(dreamy music)
- [Narrator] When it's cold outside,
there's nothing like a warm bath to take off the chill.
And these monkeys have found a great one.
The Jigokudani Valley in Japan is buried in snow
for almost one third of the year.
The area is more commonly known as Hell's Valley,
named for its high altitude, jagged cliffs,
and bubbling hot springs that fill the air with steam.
The local Japanese macaques or snow monkeys
have found an interesting way to adapt
to these cold conditions.
In the early 1960s, these clever and curious creatures
moved down from the higher forests
and tested the water of the natural hot springs.
They have been using them as a spa to warm up
in the winter months ever since.
These snow monkeys like company.
Their average group is typically 41 monkeys,
but can range from 10 to 161.
They're not picky eaters, either.
They'll eat just about everything
from seeds, plants and fruits,
or a handout from a mischievous tourist.
Even in the high mountains of Japan,
these clever critters have found a great way to relax.
Spa day, anyone?
(upbeat music)
(electronic music)