巨兽（2023）

With 12-inch webbed paws and a layer of fat to keep afloat,
它们可以连续多天待在水里 游泳距离超过6♥4♥0公里
polar bears can swim over 400 miles and stay in the water for days.
但这会消耗重要的卡路里
But it burns vital calories.
现在越来越暖的气候加剧了冰的消融
And now the warming climate is increasing the ice's retreat,
陆地变得更加遥远
land is even further away.
到了仲夏 海象群周围的冰已经全部融化
By midsummer, ice around the walrus colony has all but disappeared.
所以海象宝宝必须增强力量
So, it's essential the baby increases her strength.
它必须在水中待更长时间
She'll have to spend more time in the water,
直到它的体型足够大 才能去和礁石上的成年海象抢夺空间
until she's big enough to fight for her space among the adults on the rock.
越是拥挤
The more crowded it gets...
就越是危险
the more dangerous it becomes.
在北极的另一边 很多大型动物也在为生存而苦苦挣扎
Right across the Arctic, large animals are struggling to survive.
巨大的冰面捕猎专家
Finding food on land isn't easy for a giant
在陆地上觅食并不容易
that specializes in hunting on the ice.
在夏天 北极熊的体重 可能会每天减少1公斤
During summer, polar bears can lose two pounds every day.
有些熊实在太饿 靠吃植物充饥
Some get so hungry they resort to eating plants.
但还有其他选择
But there are other options.
去悬崖上捕捉海鸽幼鸟风险很大
Reaching guillemot chicks on the cliff face is risky.
但总比饿死强
But it's better than starving to death.
麝香牛的境遇则大为不同
It's been a very different story for the musk oxen.
吃了一个夏天的草之后 它们恢复了体力
After a summer spent grazing, they've regained their strength.
处于统治地位的公牛 为了管理牛群忙得不可开交
Keeping his herd together has kept the dominant bull very busy.
它现在要对付这位新的挑战者
And now he has the new challenger to contend with.
两头公牛
Two bulls.
每头几乎重达450公斤
Each almost half a ton.
时速56公里的碰撞
At 35 miles an hour
它们每一次都用尽全力
they commit their full weight to every impact.
通常会有一头牛败下阵来
Usually one backs down...
但这两头牛势均力敌
but these two are evenly matched.
处于统治地位的公牛占据高地时
When the dominant bull gains higher ground,
它利用这一优势
he uses it to his advantage.
卫冕冠军获胜
Victory to the defending champion.
获得了繁殖下一代小牛犊的机会
And the chance to sire the next generation of calves.
小牛犊继承它的体格和决心
Inheriting his size and determination...
将会在这个恶劣环境中 得到最大的生存机会
will give them the best chance in this hostile land.
麝香牛以巅峰状态进入秋季
Musk oxen enter autumn in prime condition.
但这个季节却是北极熊最难熬的
But this is the hardest time of all for polar bears.
它们饿坏了 开始考虑铤而走险的办法
Hungrier than ever, they turn to desperate options.
成年海象的皮太厚
Fully-grown walruses are too thick-skinned.
牙齿太危险 大部分熊打不过
Too well-armed for most bears to take on.
但幼崽的风险较大
But pups are at greater risk...
所以大部分海象妈妈会远离海岸
which is why most mothers stay away from the shore.
随着越来越多的成年海象 试图挤到岛上去 攻击行为加剧了
As more adults try to squeeze onto the rocky island, aggression intensifies.
危险增加
Danger increases.
不断提升的恐慌情绪导致海象群体惊逃
The rising panic creates a stampede.
即使在水中 海象妈妈和宝宝也不安全
Even in the water, mum and baby aren't safe.
它们必须逃离
They must get away.
它们向最后几块浮冰游去
They make for the last scraps of ice.
每只巨兽必须各显神通
It's every giant for itself.
没有足够的空间容纳每一头海象
There isn't enough room for everyone.
幼崽如果无法休息就会淹死
The calf will drown if it can't rest.
终于找到了一块刚刚够大的冰
Finally, something just big enough.
但它们几乎没有力气爬上去了
But they barely have the strength to haul out.
随着全球气候继续变暖
As the world continues to warm,
北极的大型动物变得尤为脆弱
the large animals of the Arctic are particularly vulnerable.
这时 海象妈妈的选择变得空前重要
And the choices a mother makes are becoming ever more important.
漂到了离北极更近的地方
Drifting closer to the north pole...
北极熊一家也能缓一口气了
this polar bear family also has some respite.
这一次 留在海冰上似乎是个明智的决定
This time, staying with the sea ice seems a wise decision.
但随着夏天的冰越来越少
But as summer ice becomes more scarce,
这一选项可能会在未来消失
in the future that option might not be there.
北极巨兽面对着严峻的挑战
Arctic giants face enormous challenges.
但至少就目前而言 随着太阳热度的退去
But for now, at least, as the sun's power fades
冬季的冰冻来临
and the winter freeze sets in,
生活会变得轻松一些
life will get a little easier.