BILLION DOLLAR BASS
The aptly-named Largemouth Bass is the top game fish in America and, as a
result, Big Business to fishermen. Marty Stouffer takes us on an exciting
excursion into the bizarre world of Bass fishing. Along the way, we also examine
the complete life history of this fascinating member of the Perch family.
Ultimately, we also see its enormous economic importance.
THE BEAUTY OF BUTTERFLIES
Few of Nature’s creatures delight us more than the short-lived Butterfly. During
the warm spring and summer months, Butterflies multiply miraculously. Even so,
some species live but a fortnight. We’ll follow the Monarch’s thousand-mile trek
to its huge wintering colonies. We’ll also show you how easy it is to attract
these fragile beauties to your very own backyard.
BELLIGERENT AS A BADGER
Even those as bold as the Bobcat know it’s not very bright to pick a fight with
a Badger. The quarrelsome Badger remains ready to challenge any opponent,
whether to defend itself or to steal a meal. Come meet the pugnacious Badger,
and see how its enormous curved claws and array of sharp teeth help it to
frighten away potential predators and also to excavate its elaborate den.
HEADGEAR
Horns are permanent, while antlers are shed annually. The forked horns of the
Pronghorn Antelope may prove to be the missing link between these two types of
beautiful bony crown. Since prehistoric times, man has displayed these trophies.
We’ll share this ancient human fascination with horns and antlers as we explore
their vital, and often unusual, roles in Nature.
A TALE ABOUT TAILS
Last but surely not least, tails are a vital and intriguing part of any
creature’s anatomy. Animal’s tails come in a fascinating variety of shapes and
sizes. Used as hands, rudders and shovels, their form and function are as varied
as the creatures to which they are linked. This exciting tale takes us behind
the beast as we examine one hundred and one different kinds of tails.
SOME FEET HAVE NOSES
Did you know that feet do much more than just move animals from place to place?
They are fascinating in their wide diversity. Some feet can smell and some can
even taste; a few feet are as dexterous as the most skillful hands and others
move their owners at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour! We focus on Nature’s
fantastic feat in creating such an amazing array of fascinating feet.
THE EYES HAVE IT
Did you ever wonder why a predator’s eyes are right in the front of its head,
while its prey’s eyes are on either side? How can an Insect have as many as
30,000 separate eyes? How do a Frog’s eyes help it swallow? Why are some animals
color-blind? Come along as we look at how Nature has given each species its own
unique way of looking at the world.
COLORS IN NATURE
From rich reds to bright yellows, cool blues to velvet blacks, the many colors
we perceive in Nature evolved because they have survival value for living
creatures. Certain hues aid reproduction or serve as protective camouflage. Some
signal danger. This pretty program reveals practical aspects of beauty, and
shows how it enhances our enjoyment of Nature.
WILD WYOMING
Wyoming has more wildlife — both in broad diversity of species and also in sheer
numbers — than any other state south of the Canadian border. It is also blessed
with more exploitable resources than any state except Alaska. Conflicts between
the two are developing. Wyoming’s untamed beauty is seen to be all the more
precious in light of the controversy it raises.
HOME IS WHERE THERE’S HABITAT
Whether it’s the gnarled old Scrub Oak that hosts an intricate web of a Spider,
or a raging river filled with Trout, a creature’s habitat is as varied as the
thousands of species that live here in North America. In this program, we’ll
uncover some of the many interesting places Mammals and Birds dwell, and learn
why habitat is so important in their fight for survival.
