Ep 6. Remarkable Reptiles

Wild America was a popular American television series that aired from 1982 to 1994. The show was hosted by Marty Stouffer, a wildlife cinematographer and photographer who traveled across North America to capture footage of various wildlife species in their natural habitats. Season 4, episode 6 of Wild America was titled "Remarkable Reptiles," and it explored the fascinating world of reptiles.

The episode began with a segment on the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, one of the most venomous snakes in North America. Marty Stouffer and his team traveled to the deserts of Arizona to observe these snakes in the wild. They were able to capture stunning footage of the snakes as they hunted for prey and displayed their infamous rattles as a warning to potential predators.

The next segment featured the American Alligator, a massive reptile that can grow up to 14 feet in length. Marty and his team traveled to the swamps of Louisiana to study these predators up close. They were able to capture footage of alligators as they hunted for prey and defended their territories against rival males.

The episode also featured a segment on the Gila Monster, a venomous lizard that is native to the deserts of the American Southwest. Marty and his team traveled to Arizona to study these elusive creatures and were able to capture footage of a Gila Monster hunting for food. They also discussed the unique characteristics of the Gila Monster's venom and how it affects its prey.

Another segment focused on the Box Turtle, a common turtle species found throughout the United States. Marty and his team spent time with a box turtle named Red, who had been raised in captivity and had become a beloved pet. They discussed the challenges of keeping box turtles as pets and the importance of conservation efforts to protect wild populations.

The episode also featured a segment on the Blue-tongued Skink, a lizard species that is native to Australia but has become increasingly popular as a pet in North America. Marty and his team visited a reptile expo in California to learn more about these creatures and to speak with reptile enthusiasts about their experiences keeping Blue-tongued Skinks as pets.

The final segment of the episode focused on the Reticulated Python, one of the largest snake species in the world. Marty and his team traveled to the Miami-Dade Reptile Rescue, a facility that specializes in the care and rehabilitation of exotic reptiles. They were able to observe a reticulated python that had been rescued from an uncertain fate and learn more about the challenges of keeping these massive snakes as pets.

Overall, "Remarkable Reptiles" offered a fascinating look into the world of reptiles, from the deadly Western Diamondback Rattlesnake to the beloved Box Turtle. Through stunning footage and insightful interviews, the episode highlighted the diversity and importance of reptile species across North America and the world.