Ep 16. Dragons of the North
- TV-PG
- April 7, 2020
- 21 min
Coyote Peterson: Brave the Wild season 1 episode 16, titled "Dragons of the North," sends the host on a search for one of North America's most celebrated lizards, the Eastern Fence Lizard. Also known as a "spiny lizard" due to their rough, bumpy skin, these small reptiles are commonly found in forests and woodlands across the eastern United States.
With the goal of catching a Fence Lizard on camera, Coyote travels to the mountainous region of West Virginia, where the creatures are known to thrive. Along the way, he provides educational commentary about the lizards' unique adaptations and behaviors, such as their ability to change color to blend in with their surroundings and their impressive agility when chasing down prey.
As Coyote embarks on his adventure, he encounters a variety of other critters that call the Appalachian wilderness home, including turtles, salamanders, and even a venomous copperhead snake. With the help of his team, including wildlife biologist Mark Mandica, he also sets up several camera traps and tries to lure in Fence Lizards using a special call.
Eventually, Coyote's persistence pays off, and he is able to capture stunning footage of several Fence Lizards in the wild, including close-ups of their intricate scales and spiky frills. He explains the important role these lizards play in their ecosystem, from controlling insect populations to serving as a food source for larger predators.
Overall, "Dragons of the North" provides an engaging and informative look at one of North America's most fascinating reptiles, and showcases the beauty and diversity of the Appalachian region.