Cosmos Global: Tatanka

Producer: Proll, Eric

Remick, J.

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Catalogue Number: CDG-DVD-106

UPC: 883629300849

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Like nowhere else in the Unites States, Wyoming has become the indelible symbol of the legendary Old Wild West, where vast untouched prairies and the magnificent Rocky Mountains make up the wonderful scenery of this cowboy state.

Sometimes erroneously referred to as "buffalo," the bison is probably the most famous animal that roams the North American plains and is known by the Sioux Indians as "tatanka." In addition to prairie land, bison can also be found in forest areas such as in the Grand Teton National Park.

Once a year, the otherwise peaceful town of Sturgis is transformed into one of the largest motorcycle gatherings in the world. For an entire week, everything focuses upon chrome, horsepower and the name Harley Davidson. Motorcyclists travel here from each corner of the United States, and in the year 2000, more than 600,000 enthusiasts visited the event.

The most spectacular section of the Wind River is located in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone National Park. The canyon's most prominent landmarks are the 33- and 94-meter-high Upper and Lower Falls.

Much of the striking scenery of the Wind River Valley now belongs to the Shoshone and Arapaho Indian Reservation.

The Jackson Hole Rodeo has retained its age-old charm, unlike the far more popular and larger venues to be found in the country's major cities that attract thousands of visitors.

Tatanka is a living symbol of the Great Plains in the state of Wyoming and still embodies life in the Wild West of old. The legends and traditions of cowboys and trappers, plus the fascinating cultural heritage of the Indian people, has not only survived here but can still be felt right up to the present day.