Ep 9. Southern States
- June 13, 2019
In Deadly 60 On a Mission season 1 episode 9, titled "Southern States", viewers are taken on a journey through the wild and rugged terrain of the southern United States. Presenter Steve Backshall is on a mission to find some of the most deadly and elusive creatures that inhabit this region, from venomous snakes to giant alligators.
The episode begins with Backshall exploring the swamps of Louisiana, in search of one of the most fearsome predators in the state - the American alligator. He starts his search at the Atchafalaya Basin, a vast and remote wetland area that is home to a large population of these formidable creatures.
Backshall is eager to get up close and personal with the alligators, so he dons a wetsuit and jumps into the murky waters. He uses a special underwater camera to capture footage of the alligators as they swim by, giving viewers a rare glimpse of these powerful creatures in their natural habitat.
Next, Backshall heads to the Gulf Coast of Texas, where he encounters a different kind of predator - the western diamondback rattlesnake. With its distinctive diamond-shaped markings and venomous bite, this snake is considered one of the most dangerous in the world.
Backshall is on a mission to capture a western diamondback and extract its venom for research purposes. He spends several days combing the desert terrain near Big Bend National Park, using his keen senses to track down the elusive serpent.
Eventually, Backshall comes face to face with a large western diamondback, and he manages to carefully capture it using specialized tools and techniques. He then extracts a small amount of venom from the snake's fangs, which he sends off to a lab for analysis.
The episode also features a segment on the Texas coral snake, another venomous species that is found in the region. Backshall explains how to identify and avoid this deadly serpent, which has bright bands of red, yellow, and black along its body.
Finally, Backshall heads to Oklahoma to search for one of the largest land predators in North America - the black bear. He ventures deep into the rugged wilderness of the Ouachita Mountains, where these majestic creatures roam free.
Backshall encounters several black bears during his mission, and he observes them from a safe distance using high-powered binoculars. He also sets up camera traps to capture footage of the bears as they forage for food in the forest.
Overall, "Southern States" offers a thrilling and educational look at some of America's most deadly and fascinating creatures. Backshall's passion and enthusiasm for wildlife conservation shines through in every scene, making this episode a must-watch for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
