PENNSYLVANIA WHITETAIL
The White-tailed Deer is our most familiar large Mammal — and our number one
big-game animal. In states like Pennsylvania, its popularity makes it one of the
most controversial creatures. The abundance of Whitetail here proves that
certain wildlife can thrive in man’s world. In following this lovely Deer, we
learn how it now epitomizes the history of game management.
WOODIES AND HOODIES
Two of the world’s most beautiful ducks are North American natives. The Wood
Duck, or “Woody,” dabbles on plant life. The Hooded Merganser, or “Hoody”, dives
for fish. Differences in lifestyles lead to amusing events when female Woodies
and Hoodies lay eggs in each other’s nests. We watch as a mother Woody at
Iroquois Wildlife Refuge tries to raise a mixed brood.
KING OF SNAKES
In a confrontation with a Rattlesnake, this snake will win. Unharmed because it
is immune to the venom, it swallows its victim whole. This amazing serpent is
the Kingsnake. Reigning monarch among Reptiles, it is a world-class beauty, with
a medley of patterns and colors. We see combat, mating, egg-hatching and feeding
behavior in several kinds of Kingsnakes.
FAMILY FEUD
Is there a peaceable kingdom? Not really. Wild animals have “sibling rivalries”
just like humans. Ironically, related species compete more frequently, and more
intensely, than do non-related species. These family conflicts can be fatal when
it comes to the crucial concerns of food, territory, or affection... and it’s
not always the larger or more powerful “cousin” which wins the competition!
RIVER OF THE BEARS
Each summer, as Salmon make their spawning run, a gathering of the largest
carnivores in North America also takes place. Up to a hundred huge Brown Bears
line up along the McNeil River in Alaska. Each Bear stakes out and defends its
fishing territory. The cast of characters includes sows with playful cubs,
battle-scarred boars, and juveniles, with comical fishing styles.
WILD TEXAS
Texas is big! It’s also wild and incredibly varied. In this state, there are at
least six dramatically different life zones — desert mountains, flat grasslands,
hill and brush country, piney woods and swamplands. For viewers accustomed to
seeing the Lone Star State as a land of livestock and oil wells, this look at
little-known wild areas promises many surprises.
A PRAIRIE PARK?
Two hundred years ago, unbroken prairie stretched over 1000 miles of America’s
heartland. Today, little remains of that vast expanse, where not only Deer and
Antelope, but also Elk, Bison, Bears and Wolves, once roamed. Can we afford to
protect a portion of our remaining National Grassland heritage, or must all of
our birthright disappear under the plows of progress?
THE GROUSE AND THE GOSHAWK
Most predators and prey have evolved in unison. They are so closely matched that
every day is an “Animal Olympics.” Intimately linked together are two birds —
the speedy Goshawk and the alert Ruffed Grouse. Many predators pursue the
Grouse, but none is so well-adapted to catch it as the Goshawk. This is the
story of an unerringly precise natural balance.
OTTERS OF THE ADIRONDACKS
Graceful, powerful, and — above all — playful... is the endearing River Otter.
This program is a portrait of these energetic creatures, set against the
backdrop of our nation’s largest park in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New
York. From tumbling streams to placid lake shores, this freshwater clown finds
fun wherever it travels. Every aspect of its existence is explored.
GROWING UP WILD
Family camping trips take on added interest now that Marty and Diane Stouffer’s
daughter Hannah is old enough to keep up with them. There’s fun to be had and
lessons to be learned as they share with Hannah the secrets of the wild
creatures and wild places they love. We see that a child’s enormous capacity to
learn from Nature is one of our most precious inborn
gifts.
