Wild Rockies

In springtime, a narrow corridor in the Canadian Rockies known as the Kootenays is the only area where 16 of North America's native carnivore species come together. It's bad news for the native elk, moose, and caribou--all are aware of this seasonal threat and work hard to ensure they and their young remain one step ahead of danger. Witness the dramatic struggle for survival.

Stretching more than 3,000 miles across the U.S.-Canadian border, the Rockies are home to bleak alpine tundra zones. They sit up to 14,000 feet above sea level, with temperatures dropping 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit for every thousand feet of elevation. This means that only the hardiest mountain specialists can cope with its savage conditions, like fur-protected mountain goats and the remarkable hoary marmot.

In the Rockies, the higher you are, the more water you get. Most of it comes from the giant glaciers and awe-inspiring ice fields that rest on the rugged peaks. These glaciers melt in spring, feeding more than 60 major rivers that bring sustenance to the land and the thousands of species that rely on it.

Someone is setting fire to the forests of the Rocky Mountains. Surprisingly, it's scientists working on part of a crucial regeneration process. With more trees here than anywhere else in the world, maintaining a healthy ecosystem through "prescribed fires" is a vital step in the preservation of this lush paradise.

Many prey like bison and elk benefit from social living because larger groups often mean more eyes looking out for danger. So why do some predators also favor this approach? Delve into the dynamics of group living in one of North America's most rugged environments: the Rocky Mountains.