Life Below Zero Season 1 Episode 6 There Be Monsters

In Life Below Zero's season 1 episode 6 titled "There Be Monsters," nature proves to be the ultimate challenge for the show's human subjects. As much as they've adapted to life in one of the world's harshest environments, life in Alaska is always unpredictable and seems to have a mind of its own. Throughout the episode, several of the show's groups of cast members navigate both the fauna and the phenomena of the Alaskan wilderness.

One key group highlighted in the episode is the Hailstone family. With patriarch Chip's guidance, his daughters Agnes and Tingmak gather for fishing and hunting expeditions, hoping to collect enough meat to sustain themselves and their dogs. As if battling the frigid temperatures while fishing wasn't already enough of a challenge, Agnes' day is thrown into disarray when she accidentally falls into the river. While terrifying, Agnes emerges from her wet ordeal relatively unscathed, though she does find herself now suffering from frostbite. The event brings attention to the unpredictable dangers Alaska has to offer, even when the cast is doing their best to prepare.

Another group showcased in the episode is the lone trapper, Erik Salitan. Erik spends most of his time alone in the flat tundra terrain of Wiseman, with his only company being his trained dogs. Erik knows he must stay vigilant and aware of his surroundings, as Alaska's most dangerous animals - bears and wolves - are never far away. As he navigates the day to day of his unique lifestyle, Erik's skills as a trapper are put to the test when he comes across a group of animals that could put him in danger - wolverines. Vicious and unpredictable, Erik knows he must use all his expertise to hang on to his territory and his livelihood.

Additionally, the episode features two other cast members. Glenn Villeneuve, a former L.A. resident, spends his days fishing and trapping in one of the densest forests in Alaska. As he continues to search for food to stockpile for the cold, Glenn must also keep his senses sharp against any potential predators. His safety is never guaranteed in this wintery world, and Glenn knows it. Sue Aikens of the Kavik River Camp also makes an appearance in the episode. As the owner of the furthest north camp in North America, Sue must master the art of survival and self-reliance. The unpredictable weather of the tundra can mean the difference between life and death for Sue; she has to tread lightly and be ever-vigilant.

"There Be Monsters" is a compelling look at how people who, like many of us, have their best-laid plans disrupted by forces out of their control. Whether it's the punishing cold, the unpredictable movements of wildlife, or even the mere presence of humans in their surroundings, the cast must always be aware of their surroundings, and one another, in order to stay safe. Through all their challenges and struggles, the cast members demonstrate their resilience and resourcefulness - traits that serve them well in the Alaskan wild. Watching their interactions with one another, and with the unique forests and terrains they call home, is sure to leave viewers awed at the sheer determination and adaptability of the human spirit.