feast. 474 00:45:45,438 --> 00:45:47,271 [ Birds chirping ] 475 00:46:16,771 --> 00:46:18,271 Temperatures are falling. 476 00:46:19,738 --> 00:46:26,005 Slowly but surely winter wraps its cloak over Transylvania. 477 00:46:26,005 --> 00:46:37,405 ♪♪ 478 00:46:37,405 --> 00:46:40,238 So thick is the fur of a bison 479 00:46:40,238 --> 00:46:44,271 that almost no heat escapes their bodies, 480 00:46:44,271 --> 00:46:47,538 and the snow forms a protective shell. 481 00:46:54,438 --> 00:46:58,905 In the forest, deep snow can make progress difficult 482 00:46:58,905 --> 00:47:02,171 and the hunters are constantly on the move. 483 00:47:02,171 --> 00:47:05,971 ♪♪ 484 00:47:05,971 --> 00:47:10,138 The apex predator in these woods is the wolf. 485 00:47:12,338 --> 00:47:16,671 Transylvania is thought to be home to more wolves 486 00:47:16,671 --> 00:47:19,238 than anywhere in Europe, 487 00:47:19,238 --> 00:47:23,238 but no one really knows how many there are. 488 00:47:26,238 --> 00:47:31,671 For these are incredibly shy and elusive creatures 489 00:47:31,671 --> 00:47:37,005 who stay well away from their only predator, man. 490 00:47:39,205 --> 00:47:44,538 Their presence in these mountains is priceless. 491 00:47:44,538 --> 00:47:50,971 ♪♪ 492 00:47:54,771 --> 00:48:01,005 Transylvania is also home to one of nature's greatest survivors. 493 00:48:06,071 --> 00:48:09,805 Dinner may be under a thick layer of snow, 494 00:48:09,805 --> 00:48:13,005 but that's not going to stop a red fox. 495 00:48:13,005 --> 00:48:43,905 ♪♪ 496 00:48:47,938 --> 00:48:53,138 The lone warrior of these wildlands is the lynx. 497 00:48:56,005 --> 00:49:01,671 Covering vast distances on their eternal quest for food, 498 00:49:01,671 --> 00:49:06,571 lynx spend most of their lives on their own. 499 00:49:06,571 --> 00:49:13,105 But come late winter they need to find their own kind. 500 00:49:13,105 --> 00:49:17,971 Mature males leave scent marks throughout their territory. 501 00:49:17,971 --> 00:49:24,705 ♪♪ 502 00:49:24,705 --> 00:49:28,171 And this female is on their trail. 503 00:49:28,171 --> 00:49:40,538 ♪♪ 504 00:49:40,538 --> 00:49:44,471 Only fertile for a few days of the year, 505 00:49:44,471 --> 00:49:47,705 her time with the male is brief. 506 00:49:47,705 --> 00:49:56,505 ♪♪ 507 00:49:56,505 --> 00:50:00,038 For in the woods she has two lively kits 508 00:50:00,038 --> 00:50:02,871 and they take up most of her time and energy. 509 00:50:02,871 --> 00:50:09,838 ♪♪ 510 00:50:09,838 --> 00:50:15,438 Almost a year old, they're still dependent on her, 511 00:50:15,438 --> 00:50:19,571 but they will soon leave to carve a life of their own 512 00:50:19,571 --> 00:50:23,371 somewhere in the great forests of Transylvania. 513 00:50:33,205 --> 00:50:38,638 Today's Europe has fewer and fewer of these wild sanctuaries. 514 00:50:41,338 --> 00:50:46,805 Places where the solitary lynx can roam free. 515 00:50:46,805 --> 00:50:49,538 Or the great bears can find a home. 516 00:50:49,538 --> 00:50:55,138 ♪♪ 517 00:50:55,138 --> 00:51:01,071 Transylvania is one of Europe's last wild wonderlands. 518 00:51:03,671 --> 00:51:07,638 With some of the greatest forests on the continent, 519 00:51:07,638 --> 00:51:13,305 half of its bears, some of the largest packs of wolves. 520 00:51:13,305 --> 00:51:15,271 [ Wolf howling ] 521 00:51:18,471 --> 00:51:22,605 In the human imagination there is nowhere like it. 522 00:51:24,571 --> 00:51:30,538 A magical world of warlords and vampires. 523 00:51:30,538 --> 00:51:34,405 ♪♪ 524 00:51:34,405 --> 00:51:38,838 For thousands of years the people of Transylvania 525 00:51:38,838 --> 00:51:42,671 have lived alongside their wild neighbors. 526 00:51:42,671 --> 00:51:49,105 ♪♪ 527 00:51:49,105 --> 00:51:53,538 When the bears rise from their winter dens, 528 00:51:53,538 --> 00:51:59,571 they come back to a land where many people still care. 529 00:52:03,105 --> 00:52:08,705 In Transylvania, the land beyond the forest, 530 00:52:08,705 --> 00:52:13,338 the spirit of the wild still runs free. 531 00:52:13,338 --> 00:52:23,238 ♪♪ 532 00:52:39,571 --> 00:53:17,005 ♪♪ 533 00:53:17,005 --> 00:53:18,071 To learn more about 534 00:53:18,071 --> 00:53:18,971 what you've seen 535 00:53:18,971 --> 00:53:20,471 on this "Nature"  program, 536 00:53:20,471 --> 00:53:22,538 visit pbs.org. 537 00:53:22,538 --> 00:53:31,338 ♪♪