WATCHING WILDLIFE
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.
SWAMP CRITTERS
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.
WILD DOGS
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.
MOUNTAIN MONARCHS
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.
TIME OF THE GRIZZLY
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.
AT THE CROSSROADS
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.
BIGHORN!
A band of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep is observed through the seasons. When
springtime splashes the mountain meadows with color, a lamb is born and an old
ram, the band’s leader, dies. And so the cycle of life is completed. Portrayed
are the mating battles of the huge rams, the seasonal migrations of the herd,
and the never-ending search for food in the high mountains.
THE WOLF AND THE WHITETAIL
Witness the wondrous birth of tiny twin Deer fawns, and see wide-eyed
Wolf pups emerge from their den. Both the Deer and the Wolf are followed through
their age of innocence into maturity, when — finally — during a winter hunt,
both the young Deer and the young Wolf assume their traditional adult roles as
predator and prey. We see that each one is half of a beautiful natural whole.
LIVING WITH WILDLIFE
As the dominant species, we are finally starting to realize our impact
on the world and to re-evaluate our relationship with all living things. This
program illustrates how we can best preserve our precious natural heritage of
wildlife. Wild animals affect us in many ways — for recreation, we admire their
freedom; for economics, we harvest their bounty; and for science, we explore
their mysteries.
WILD BABIES
Childhood is the age of delight and discovery for wild animals. Lively
baby Skunks, Flying Squirrels, Owls, Black Bears, Raccoons and other wild
youngsters learn life-saving skills — and have fun — growing up in the
wilderness. A nocturnal sequence shows the complete life cycle of a Toad, from
embryo to “toadlet.” Also seen is the playful springtime cavorting of Mountain
Goat kids.
