Wild America

Where, when and how can the average viewer watch North America’s wild creatures in their natural surroundings? The answers are here in this fact-filled program. Also examined are the many reasons why we seek out wildlife. From majestic Elk herds in Yellowstone to songbirds at the feeder, watching wild creatures provides a great opportunity for learning.

Haunting beauty and mystery characterize our southern swamps. They teem with an amazing — and amusing — variety of creatures. Where land meets water is the richest nursery of life. Alligators lurk as they have since prehistoric times, an Anhinga swims underwater and spears its meal. In the heart of the swamp, an astounding fish changes its color and pattern in seconds.

The domestic Dog has won affection granted no other animal. Surprisingly, “our best friend” closely resembles its wild cousins — the Wolf, Coyote and Fox — the most misunderstood and feared family of animals in North America. Today, we are fascinated by the social behavior of the Wild Dogs and are beginning to appreciate their roles as “Top Dogs” in various natural ecosystems.

Alpine animals are truly the kings of survival. In order to survive in a severe and unpredictable habitat, all have adapted in special ways. A revealing time-lapse shows the development of Golden Eagle chicks. Also presented are the four Wild Sheep — the Dall, Stone, Mountain and Desert Bighorn — as they fight their everyday battle to endure and perform their ancient rituals of courtship.

The Grizzly Bear is funny and ferocious, a quivering coward and a daring hero, easily tamed yet forever wild. This disappearing giant is one of the most contradictory and complex of all our animal ideas. In this program, the entire spectrum of our attitudes toward the Grizzly are examined as well as the animal itself. Rare footage reveals the birth of tiny cubs during the female’s winter denning.

This exploration of wildlife’s struggle for survival presents many Endangered Mammals, Birds and Fishes that have never been filmed before. Some are large and impressive — others small and overlooked. Seen are interviews with four prominent biologists, each an expert on a particular Endangered Species. Without our concern, many of these rare animals will never be filmed again.