Watch Great Yellowstone Thaw

Great Yellowstone Thaw is a documentary series produced by PBS, which follows the lives of various animals and their ecosystem in Yellowstone National Park in the aftermath of a harsh winter. The series is hosted by Casey Anderson, an animal expert, and Kirk Johnson, the director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

The show's first episode, titled "Winter", sets the scene with stunning aerial shots of the park covered in snow. Casey and Kirk explain how the prolonged winter has affected the animals living in Yellowstone, from the bison to the wolves. We see footage of a pack of wolves trying to take down an elk in the deep snow, while bison plow through the snow with their massive heads to reach the grass below.

As the winter slowly gives way to spring in the second episode "Spring", we see how the melting snow and rising temperature are bringing new life to the park. Migratory birds and grizzly bears are returning to Yellowstone, and the bison are shedding their thick coats. We also get to see the fascinating mating rituals of various animals, including the sage grouse and the elk.

In "Summer", the third episode, we witness how the scorching heat of the season is affecting the park. The grasslands are drying out, and wildfires are starting to break out. Casey and Kirk explain how certain animals, such as the beavers, are essential for preventing the spread of fires in the park. We also get a glimpse into the lesser-known creatures that call Yellowstone home, such as the hoary marmot, pika, and cutthroat trout.

The fourth episode, "Autumn", shows how the animals are preparing for the harsh winter ahead. The elk are gathering in large herds and mating, while the bison are using their massive heads to dig through the snow for food. We also see how the wolves are hunting in packs, and how their presence is essential for maintaining balance in the park's ecosystem.

Throughout the series, Casey and Kirk dive into the science behind Yellowstone's extraordinary ecosystem. They explain how the park's unique geology, including its geysers and hot springs, allows for the growth of diverse microorganisms which in turn support life in the park. The show also explores how the reintroduction of wolves to the park in the 1990s has had a significant impact on the ecosystem, with knock-on effects on animals as far away as the rivers surrounding the park.

The beautiful cinematography of Great Yellowstone Thaw is also a highlight of the show. We see stunning panoramic shots of the park, including wildlife in their natural habitat, and the natural wonders of the park such as geysers and hot springs. The show uses a mix of time-lapses, slow-motion videos, and aerial shots to capture the beauty of the park throughout the seasons.

In conclusion, Great Yellowstone Thaw provides a fascinating insight into the lives of the animals in Yellowstone National Park and the seasonal changes which affect them. The series is both educational and visually breathtaking, making it an excellent watch for nature lovers and documentary fans alike.

Great Yellowstone Thaw is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (3 episodes). The series first aired on June 21, 2017.