Ep 8. Natural Born Hustlers: The Hunger Hustle

In season 34 episode 8 of the show Nature titled "Natural Born Hustlers: The Hunger Hustle", viewers are taken on a captivating journey into the world of animal tricksters who employ fascinating methods to obtain their next meal. From deceiving predators to stealing from their own kind, the episode presents an extraordinary insight into how animals outsmart each other and survive in the wild.

Narrated by the award-winning actor, narrator, and conservationist Sir David Attenborough, "Natural Born Hustlers: The Hunger Hustle" provides an up-close look into the resourceful tactics of some of nature's most cunning predators and prey.

The episode begins with a closer look at the North American red squirrel, an expert hoarder that gathers and stores food far beyond its immediate needs. In a series of stunning shots, viewers watch the squirrels stash food in unexpected locations, marking the caches with unusual landmarks to keep track of them.

The episode then takes a darker turn, delving into the ruthless world of prickly thieves. From porcupines that use their powerful quills to fend off would-be predators to swift foxes that steal food from the screeching party of another species, viewers witness the cutthroat tactics of survival on display.

But the tricksters and thieves aren't the only ones in the animal kingdom exploiting their prey; other prey species have devised ingenious methods to avoid becoming lunch. For example, the margay, a wild cat that lives in the rainforests of Central and South America, pretends to be a slow-moving primate with its distinct walk and noise to sneak up on monkeys that form the primary source of its diet secretly. An equally remarkable approach is taken by the Iberian lynx, which lies in wait for rabbits, relying on their excellent camouflage to blend into the background.

Nature also presents some of the more bizarre solutions to the problem of getting food. From the trap-jaw ant, which uses its powerful jaws to snap shut and grab prey in less than 15 milliseconds, to the African rock python, which can swallow prey much larger than itself in a single gulp, the episode provides a fascinating look at the amazing capabilities some animals possess.

Ultimately, "Natural Born Hustlers: The Hunger Hustle" is an eye-opening exploration of the intense competition that exists in the natural world, and the countless ways that animals adapt and innovate to stay alive. The episode is a compelling showcase of how the animal kingdom has its own rules and those that break them are often left without food. Through incredible footage and engaging narration, viewers are left with an indelible impression of the natural world and the many secrets it still holds.