Mole Alert: Wild Russia

07/21/2009

A Place Like No Other

When you think of Russia, does wildlife come to mind? Probably not--we're still too conscious of the "Iron Curtain" society and its somber history. Our mental images run toward Moscow's distinctive architecture, and those Russian athletes taking home so many Olympic medals.

But Wild Russia, a new six-part special, airing for three straight weeks, showcases an amazing side of Russia. The production team visited six different regions, crossed 11 time zones, and spent three years producing a portrait of an unspoiled Eden.

 In the first two episodes, you'll glimpse Kamchatka, a peninsula on the Pacific Ocean's "Ring of Fire, where 20-lb. Stellar's sea eagles brawl among themselves. The world's largest brown bears bask in steamy pools provided by hot springs in the Valley of Geysers. (fun fact: these mega-bears can lose up to 350 lbs. while hibernating--no wonder they're anxious to chow down on that Pacific salmon run!) Bighorn snow sheep dance atop peaks taller than skyscrapers. And in Primorye, east of China, you'll see the rarest of rare animals, including the Amur tiger, and the always elusive Amur leopard.

Never mind a beach vacation: you'll feel as if you're on an exclusive safari when you see Wild Russia, airing July 23, July 30 and August 6.