Ep 1. New Frontiers, New Threats

As the ninth season of "Alaska: The Last Frontier" kicks off, viewers are introduced to the new threats and obstacles that the characters will be facing in the harsh Alaskan wilderness. Hunting and gathering for food and resources has always been a way of life for the Kilchers, but with changing climate patterns and the influx of new predators, the family must adapt and innovate to survive.

In the premiere episode, titled "New Frontiers, New Threats," the focus is on preparing for the upcoming winter by stockpiling enough supplies to last the family through the season. At the forefront of this effort is patriarch Atz Kilcher, who heads out to hunt a moose for the family's larder. With winter fast approaching, the pressure is on to find enough food to sustain the family until the spring thaw.

Meanwhile, Atz Lee Kilcher and his wife Jane are working on building a new cabin on their property, with a little help from their children. The goal is to have the cabin completed before winter sets in, but with unpredictable weather, it's anyone's guess whether they'll meet their deadline. The couple also has their hands full with a new member of the family: a puppy named Etta, who they hope will grow into a reliable hunting companion.

Elsewhere on the homestead, Eivin Kilcher and his wife Eve are facing a new threat in the form of an invasive species that's decimating the local ecosystem: the spruce bark beetle. These tiny creatures are attacking the trees that the Kilchers rely on for firewood, construction materials, and food for their livestock. In response, Eivin comes up with an innovative solution: using discarded fish scraps to lure insect-eating birds to the property, hopefully curbing the beetle infestation.

Finally, viewers get a glimpse into the newest member of the Kilcher clan: Atz Sr.'s girlfriend, Bonnie. The couple has been together for several years, but this is Bonnie's first full summer on the homestead. She's still adjusting to the lifestyle, but with the support of the Kilcher clan, she's hopeful that she can carve out a place for herself in this unique and challenging environment.

Overall, "New Frontiers, New Threats" sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable season of "Alaska: The Last Frontier." With new challenges around every corner, the Kilcher family will have to rely on their ingenuity, resourcefulness, and close-knit bonds to make it through the long and harsh Alaskan winter.