Alaska, Earth's Frozen Kingdom... but don't worry, there's no singing princesses or talking snowmen

Alaska is huge - by far the biggest US state, and still one of the wildest places on earth. It has deep forests and vast mountain ranges, and a third of it sits above the Arctic Circle. The whole state goes through some of the most extreme seasonal changes: where temperatures can reach in to the 90°s F in summer and can plummet to -80°F in the winter.

Yet plenty survives here, and it is home to some of the hardiest animals on the planet. Each one has its own quirky way of getting through the challenges of the seasons. Above all, this is a land of great characters. Find out more on the BBC webpage.

Alaska is the latest BBC wildlife trilogy showcasing one of the most iconic wildernesses on the planet. Narrated by Dougray Scott, this three-part series takes in a year in Alaska, revealing the stories of pioneering Alaskans, both animal and human, as they battle the elements and reap the benefits of nature’s seasonal gold rush.

Here's a few highlights from episode One 'Spring'. Each spring Alaska faces the greatest transformation on earth. Temperatures soar and as the sun’s rays hit the snow and ice, water, light and warmth return. Alaska’s transition to spring may look magical, but for those animals emerging from a winter’s sleep it’s a time of intense competition. 

In the first episode viewers find a mother sea otter nursing her fluff-ball baby through the early, chilly days of spring; black bear cubs emerge from their den to find themselves faced with a daunting climb from a tree. It’s 'get up and go' for an Arctic ground squirrel, who has just a few hours to find his mate before rivals muscle in. Stealthy 50-ton sperm whales steal fish from the end of fishermen’s lines, as everything rushes to make the most of the great spring bounty.