NATURE "Animals Behaving Worse"
I’m not much of a fan of nature programs, and regrettably, Animals Behaving Worse did not erect my flagging interest. In fact, I only made it through two of the program’s segments (crazy squirrels steal yellow ribbons! mischievous foxes steal newspapers!) before slinking back to reruns of The Office on “BBC America.” I’m such a bad PBS Member, and I will own that.
To be fair, it’s not this particular show’s fault. I think I’m just annoyed, on principal, by shows that feature people following animals around with cameras. I mean, I’d hate it if the animals did that to me.
I suspect that if I’d stayed tuned, I would have learned how human encroachment into wildlife areas has led to a modern race of super-angry grizzlies, ants that breathe battery acid, and cunning labradoodles who quietly switch the decaf pot at your local Denny’s — as well as, of course, those increasingly evolved, boat-entering stingrays that we read about so often in today’s headlines. Fascinating, all.
Alas, the two segments I did watch illustrated a lively buddhist lesson in human nature; many Americans will assume that they are being menaced by their neighbors unless someone can show them it’s just some random animal trying to build a house out of stuff they found in the yard. Come to think of it, that’s actually a pretty good lesson, so maybe you should at least go watch those two segments. Go ahead. I will wait for you back here.
Also, in fairness, I’m not saying that every nature documentary should have lots of sped-up and backward footage and be scored to Boots Randolph’s classic “Yakety Sax,” but it certainly couldn’t hurt to give it a try. Just something to think about.
And, finally, just be aware, documentary fans: it’s only a matter of time before these animals will have all the tools they need to make their own PBS documentaries — perhaps ones in which you are clearly shown stealing your neighbor’s newspaper or his yellow ribbon. So, when the ants, labradoodles, and stingrays start following you around with a camera crew — trying to explain your behavior in their terms —don’t act all stuck-up, like you didn’t have it coming.
These animals are mad, but they are clearly not stupid.
Comments
Thanks for the blog. I’ll keep your notes in mind for the next go-around.
Sincerely,
James Donald
Producer, ANIMALS BEHAVING WORSE
P.S.- The title is somewhat misleading. The problem is human encroachment, not the mischievous behavior of our furry and feathered friends. If you had gotten by the first half of the show (or even the first 7min42sec), you might have learned that. :->
P.P.S.- And yes, these animals are clearly not stupid.
By James Donald 4:08PM on 23 Oct 06
Thanks for the response, James. And for your sense of humor about the piece.
FWIW, “Yakety Sax” is available on the iTunes Store, if you want to give it a shot.
By Merlin 4:16PM on 24 Oct 06
As I stand here, putting in mindless hours at my second job in customer service, I wanted to say thank you. Your blog has brought a chuckle during a very quiet evening. Keep the stories coming. Your kind of humor brings joy to my day.
By Ann Miller 9:09PM on 24 Oct 06
Merlin, I’m the managing editor at The Collegiate and Gocollegiate.com. I like your style and would be interested in you contributing. Check out site out.
By Maureen 4:49PM on 27 Oct 06
Merlin, Thank You! I live in rural southwest PA and I’m tired of people killing deer population or any animal claiming ‘to thin out the numbers’. We’ve cut down their habitation/homes and food supply.
How would humans like it if they go around shooting us and planting our heads on their trees as trophies. Now I see why The Lord cleared the earth the first time by flood..Next time, coming soon to your neighborhood, His strange act of bringing fire. Oh make sure He’s coming from the Eastern sky or you’ve been fooled.
-Jes
By Jestu What 7:06PM on 01 Nov 06
You’ll be making your own show if your cigars start disappearing for no particular explainable reason. I’m sure I would sign up for the feed and be a fan of “Aminals that Smoke”.
By john foster 5:40PM on 09 Nov 06
My dog bit my son on his face.
By Kelley Seago 8:19PM on 09 Nov 06
My dog bit my son on his face.
By Kelley Seago 8:20PM on 09 Nov 06
I, for one, welcome our new squirrel overlords.
By Mr. X 11:09AM on 10 Nov 06
C’mon Merlin, all they have to do is give some of our chimpanzee brothers some index cards and binders and film what they do with it and you will be riveted for hours!
By Solo 9:34AM on 11 Nov 06
You are a terrible PBS member,and do not appreciate the great efforts of PBS to provide the best programs of interest.
Please do what the Bears do, and go into Hibernation ……… N
By Norm 1:57PM on 06 Jun 07
I’m glad majoring in English has taught me to recognize sarcasm.
By Sara 10:08PM on 11 Nov 07
they are realy nice but you stupid hates them
By uchit 1:59AM on 13 Nov 07