THE FIRST TEN YEARS
A decade of North America’s fascinating and varied creatures, spectacular
locations, and imaginative filmmaking have combined to make WILD AMERICA one of
the highest-rated programs on PBS and a favorite for millions of viewers. Marty
Stouffer proudly hosts a retrospect of WILD AMERICA’S first ten years. He also
presents a peek at the future of the Series.
MAGNIFICENT AS A MOOSE
Ridiculed for its awkward appearance and homely face, this largest member of the
Deer family is actually one of the most graceful. It moves with equal ease in
water or on land. Solitary and restless, a bull Moose may weigh half a ton and
stand nine feet tall — a formidable foe during the fall rut. Learn about these
mighty animals as we follow them through a year’s seasons.
THE TRUTH ABOUT TURTLES
They were here even before the Dinosaurs appeared, and they remain with us today
— tough and adaptable, patient and persistent. Their unique design includes an
armored shelter that enables the Turtle to prosper in deserts, forests, swamps,
rivers, and seas. This program highlights the casual lifestyles of several
noteworthy North American species of Turtles.
PRINCE OF THE POND
You may not be able to turn one into a prince, but Frogs are certainly royal in
their ability to adapt to many types of habitat. Commonly seen, yet little
known, these water-loving Amphibians are usually smooth-skinned, sleek and
speedy. We examine the surprising life cycles of the Leopard and Bullfrog, the
tiny Tree-frog nicknamed the “Spring Peeper” and other croaking creatures.
THE PRICKLY PORCUPINE
One of the few creatures that can afford to turn its back on an enemy, the
Porcupine has approximately 30,000 good reasons for doing so. Barbed quills on
back and tail insure that it has few enemies in the first place, so this large
Rodent confidently goes about its business at an extremely relaxed pace. As we
see, however, it can be destructive and sometimes controversial.
THOSE SMELLY SKUNKS
There are four American species — Striped, Spotted, Hog-nosed and Hooded — and
each is a variation on the same theme: black and white, easily provoked and
wickedly perfumed! Understandably, Skunks have few enemies other than cars,
household pets and large Owls. But they do have many interesting traits which
are often overshadowed by an emphasis on the obvious.
THE AMAZING ARMADILLO
Like a well equipped soldier, the Armadillo of our southern states is always
dressed for battle. Its lizard-like skin and bony-plated shell give it a perfect
defense against predators. Named “little armored one” by Spanish Conquistadors,
this surprisingly agile swimmer and powerful digger has proven itself a true
pioneer in the fastest known migration of any animal.
IN THE FOREST
This poetic look at America’s forests leads us into the shadowed depths of
woodlands from Louisiana’s steamy cypress swamps to the moody rain forests of
Washington’s Olympic National Park. We marvel at the great variety of forests
across our land, meet the wild inhabitants of these timberlands, and see how
each wild ecosystem is constantly changing, yet also kept in balance.
WHITEBARK
The Whitebark pine tree has wingless seeds that do not disperse in the wind. How
does this stout member of the Evergreen family reproduce? The Clark’s
Nutcracker, a Crow-sized bird that removes the seeds from the cones and buries
them in the ground, allows the Whitebark pine to renew itself. It’s an essential
food source for many creatures from Red Squirrel to Grizzly Bear.
KIDS AND CRITTERS
In Spring, the wilderness is full of new baby animals. Unfortunately, some will
lose track of their parents when exploring their new surroundings. Enter the
Stouffer family to nurse these youngsters until their return to the wild. Pure
silly fun is enjoyed by all in raising a Mountain Goat, Black Bears and Kestrel
Falcons. The magic of children and discovery unite in this playful adventure.
