WOODPECKERS – NATURE’S HAMMERHEADS
The ancients believed these Birds were gods that could bring forth rain by
tapping their bills. Woodpeckers cannot perform miracles, but they do know how
to use their heads. Special adaptations enable them to whack away at tree trunks
with extraordinary force in their quest for food and shelter. This high-powered
hammering also benefits humans by destroying Insect pests.
DESIGNS FOR DEFENSE
Wild creatures have evolved a variety of fascinating means for discouraging
predators. Some of these methods of protection, such as the Porcupine’s quills,
are built right into the animal’s anatomy. Other devices, like the ability of
the Opossum to “play dead”, are behavioral. Survival usually depends on a
complex set of interactions between predator and prey.
CUTTHROAT: YELLOWSTONE LAKE
Yellowstone Lake has a vast underwater wilderness never seen by the two million
annual visitors to this National Park. It is also the realm of a creature that
forms the cornerstone of an entire aquatic ecosystem — the brilliant Cutthroat
Trout. A summer-long exploration by Marty Stouffer and crew begins in the remote
Thorofare Region, our wildest land south of Alaska.
CUTTHROAT: YELLOWSTONE RIVER
The crew’s exploration takes them deeper into the northern wilderness along the
magnificent Yellowstone River. At LeHardy Rapids, Marty catches slippery
Cutthroat to study them face-to-face, then dives into the turbulence to
hand-feed a large school of Trout with Salmonfly larvae. Back on the surface, we
examine the reproductive cycle and all the other primary predators of the
Salmonfly.
CUTTHROAT: GRIZZLY CREEK
As Marty and his crew continue to delve into the life cycle of the Cutthroat
Trout, their exploration leads to Grizzly Creek. Here, Marty finds evidence of
the big Bears’ presence and goes underwater to film the spawning ritual of the
Cutthroat. In a fitting finale, some Trout die, as others return to the Lake. As
the adventure ends, we’re left with deeper feeling for all life.
KILLER MICE
Through the night, a ravenous predator stalks its unwary prey. With a swift bite
to the skull, it slays the victim, then throws back its head and howls. But this
beast that hunts like a Weasel and howls like a Wolf is neither — it’s the
five-inch Grasshopper Mouse of our western deserts and plains. It feasts on
Tarantulas, Scorpions, and even other Rodents — yet displays close family ties.
CONTROVERSIAL COYOTE
“Prairie Wolf, Song Dog, Barking Wolf” — the Coyote is called by many names, not
always complimentary. Once they trailed the great herds across our western
plains. The herds are gone. The opportunists remain, and are flourishing despite
efforts to eradicate them. Today, their numbers are stronger than ever, but this
proof of their versatility only heightens the controversy.
REMARKABLE REPTILES
Until 65 million years ago, giant Reptiles ruled the Earth. Dinosaurs have
disappeared, but their multitude of descendants thrive in practically every kind
of habitat North America offers. Masses of emerging Garter Snakes writhe in
Manitoba’s Snake Pits. And from southern swamps resounds the primeval bellow of
the Alligator, echoing an era millions of years before man.
TRACKING WILDLIFE
Since many wild animals are nocturnal — and all are wary of humans — they’re
often difficult to glimpse. But every creature leaves behind signs of its
passing. Curiosity, patience and a good field guide are the only equipment
needed to learn to read this revealing record. Marty Stouffer offers valuable
tips on tracking and getting close to Foxes, Moose, Bears, and Birds.
