Wild America Season 12 Episode 6 Living with Wildlife

Living with Wildlife, the sixth episode of Wild America’s twelfth season, takes viewers on a journey through the landscapes and ecosystems of North America, exploring how humans and animals coexist in our rapidly changing environments.

We begin our trip in Yellowstone National Park, where we observe and learn about wolves and their impact on the park’s ecosystem. The wolves were reintroduced to the park in the 1990s, and since then, they have played an essential role in regulating populations of other species such as elk and bison. We see remarkable footage of these predators hunting and howling, and we learn about the complex social dynamics of wolf packs.

We then travel to the prairies of Texas, where we meet a rancher who is committed to protecting the endangered lesser prairie chicken. This bird uses the prairie for breeding and feeding, but its numbers have declined due to habitat loss and other human-made factors. The rancher has partnered with conservation organizations to manage his land in a way that benefits the prairie chicken, and we meet several biologists who are studying this unique animal and its behavior.

Next, we move to the coastal areas of California, where we witness the incredible migration of gray whales. These massive creatures swim from their summer feeding grounds in the Arctic to their winter breeding grounds in Baja California, Mexico. Along the way, they encounter numerous threats, including boat traffic, fishing nets, and pollution. We learn about the efforts of marine biologists to study and protect these majestic animals.

Our journey continues in the Rockies of Colorado, where we join a group of hikers searching for bighorn sheep. These animals are adapted to the rugged terrain of the mountains and are known for their impressive horns and agility. We witness the excitement of the hikers as they spot a group of rams and learn about the challenges faced by these animals in the modern world, including habitat loss and disease.

Finally, we visit the city of New York, where we meet a group of urban wildlife watchers. These enthusiasts have turned their attention to the wildlife that exists in the city, from coyotes and raccoons to birds and insects. We learn about the history of wildlife in the city and the challenges faced by these animals, including pollution and habitat loss.

Throughout this episode, Wild America highlights the importance of protecting and preserving our natural world and the creatures that call it home. It also reminds us that humans and animals are inextricably linked and that we must work together to ensure a sustainable future for all.