Ep 2. The Incredible Shrew

Wild America season 4 episode 2, titled "The Incredible Shrew," is an exciting exploration of the lives and habits of some of the tiniest creatures in the animal kingdom. The shrew, often overlooked due to its diminutive size, is the star of the show as viewers are taken on an up-close look at their daily routines and the difficulties they face in surviving in a world dominated by larger and stronger creatures.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the star of the show – the Northern Short-Tailed Shrew. Found in the forests of North America, this tiny creature weighs no more than a few grams and is shorter than a human thumb. Despite its small size, the shrew has incredible strength and agility – something that is immediately apparent as the camera follows a shrew as it moves through the underbrush.

As we watch the shrew go about its day, we learn about some of the challenges it faces in the wild. For starters, shrews have an incredibly high metabolism and must eat their own weight in food every day just to survive. Their small size also makes them vulnerable to predators – everything from snakes and birds of prey to larger mammals like foxes and coyotes.

Despite these obstacles, the shrew is a survivor. The camera follows one shrew as it hunts down its prey – everything from insects and spiders to small voles and mice. Its sharp teeth and claws are put to good use as it stalks and kills its prey with ruthless efficiency.

As the episode continues, we are introduced to other species of shrews from around the world. We meet the bizarre-looking Elephant Shrew from Southern Africa – a small creature that looks like a cross between a mouse and a kangaroo. We also learn about the famous hero shrew – a small shrew with an incredibly strong spine that allows it to resist being crushed by predators.

Throughout the episode, the camera captures stunning footage of these tiny creatures in their natural habitats. We watch as a Pygmy Shrew navigates through the narrow tunnels of its subterranean nest, using its sensitive nose to sense its way in the darkness. We see an Arctic Shrew scurrying across the snow, its fur changing from brown to white to blend in with its surroundings.

One of the highlights of the show is a segment about the mating habits of shrews. We learn that shrews have a reputation for being aggressive – not just when hunting prey, but also when it comes to mating. In fact, male shrews will often fight to the death over a female. The camera captures incredible footage of two males engaged in a frenzied battle, biting and scratching each other as they compete for the right to mate.

As the episode draws to a close, we are treated to some fascinating insights into the biology and behavior of shrews. We learn, for example, that shrews are one of the few species that are immune to the venom of many poisonous snakes – an ability that likely evolved as a defense mechanism against snake predation. We also discover that shrews have an incredibly high density of sensory receptors in their skin, making them highly sensitive to touch and allowing them to navigate through their dark, subterranean environments.

Overall, "The Incredible Shrew" is a fascinating and informative episode that sheds light on some of the smallest and most overlooked creatures in the animal kingdom. Through stunning visuals and insightful commentary, viewers are given a glimpse into the incredible world of shrews and the many challenges they face in their fight to survive.