Ep 6. Predator Proof

In Life Below Zero: Next Generation season 2 episode 6, entitled Predator Proof, viewers are transported to the beautiful and unforgiving terrain of Alaska. Here, the show's cast of resilient outdoorsmen and women confront the harsh challenges of life in the wilderness, where the slightest misstep can lead to dire consequences.

As winter approaches, the inhabitants of Alaska must take extra caution to protect themselves and their livestock from the predators that roam the wilderness. In Predator Proof, we follow four different groups of characters as they face down the dangers of bears, wolves, and other predators.

First, we meet 19-year-old Aidan, who lives in the remote town of Two Rivers with his dad. Aidan is determined to start his own trapping business, but first, he needs to devise a way to keep his chicken coop safe from predators. With the help of his dad, Aidan constructs a new coop from scratch, using predator-proof materials and ensuring that there are no weak points. When a curious bear shows up to investigate the new structure, Aidan stands guard with a shotgun, determined to protect his valuable flock.

Next, we follow trailblazers Charlotte and Sean, who live in the rugged backcountry of Interior Alaska. The couple, along with their two young children, Henry and Otto, have created a new life off the grid, surviving by hunting, fishing, and foraging. However, their remote life comes with a cost - the constant risk of bear encounters. Charlotte takes the lead in Predator Proof, using her extensive knowledge of bear behavior to teach her children the importance of staying alert and making noise when hiking in bear country. But when a massive grizzly approaches their campsite in the middle of the night, the family is forced to huddle inside their tent and hope for the best.

Meanwhile, Sarah, a 21-year-old Alaskan native, is preparing for her first winter alone in the wilderness. The young survivalist has built a cozy cabin in the woods, complete with a wood stove and a collection of handcrafted furniture. Her only companions are her dogs, who are vital for keeping watch for predators. In Predator Proof, Sarah demonstrates her skills as a hunter, tracking an elusive moose through the wilderness and taking it down with a single shot. Despite her confidence in the wilderness, Sarah is acutely aware of the dangers that come with living alone and vulnerable to predators.

Finally, we meet 32-year-old Ricko, who lives with his wife and young daughter in the tiny village of Kobuk. Ricko is a skilled hunter, and he and his family rely on the land for everything from food to clothing. In Predator Proof, Ricko prepares for a grueling 12-day caribou hunt that will take him deep into the wilderness. With his wife and daughter working as his support team, Ricko spends hours tracking herds and setting up blinds to keep himself hidden from predators. But when a pack of wolves descends on his camp one night, Ricko is left to fend them off alone, armed only with a hunting rifle and his own instincts.

Life Below Zero: Next Generation season 2 episode 6 is a thrilling and informative look at life in one of the most dangerous and beautiful ecosystems on the planet. As the characters grapple with the ever-present threat of predators, viewers are reminded of the incredible resilience and adaptability of the human spirit.