WEBVTT

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IRONS: "3rd of May, 1893.

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My friend,
welcome to the Carpathians.

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I am anxiously expecting you.

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I trust your journey
from London has been a happy one

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and that you will enjoy
your stay in my beautiful land."

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With these words an unknown
Irish writer introduced one

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of the most famous characters
in western culture.

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A character so compelling,

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his obscure homeland
has become a household name

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around the globe.

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Today, this remote land is one
of Europe's last wild frontiers.

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Home to vast mountain ranges
where wolves and wildcats roam.

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To pristine rivers
and ancient forests

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where Europe's
great bears still run free.

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While Dracula was a figment
of Bram Stoker's imagination,

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there is a place called
Transylvania.

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♪♪

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[ Woman vocalizing ]

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♪♪

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♪♪

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♪♪

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IRONS: Transylvania lies
in central Romania,

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on the far southeastern edge
of Europe.

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Shielded from the world by the
majestic Carpathian Mountains

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and in the 20th century
by a hard communist regime,

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Transylvania is, to this day,
a wild and wonderful land.

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♪♪

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A place where
the great predators of Europe

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still have room to roam.

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♪♪

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♪♪

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Like the lynx.

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Hardly ever glimpsed
by human eyes,

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it is a true phantom
of the forest.

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High in the Carpathians,
winter is on the wane.

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Record temperatures
have left little snow

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on the mountains.

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A final flurry falls somewhere
between sleet and rain.

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[ Rain falling ]

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After months of darkness,
some big beasts are on the move.

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Transylvania is home to almost
half of Europe's brown bears,

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and they haven't fed
for five or six months.

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These are lean times.
Everyone is hungry.

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♪♪

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For the great predators
of Transylvania, spring

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can't come soon enough.

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♪♪

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In the high country, some heat
from our life-giving star

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finally punches through.

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The mountains burst into life.

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♪♪

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♪♪

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After feeding up
for a few weeks,

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this male's mind is turning
to other matters.

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There are healthy genes
to be passed on,

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but first he must deal with
the competition.

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[ Bear roaring ]

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The fighting can go on
for weeks...

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...and gives the females
a chance

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to see who's made of
the right stuff.

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[ Bears growling ]

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Fighting off rivals
is a tiring business,

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but wooing
a disinterested female

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is another level of pain
altogether.

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♪♪

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♪♪

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She is just not in the mood.

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♪♪

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He heads off to try
his luck elsewhere.

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Mating season lasts
from April to June,

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so he has time to fine-tune
his flirting skills.

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[ Bear roars ]

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♪♪

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♪♪

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Both may mate many times
with different partners.

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It's a n exhausting business.

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♪♪

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♪♪

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All winter long,

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some powerful spirits
have been missing from villages

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across Transylvania.

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But then a day comes in
early spring

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when the lost souls return.

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♪♪

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White storks are revered
in Transylvania,

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bringing good luck and fertility
to those who treat them well.

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It takes the storks seven weeks
to fly the 7,000 miles

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from their winter grounds
in southern Africa,

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a little rest is in order...

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and there's no rush.

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[ Hooves clopping ]

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[ Horse chuffs ]

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Village life in Transylvania
runs to its own relaxed rhythm.

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♪♪

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[ Stork shrieks ]

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The male storks arrive
first to check all is clear.

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It also allows him time
for some house maintenance

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before the boss makes
an appearance.

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♪♪

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She is still flying north.

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♪♪

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♪♪

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[ Beak clacking ]

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♪♪

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When she does finally appear,

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they're just delighted
to see each other.

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[ Beaks clacking ]

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♪♪

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♪♪

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Storks may live for 20 years
or more and they mate for life.

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It's a powerful bond.

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[ Birds chirping ]

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♪♪

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History hangs heavy
in Transylvania.

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Germans, Turks,

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Romanians all have fought
and died over this land.

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♪♪

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800 years ago, the horsemen
of Mongolia, the Tatars,

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laid waste to the countryside.

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♪♪

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Some local villagers made
a last stand on this hill.

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Their dead
buried all around the summit.

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Because Tatar Hill
is left alone,

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every summer
it explodes with wildflowers.

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♪♪

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Modern agriculture wipes
almost all before it,

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but Transylvania still offers
small windows into the past.

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Her surviving wildflower
meadows are world-famous

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for their diversity
and complexity.

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♪♪

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The keys to their survival --

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traditional farming without
chemical fertilizers or poisons,

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and harvesting maybe once
in the year.

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♪♪

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Transylvania's traditional
meadows are one of Europe's

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great natural treasures.

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♪♪

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Almost 200 different kinds
of butterflies

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are found in Romania.

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♪♪

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Most will live
for only three or four weeks,

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a tiny window to enjoy the
wildflowers and the summer sun.

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[ Bee buzzing ]

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[ Birds chirping ]

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Where there are bees
in Transylvania,

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often not far away
are bee-eaters.

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These spectacular creatures
appear from the south

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in early May and settle in
for a busy summer of bee eating.

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The bees may be dead,
but they are still dangerous.

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With a strategic squeeze,

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the birds remove the stings
and expel the venom.

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♪♪

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And bee-eaters are more than
happy to broaden their diet

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if something else flies by.

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♪♪

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It's now breeding time,
and everyone is busy,

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establishing just who is who
in the pecking order.

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[ Birds chirping ]

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With competition out of the way,

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the males can get to work
on their prospective mates.

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First, tasty treats
are offered to win her over.

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♪♪

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If they go down well, he moves
in closer to test the waters.

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♪♪

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And if all is going to plan,
he springs into action.

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♪♪

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♪♪

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On the longest days
of the year,

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journey into Transylvania's
meadows

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and you just might meet
some fairies.

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Sanziene is a ritual
that goes back to pagan times,

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the village girls
bestowing magical powers

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on the wild flowers.

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♪♪

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♪♪

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Tradition dies hard
in Transylvania.

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Thousands of years on, the girls

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still weave their floral crowns
to celebrate summer

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and the gift of life.

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♪♪

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The eve of Sanziene is
when the heavens open

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and spirits roam free.

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Fires are lit to ward
off the evil ones.

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♪♪

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On this night, the 23rd of June,

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the gates to the other world
are wide open.

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♪♪

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"Dracul" means dragon or devil,

16:39.933 --> 16:43.666 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
and a 15th-century warlord,
Vlad Dracul,

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is widely regarded
as the inspiration

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for the legendary vampire.

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♪♪

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Bran Castle is often touted
as Vlad's lair.

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But Vlad barely visited Bran,
if at all.

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♪♪

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40 miles to the south
is Targoviste,

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where Vlad established
his court.

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♪♪

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His other nickname was
Vlad the Impaler,

17:25.366 --> 17:29.966 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
as he would skewer his enemies
on wooden stakes, alive.

17:32.933 --> 17:38.166 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
He had 20,000 Turks impaled
outside Targoviste.

17:40.433 --> 17:44.333 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
The skies filled
with their dying screams

17:44.333 --> 17:46.833 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65%
and departing souls.

17:46.833 --> 17:50.400 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60%
[ Birds cawing ]

17:50.400 --> 17:55.166 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

18:02.033 --> 18:08.133 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
Then, as now, religion was a
backdrop for bloodshed and war.

18:10.966 --> 18:13.000 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65%
Across Transylvania,

18:13.000 --> 18:17.200 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
churches were often fortified
with high walls and battlements.

18:17.200 --> 18:22.133 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5%
[ Crowd singing
in foreign language ]

18:30.333 --> 18:32.400 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55%
500 years on,

18:32.400 --> 18:35.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
many still provide shelter
for some

18:35.300 --> 18:39.433 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
of the other great characters
in the story of Dracula.

18:39.433 --> 18:42.800 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65%
[ Singing continues ]

18:42.800 --> 18:51.766 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

18:51.766 --> 18:56.966 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60%
[ Bell tolling ]

18:56.966 --> 19:01.800 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
Transylvania is a wonderland
for bats.

19:01.800 --> 19:06.233 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
26 different kinds make
their homes here,

19:06.233 --> 19:09.466 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5%
and this is one
of the most successful,

19:09.466 --> 19:11.633 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
the greater mouse-eared bat.

19:11.633 --> 19:16.100 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
[ Bats chittering ]

19:16.100 --> 19:20.166 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
Come summertime they
often search out church towers,

19:20.166 --> 19:24.066 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
spending the daylight hours
gathered in tight bundles

19:24.066 --> 19:25.500 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
for companionship.

19:32.533 --> 19:35.766 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
But as dusk falls
across Transylvania,

19:35.766 --> 19:38.700 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
the bats start to come alive.

19:41.333 --> 19:43.333 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
It's time to go hunting.

19:43.333 --> 19:50.533 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

19:50.533 --> 19:53.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
One of the largest bats
in Europe,

19:53.266 --> 19:55.033 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65%
greater mouse-eareds

19:55.033 --> 19:59.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
are ferocious predators,
and Transylvania's

19:59.133 --> 20:03.933 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
wild woods and meadows
are still full of prey.

20:03.933 --> 20:09.966 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

20:09.966 --> 20:15.166 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
Unlike many, these bats don't
use sonar to locate their prey.

20:15.166 --> 20:18.833 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
Instead, their ears are
hypersensitive

20:18.833 --> 20:22.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
to any tiny sounds
from insects on the move.

20:22.533 --> 20:23.933 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60%
[ Leaf rustles ]

20:27.866 --> 20:29.000 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55%
[ Owl hoots ]

20:32.533 --> 20:35.533 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
Once these huge ears lock on,

20:35.533 --> 20:39.033 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
their unfortunate prey has
little chance.

20:39.033 --> 20:48.300 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

20:48.300 --> 20:58.100 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

20:58.100 --> 21:04.700 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

21:04.700 --> 21:09.600 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

21:09.600 --> 21:13.033 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
But keep very still

21:13.033 --> 21:17.700 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
and you might just survive to
see another night in the forest.

21:17.700 --> 21:19.766 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
[ Thunder rumbles ]

21:25.866 --> 21:29.500 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
While churches make
handy summer shelters,

21:29.500 --> 21:33.900 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
caves are critical sanctuaries
for Transylvania's bats.

21:35.233 --> 21:42.866 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
And Romania is riddled with
caves, more than 12,000 in all.

21:42.866 --> 21:47.666 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
In winter, they are the perfect
hibernation hideaways.

21:47.666 --> 21:49.800 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
[ Water dripping ]

21:53.066 --> 21:56.700 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55%
15 years ago
in western Transylvania,

21:56.700 --> 21:59.166 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
a large chamber was discovered

21:59.166 --> 22:02.466 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
with a very different kind of
natural treasure...

22:05.333 --> 22:10.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
...charcoal drawings
more than 30,000 years old.

22:13.000 --> 22:17.233 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
On one wall, the two-horned
head of a rhinoceros.

22:19.766 --> 22:24.766 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5%
On another,
a faint outline of a giant,

22:24.766 --> 22:29.666 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80%
a horned beast that was critical
to these early human hunters.

22:29.666 --> 22:35.466 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

22:35.466 --> 22:37.666 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
Millions roamed the continent.

22:40.033 --> 22:46.433 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
But for the next 30,000 years,
the slaughter of these giants

22:46.433 --> 22:55.966 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
never stopped, until a century
ago when just 54 survived.

23:01.800 --> 23:06.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
But from these ashes,
a minor miracle has unfolded.

23:09.200 --> 23:14.600 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
Today, European bison are back
in Transylvania.

23:16.233 --> 23:19.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
Across Europe from Bulgaria
to Belarus,

23:19.533 --> 23:22.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
the bison are coming home
to the wild.

23:22.700 --> 23:30.500 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

23:30.500 --> 23:34.266 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5%
Introduced
by local conservationists,

23:34.266 --> 23:37.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
there are now over 200
in Romania.

23:41.800 --> 23:46.433 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
Today, their quiet presence
brings vital new life

23:46.433 --> 23:49.233 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
to these ancient forests.

23:49.233 --> 23:51.633 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
[ Birds chirping ]

24:07.933 --> 24:11.800 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
Lynx are opportunistic hunters.

24:11.800 --> 24:14.933 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
They like surprise
to be on their side.

24:23.633 --> 24:26.333 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
Chamois may be very wary,

24:26.333 --> 24:29.466 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
but it's often someone else
who raises the alarm.

24:29.466 --> 24:32.766 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60%
[ Birds calling ]

24:42.366 --> 24:52.300 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

24:52.300 --> 24:55.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
One of the iconic sounds
of summer.

24:55.300 --> 24:57.766 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
[ Hoopoe warbling ]

24:57.766 --> 25:00.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
There is nothing quite
like a hoopoe.

25:00.400 --> 25:05.700 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

25:05.700 --> 25:10.666 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
With their glorious plumage
and unmistakable calls,

25:10.666 --> 25:14.033 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
hoopoes bring their
unique presence to Transylvania

25:14.033 --> 25:15.566 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65%
at this time of year.

25:22.766 --> 25:28.666 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80%
Hoopoes usually nest in holes in
the ground or in hollow trees.

25:36.933 --> 25:39.300 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
This is the last of the brood.

25:39.300 --> 25:42.566 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
His siblings have
already left the nest.

25:42.566 --> 25:43.933 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
He's on his own...

25:47.733 --> 25:50.800 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
...which has its advantages.

25:50.800 --> 25:53.100 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
The parents have no one else
to feed.

25:53.100 --> 26:02.900 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

26:02.900 --> 26:09.033 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

26:12.900 --> 26:15.533 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
But he still has some lessons
to learn.

26:17.633 --> 26:21.933 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
Prey won't always stay
still just waiting to be eaten.

26:31.866 --> 26:35.466 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
It's almost time
for his maiden flight,

26:35.466 --> 26:38.500 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
and those wing muscles
have to be in good shape.

26:38.500 --> 26:47.400 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

26:47.400 --> 26:54.600 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

26:54.600 --> 26:59.266 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

27:01.666 --> 27:06.900 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
He soon learns that life is
very different on the outside.

27:06.900 --> 27:10.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
Mum won't always tolerate
this constant begging.

27:14.866 --> 27:17.300 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
School is down in the meadow

27:17.300 --> 27:19.866 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
where the hunting and feeding
lessons continue.

27:21.966 --> 27:26.433 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
But that big bill is
a tricky weapon to master.

27:33.400 --> 27:35.566 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
[ Birds chirping ]

27:49.866 --> 27:53.633 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60%
[ Bear grunting ]

27:53.633 --> 27:59.833 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

27:59.833 --> 28:04.633 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

28:04.633 --> 28:07.300 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
Barely five months old,

28:07.300 --> 28:09.800 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
the cubs were born
in their mother's den back

28:09.800 --> 28:12.200 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
in the dark days of midwinter.

28:12.200 --> 28:17.333 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

28:17.333 --> 28:20.166 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
Fed on their mother's rich milk,

28:20.166 --> 28:23.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
they're growing stronger
and bolder.

28:24.333 --> 28:26.466 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
[ Bear cub squealing ]

28:30.566 --> 28:34.833 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
Someday their fighting skills
will be put to good use,

28:34.833 --> 28:37.500 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
but first they must practice.

28:37.500 --> 28:45.600 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

28:45.600 --> 28:53.233 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

28:53.233 --> 28:54.766 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
[ Bear cub whines ]

28:57.300 --> 28:58.900 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
For the next two years,

28:58.900 --> 29:02.866 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
the cubs are completely
dependent on their mother

29:02.866 --> 29:04.733 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60%
as they learn all

29:04.733 --> 29:07.966 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
they need for their
future lives in the forest.

29:27.000 --> 29:28.900 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5%
In Viscri,

29:28.900 --> 29:31.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
the Stork parents have
a healthy brood to care for.

29:34.366 --> 29:37.333 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
Four large chicks now share
the nest.

29:37.333 --> 29:38.700 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60%
[ Stork shrieks ]

29:40.733 --> 29:44.833 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
From hatching, the young storks
won't leave this tiny space

29:44.833 --> 29:46.800 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
for two or three months.

29:49.033 --> 29:52.000 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
For mum and dad,
it's a full-time job

29:52.000 --> 29:54.333 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
to keep them fed and watered.

30:05.266 --> 30:09.133 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
Transylvania's traditional
farms are a critical reason

30:09.133 --> 30:12.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
they fly from Africa
to raise their families here.

30:17.666 --> 30:21.900 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
Storks aren't fussy.
They'll eat just about anything.

30:24.866 --> 30:27.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
Their pickings are stored
in their gut,

30:27.333 --> 30:29.800 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
for the family waiting at home.

30:31.033 --> 30:40.933 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

30:40.933 --> 30:44.266 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
Dinner is not an elegant affair.

30:44.266 --> 30:48.333 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
[ Storks shrieking, squawking ]

30:48.333 --> 30:51.333 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55%
Nothing seems
to satisfy these youngsters.

30:54.000 --> 30:58.633 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
Trapped in their nest, the
chicks have no access to water

30:58.633 --> 31:01.933 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
except what comes out of
their parents' mouths.

31:01.933 --> 31:10.766 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

31:10.766 --> 31:12.733 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
From just after sunrise,

31:12.733 --> 31:15.800 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5%
mum and dad
keep up a relentless routine...

31:15.800 --> 31:20.400 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

31:24.900 --> 31:30.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
...until late afternoon
when they finally take a break.

31:31.633 --> 31:39.100 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

31:39.100 --> 31:46.733 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

31:46.733 --> 31:51.266 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
The chicks can mind themselves
until another day dawns.

31:51.266 --> 32:01.333 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

32:01.333 --> 32:05.166 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

32:13.366 --> 32:15.266 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
[ Birds chirping ]

32:20.633 --> 32:24.000 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
The story of modern humans
in Transylvania

32:24.000 --> 32:27.733 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
goes back at least 40,000 years.

32:30.033 --> 32:32.266 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
Here in the Carpathians

32:32.266 --> 32:36.166 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
were found some of the oldest
bones of our direct ancestors

32:36.166 --> 32:37.733 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
ever discovered in Europe.

32:37.733 --> 32:38.900 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60%
[ Sheep bleats ]

32:40.600 --> 32:44.200 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
These pioneers faced
high mountains

32:44.200 --> 32:47.100 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
and almost limitless forests.

32:50.266 --> 32:54.366 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
But there were some islands
in this ocean of trees.

32:56.766 --> 33:02.266 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

33:02.266 --> 33:09.600 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
Vast herds of bison, deer and
auroch carved out open meadows,

33:09.600 --> 33:11.733 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
which over time evolved

33:11.733 --> 33:16.500 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
their own unique family of
trees and meadow plants.

33:20.333 --> 33:24.433 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
Transylvania is home
to some of the only remnants

33:24.433 --> 33:26.666 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
of these ancient pastures.

33:26.666 --> 33:34.366 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

33:39.733 --> 33:43.200 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
The first farmers continued
to use the meadows

33:43.200 --> 33:46.333 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55%
and hold back
the encroaching woodlands.

33:48.133 --> 33:52.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
But giant oaks were left
unharmed

33:52.200 --> 33:56.033 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
as their acorns were often
welcome food for the animals.

33:58.100 --> 34:02.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
Some of these oaks
are 800 years old.

34:02.000 --> 34:04.233 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5%
[ Cows mooing ]

34:07.433 --> 34:09.866 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5%
Today, farming
with a light touch

34:09.866 --> 34:14.366 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
is still needed to preserve
these unique forest clearings.

34:18.333 --> 34:24.166 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
The old and dead oak trees
support a bonanza of tiny lives

34:24.166 --> 34:27.900 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
and one of the most spectacular
insects on the planet.

34:27.900 --> 34:33.800 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

34:33.800 --> 34:37.600 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
With jaws almost as long
as his body,

34:37.600 --> 34:41.833 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
this stag beetle is in a hurry.

34:41.833 --> 34:46.833 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
He has spent five years
underground as a juvenile,

34:46.833 --> 34:52.733 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
and now, as an adult,
will only live for a few weeks.

34:52.733 --> 34:57.000 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
He must find a female and fast.

35:00.066 --> 35:06.100 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
This male has got lucky --
a female in a cozy crevice,

35:06.100 --> 35:09.133 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
but there are plenty
of other males about.

35:09.133 --> 35:11.200 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
This is not going to be easy.

35:11.200 --> 35:21.133 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

35:21.133 --> 35:23.966 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
Those great jaws swing
into action.

35:23.966 --> 35:30.700 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

35:30.700 --> 35:35.333 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

35:35.333 --> 35:39.800 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
His rival may be down,
but he's certainly not out.

35:39.800 --> 35:47.666 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

35:47.666 --> 35:50.966 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
And another interloper joins
the fray.

35:50.966 --> 35:53.433 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
It's a full on beetle battle.

35:53.433 --> 35:56.366 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

35:56.366 --> 35:58.366 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
[ Cymbal crashes ]

35:58.366 --> 36:03.466 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80%
Rivals dealt with, he heads back
to mate with the waiting female.

36:05.600 --> 36:08.000 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55%
She may live
for a few months more,

36:08.000 --> 36:11.133 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
but his days are numbered.

36:11.133 --> 36:16.433 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
His massive jaws mean
he can't feed properly,

36:16.433 --> 36:21.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
and though he may have the
energy to mate a few more times,

36:21.400 --> 36:24.166 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
he will not live
to see this summer out.

36:40.266 --> 36:45.066 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
As weeks go by, the bear family
are constantly on the move.

36:48.600 --> 36:51.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
The cubs never stray too far
from mum...

36:57.533 --> 37:00.100 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
And for good reason --

37:00.100 --> 37:02.133 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
they're in constant danger.

37:05.666 --> 37:08.033 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
Other bears are the problem.

37:08.033 --> 37:12.233 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
Mature males will kill cubs
on sight,

37:12.233 --> 37:14.766 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5%
hoping to bring
the mother back in heat

37:14.766 --> 37:16.266 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
so they can mate with her.

37:18.466 --> 37:22.400 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
Any sign of danger,
the cubs are up in the trees...

37:22.400 --> 37:30.633 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

37:30.633 --> 37:37.433 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

37:37.433 --> 37:40.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
...while she stands guard
with the youngest.

37:40.466 --> 37:49.866 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

37:52.200 --> 37:54.766 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
When the coast does clear,

37:54.766 --> 37:58.900 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
there's the tricky business
of getting back down.

37:58.900 --> 38:05.766 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

38:05.766 --> 38:12.066 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

38:12.066 --> 38:15.300 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
Until strong enough
to defend themselves,

38:15.300 --> 38:18.433 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
the cubs' lives will depend
on mum

38:18.433 --> 38:22.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
and her skills at keeping
them fed and safe from harm.

38:22.533 --> 38:27.033 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

38:27.033 --> 38:31.800 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
But right now danger is
the last thing on their minds.

38:31.800 --> 38:41.800 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

38:41.800 --> 38:47.400 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

38:47.400 --> 38:51.066 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60%
[ Rain falling ]

38:58.000 --> 38:59.866 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
[ Birds chirping ]

39:14.266 --> 39:18.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
There is another new kid
on the block in Transylvania.

39:18.233 --> 39:24.300 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

39:24.300 --> 39:26.866 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
Though mostly active at night,

39:26.866 --> 39:30.200 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
you can't miss the telltale
signs of their presence.

39:30.200 --> 39:33.700 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

39:33.700 --> 39:39.200 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
Once found throughout Europe,
beavers were ruthlessly hunted.

39:39.200 --> 39:44.033 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

39:44.033 --> 39:48.400 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
It's 200 years since the last
native beaver was reported

39:48.400 --> 39:49.833 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60%
in Transylvania.

39:52.100 --> 39:55.733 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
But today some natural migration

39:55.733 --> 39:59.566 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
and a reintroduction program
has brought them back.

39:59.566 --> 40:08.300 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

40:08.300 --> 40:16.833 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

40:16.833 --> 40:22.066 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
Beaver dams form new ponds
for all kinds of aquatic life

40:22.066 --> 40:25.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
and slow down the rivers,
reducing floods.

40:25.466 --> 40:31.533 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

40:31.533 --> 40:36.866 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
Engineering marvels creating
whole new worlds of life.

40:36.866 --> 40:41.833 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

40:48.266 --> 40:49.833 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
[ Birds chirping ]

40:53.300 --> 40:58.200 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
In Viscri, the stork chicks are
almost three months old...

41:00.400 --> 41:04.366 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
...and very keen
to leave their tiny home.

41:08.600 --> 41:11.900 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
Every day their wing
muscles grow stronger.

41:17.266 --> 41:21.400 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5%
Soon, they face
the biggest leap of their lives.

41:23.966 --> 41:26.666 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
And finally the moment comes.

41:26.666 --> 41:32.466 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

41:32.466 --> 41:33.966 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
Flying is hard enough,

41:33.966 --> 41:37.000 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
but many challenges,
both big and small,

41:37.000 --> 41:39.766 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
await in this crooked new world.

41:39.766 --> 41:46.766 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

41:46.766 --> 41:51.700 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

41:51.700 --> 41:53.933 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
In just a few short weeks,

41:53.933 --> 41:57.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
the stork family will sense
a chill in the air

41:57.400 --> 42:01.066 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
and their new wings
will carry the chicks south

42:01.066 --> 42:03.266 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5%
across two continents.

42:17.733 --> 42:27.733 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

42:27.733 --> 42:33.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
In autumn, Transylvania
puts on her finest show.

42:33.666 --> 42:38.633 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

42:38.633 --> 42:41.466 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
She is home to some
of the largest stretches

42:41.466 --> 42:44.233 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75%
of ancient forest in Europe.

42:47.200 --> 42:53.033 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
But there is the shadow
of logging and development,

42:53.033 --> 42:56.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
as most of the wild woods
are unprotected.

43:00.133 --> 43:04.200 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
Pressure is growing
for a huge new national park

43:04.200 --> 43:06.300 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
in the Fagaras Mountains

43:06.300 --> 43:10.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
to preserve these priceless
natural treasures.

43:10.533 --> 43:19.233 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

43:19.233 --> 43:27.100 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

43:27.100 --> 43:34.766 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

43:42.233 --> 43:47.933 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
For Transylvania's bears,
autumn is a critical time.

43:47.933 --> 43:51.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
They will soon head
into their dens for the winter.

43:53.100 --> 43:56.833 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
To survive five or six months
without food,

43:56.833 --> 43:59.900 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
they must build up
their fat reserves.

44:01.900 --> 44:08.333 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
[ Birds chirping ]

44:08.333 --> 44:10.000 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60%
[ Horse snorts ]

44:12.033 --> 44:14.266 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
Autumn is often the time

44:14.266 --> 44:19.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
the bears come into
closest contact with humans.

44:19.600 --> 44:24.400 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
For the people of Transylvania
are master fruit growers.

44:24.400 --> 44:27.066 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65%
Plums are a specialty

44:27.066 --> 44:31.633 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
and used to distill a favorite
liquor, palinca.

44:33.500 --> 44:37.900 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
But someone else is
also a fan of ripe juicy plums.

44:37.900 --> 44:42.966 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

44:42.966 --> 44:45.733 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5%
Come the quiet of evening,

44:45.733 --> 44:48.900 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
they'll risk a raid
on the nearest orchard.

44:48.900 --> 44:57.166 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

44:57.166 --> 45:07.233 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

45:07.233 --> 45:17.166 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

45:17.166 --> 45:21.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
These cubs are now eight
months old and sturdy enough

45:21.466 --> 45:24.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
to be given a little
more freedom by their mother.

45:27.300 --> 45:31.433 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
The cubs will soon face
their first winter sleep,

45:31.433 --> 45:36.733 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
and with nights drawing in,
this is a very welcome feast.

45:45.433 --> 45:47.266 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5%
[ Birds chirping ]

46:16.766 --> 46:18.266 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
Temperatures are falling.

46:19.733 --> 46:26.000 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
Slowly but surely winter wraps
its cloak over Transylvania.

46:26.000 --> 46:32.266 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

46:32.266 --> 46:37.400 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

46:37.400 --> 46:40.233 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5%
So thick is the fur of a bison

46:40.233 --> 46:44.266 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5%
that almost no heat escapes
their bodies,

46:44.266 --> 46:47.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
and the snow forms
a protective shell.

46:54.433 --> 46:58.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
In the forest, deep snow
can make progress difficult

46:58.900 --> 47:02.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
and the hunters are
constantly on the move.

47:02.166 --> 47:05.966 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

47:05.966 --> 47:10.133 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
The apex predator
in these woods is the wolf.

47:12.333 --> 47:16.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
Transylvania is thought
to be home to more wolves

47:16.666 --> 47:19.233 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70%
than anywhere in Europe,

47:19.233 --> 47:23.233 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
but no one really knows
how many there are.

47:26.233 --> 47:31.666 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
For these are incredibly shy
and elusive creatures

47:31.666 --> 47:37.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
who stay well away
from their only predator, man.

47:39.200 --> 47:44.533 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5%
Their presence
in these mountains is priceless.

47:44.533 --> 47:50.966 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

47:54.766 --> 48:01.000 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80%
Transylvania is also home to one
of nature's greatest survivors.

48:06.066 --> 48:09.800 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55%
Dinner may be
under a thick layer of snow,

48:09.800 --> 48:13.000 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
but that's not going to stop
a red fox.

48:13.000 --> 48:21.833 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

48:21.833 --> 48:30.933 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

48:30.933 --> 48:39.200 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

48:39.200 --> 48:43.900 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

48:47.933 --> 48:53.133 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
The lone warrior
of these wildlands is the lynx.

48:56.000 --> 49:01.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
Covering vast distances
on their eternal quest for food,

49:01.666 --> 49:06.566 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
lynx spend most of their lives
on their own.

49:06.566 --> 49:13.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
But come late winter they
need to find their own kind.

49:13.100 --> 49:17.966 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
Mature males leave scent marks
throughout their territory.

49:17.966 --> 49:24.700 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

49:24.700 --> 49:28.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
And this female is
on their trail.

49:28.166 --> 49:36.433 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

49:36.433 --> 49:40.533 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

49:40.533 --> 49:44.466 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55%
Only fertile
for a few days of the year,

49:44.466 --> 49:47.700 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80%
her time with the male is brief.

49:47.700 --> 49:56.500 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

49:56.500 --> 50:00.033 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
For in the woods
she has two lively kits

50:00.033 --> 50:02.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
and they take up most
of her time and energy.

50:02.866 --> 50:09.833 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

50:09.833 --> 50:15.433 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
Almost a year old,
they're still dependent on her,

50:15.433 --> 50:19.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
but they will soon leave
to carve a life of their own

50:19.566 --> 50:23.366 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
somewhere in the great forests
of Transylvania.

50:33.200 --> 50:38.633 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75%
Today's Europe has fewer and
fewer of these wild sanctuaries.

50:41.333 --> 50:46.800 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55%
Places where
the solitary lynx can roam free.

50:46.800 --> 50:49.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
Or the great bears
can find a home.

50:49.533 --> 50:55.133 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

50:55.133 --> 51:01.066 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5%
Transylvania is one of Europe's
last wild wonderlands.

51:03.666 --> 51:07.633 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
With some of the greatest
forests on the continent,

51:07.633 --> 51:13.300 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
half of its bears, some
of the largest packs of wolves.

51:13.300 --> 51:15.266 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60%
[ Wolf howling ]

51:18.466 --> 51:22.600 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
In the human imagination
there is nowhere like it.

51:24.566 --> 51:30.533 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5%
A magical world
of warlords and vampires.

51:30.533 --> 51:34.400 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

51:34.400 --> 51:38.833 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
For thousands of years
the people of Transylvania

51:38.833 --> 51:42.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65%
have lived alongside
their wild neighbors.

51:42.666 --> 51:49.100 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

51:49.100 --> 51:53.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5%
When the bears rise
from their winter dens,

51:53.533 --> 51:59.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70%
they come back to a land
where many people still care.

52:03.100 --> 52:08.700 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60%
In Transylvania,
the land beyond the forest,

52:08.700 --> 52:13.333 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5%
the spirit of the wild
still runs free.

52:13.333 --> 52:23.233 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

52:39.566 --> 52:49.400 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

52:49.400 --> 52:58.900 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

52:58.900 --> 53:08.833 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

53:08.833 --> 53:17.000 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪

53:17.000 --> 53:18.066 align:left position:27.5% line:17% size:62.5%
<i>To learn more about</i>

53:18.066 --> 53:18.966 align:left position:30% line:17% size:60%
<i>what you've seen</i>

53:18.966 --> 53:20.466 align:left position:30% line:17% size:60%
<i>on this "Nature"</i>&nbsp;
<i>program,</i>

53:20.466 --> 53:22.533 align:left position:32.5% line:17% size:57.5%
<i>visit pbs.org.</i>

53:22.533 --> 53:31.333 align:left position:47.5% line:5% size:42.5%
♪♪