Travel through the majestic Primeval forests of the Urals. This Russian sanctuary is a land of extremes where giant deer, half-tonne leviathans and tiny adventures flourish. Eurasian elk make seasonal journeys in search of food. Unlike other deer, Eurasian elk are normally solitary and for pregnant females, the stress of meeting leads to fighting. The elk migration leads them across swollen, fast-moving rivers and while they are strong swimmers, many are lost in the treacherous journey. After many months of hibernating, it's a rude awakening for the hungry brown bear who searches for an easy kill. As the snow melts, opportunists like lone wolves advance to feed on winter's victims. The unique Russian desman, a semi-aquatic and almost-blind relative of the mole, has scent glands at the base of its tail that gives it a musky, unappetizing smell to discourage predators.

Green Screen - Best of Festival for series

Naturvision - Best German Film for series

Animal Behavior Society - Best of Festival

"Wildes Russland – Der Ural" for NDR. "Wild Russia – The Urals" festival version.