‘Eden: Untamed Planet’ Recap – ‘Alaska: Last American Frontier’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the finale of ‘Eden: Untamed Planet’.
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Over the course of the past six weeks, our journey through the various paradises around the world… via the BBC America series, Eden: Untamed Planet, has provided us with an incredible learning experience. For we have now come to learn that some of the oases that nature enjoys around the globe are a direct result of the planet’s physical evolution. Since tectonic plate movements have given rise to isolated utopias such as Patagonia and the Galapagos Islands. Plus, nature’s ability to adapt in tough environments has also proven to be quite helpful in creating an Eden since the creatures that live in the Namib Desert have figured out how to hunt and how to avoid the heat in order to thrive in a climate where nothing should survive.
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But while it has been downright incredible to learn how the world works in this manner, what we haven’t learned in this series, is whether it is possible for a true oasis to exist close to major population centers. Because while most of these highlighted biospheres are near humanity, our population is so low in those areas, that mankind has either figured out how to live in harmony with nature or we steer clear of the area. Leaving one to wonder if it is possible to find a true oasis in mankind’s backyard and well… as it turns out, the finale of this series opted to answer that question with a resounding yes. For in the northwest corner of North America, miles away from the bustling United States of America and Canada… lies a true oasis, one that is just as independent as the rest and ‘Alaska: Last American Frontier’ took the time to show us how the Alaskan frontier thrives despite being so close to millions of humans. 

A feat that this part of the world accomplishes, by being difficult to navigate for humanity. For the forests and coasts here are somewhat isolated and also protected by law and that perfect combination allows for a yearlong cycle of independence to take place. One where the bears of this beautiful place make their way down from their nests in the spring to feed, and they’re not alone in coming to life as the ice thaws. Since so many varying species go about their day with the temperature warming up and their movements and habits, help to add nutrients to a part of the world that ironically, doesn’t have that present in great quantities in the soil. Adding credence to the fact that nature always figures out a way to thrive and survive and judging from the raw beauty this environment presents us with, clearly that unique plan for this part of the world is working to a tee.

But while that revelation was quite fascinating, there were more important teaching moments waiting for us in this documentary. Such as how later in the year, the Alaskan Wilderness becomes quite the bountiful place for animals from around the world. Since whales take the time to swing by the nutrient rich and bountiful waters to feed and of course… the age-old iconic image of bears eating salmon from the rivers takes place on an annual basis when the salmon begin their quest upriver and really, seeing it here in different context added some serious gravity to something we’ve all watched take place in other documentaries. Because this time around, it really helped to hammer home the importance of places like this and how they need to remain untouched and preserved.

Simply because, balance and autonomy are what nature is all about and to deny of its everyday goals is cruel since these habits are all these animals know and that is why we must double our efforts to control the climate and to preserve these sanctuaries. So that creatures that don’t under commerce or manifest destiny, can continue to function as they have for generations before us and truly, it is wonderful to see nature in the raw in this manner so that we can be reminded of what our true role is on this planet. Which is not to conquer it, but to help it and nurture it and thrive alongside it and clearly we can and well, now that this powerful documentary has come to a close… hopefully it has provided us with enough lessons and majesty to go out and do our part to reduce our carbon footprint and speak up when preserved areas are at risk… so this kind of beauty never fades from the face of our world.

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