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Across the face
of our globe,
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00:01:23,917 --> 00:01:27,321
prevailing winds
blow almost constantly.
3
00:01:31,859 --> 00:01:33,527
These are the trade winds,
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00:01:33,561 --> 00:01:35,629
and in the age
of sailing ships,
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00:01:35,663 --> 00:01:39,333
they pushed many a precious
cargo over the seas.
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00:01:39,367 --> 00:01:41,869
And yet no treasure ship could
hold the priceless cargo
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00:01:41,902 --> 00:01:44,172
the winds themselves carry.
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00:01:44,205 --> 00:01:47,341
For these air currents bring
clouds to the land areas
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00:01:47,375 --> 00:01:49,510
and life-giving rainfall.
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00:01:49,543 --> 00:01:52,846
Sometimes, however, the winds
meet with a natural barrier.
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00:01:52,880 --> 00:01:55,483
Along the western edge
of North America,
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00:01:55,516 --> 00:01:57,851
the Sierra Nevada
and cascade mountains
13
00:01:57,885 --> 00:02:00,221
rise like
an enormous granite wall
14
00:02:00,254 --> 00:02:02,390
and keep
the rain-bearing clouds
15
00:02:02,423 --> 00:02:05,393
from reaching a large portion
of the continent.
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00:02:05,426 --> 00:02:07,395
The highest point
in the United States
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00:02:07,428 --> 00:02:09,797
is found in this range --
mount Whitney,
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00:02:09,830 --> 00:02:13,334
towering nearly 15,000 feet
above sea level.
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00:02:15,969 --> 00:02:18,272
Here in the shadow
of this majestic peak,
20
00:02:18,306 --> 00:02:20,408
the wasteland begins.
21
00:02:24,812 --> 00:02:27,948
This is death valley,
bitterest of all deserts
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00:02:27,981 --> 00:02:31,452
and the lowest point
on the American continent.
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00:02:40,561 --> 00:02:42,763
Once this valley
lay beneath the sea.
24
00:02:42,796 --> 00:02:44,965
And as the ancient waves
receded,
25
00:02:44,998 --> 00:02:47,235
they left an ocean's skeleton,
26
00:02:47,268 --> 00:02:50,538
deposits of salt
that still stretch for miles.
27
00:02:51,705 --> 00:02:53,541
But this desolate basin
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00:02:53,574 --> 00:02:56,510
is only the beginning
of the great American desert.
29
00:02:56,544 --> 00:02:58,546
From the vicinity
of death valley,
30
00:02:58,579 --> 00:03:00,948
it reaches
to the plains of Texas,
31
00:03:00,981 --> 00:03:04,452
and from a corner of Oregon,
deep into old Mexico.
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00:03:04,485 --> 00:03:06,554
For the granite blockade
of the sierras
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00:03:06,587 --> 00:03:09,457
has created one of largest
deserts in the world.
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00:03:10,458 --> 00:03:12,426
The eternal desert --
35
00:03:12,460 --> 00:03:16,264
incredibly ugly yet
fantastically beautiful,
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00:03:16,297 --> 00:03:18,832
seemingly without purpose,
without meaning,
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00:03:18,866 --> 00:03:20,934
without life.
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00:03:20,968 --> 00:03:23,804
In part,
it's a place of silence --
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00:03:23,837 --> 00:03:26,340
monument valley.
40
00:03:33,447 --> 00:03:35,416
In part,
it's the painted desert,
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00:03:35,449 --> 00:03:38,519
where petrified trees become
their own tombstones.
42
00:03:38,552 --> 00:03:42,290
In part, this
is a region of naked hills,
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00:03:42,323 --> 00:03:45,293
a sea of burning sand.
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00:03:45,326 --> 00:03:47,027
It's a country where rivers
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00:03:47,060 --> 00:03:50,798
give up their hopeless struggle
and sink into the earth.
46
00:03:50,831 --> 00:03:53,334
This is the land of the mirage,
47
00:03:53,367 --> 00:03:55,536
where seeing isn't believing.
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00:03:55,569 --> 00:03:57,571
Those mountains
are real enough,
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00:03:57,605 --> 00:03:59,607
but the water
that reflects them
50
00:03:59,640 --> 00:04:02,410
is only an optical illusion.
51
00:04:02,443 --> 00:04:04,612
And here's
another phantom lake.
52
00:04:04,645 --> 00:04:06,514
Now you see it...
53
00:04:06,547 --> 00:04:08,549
Now you don't.
54
00:04:11,685 --> 00:04:13,754
The desert holds
many mysteries,
55
00:04:13,787 --> 00:04:16,857
but none more puzzling than the
riddle of the rocks that move.
56
00:04:18,759 --> 00:04:21,662
These strange trails, gouged
in the floor of a dry lake,
57
00:04:21,695 --> 00:04:24,832
are made by boulders
weighing nearly a ton.
58
00:04:26,467 --> 00:04:28,669
But whether the rocks
are pushed by the wind,
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00:04:28,702 --> 00:04:30,604
carried by floodwaters,
60
00:04:30,638 --> 00:04:32,773
or impelled
by some unknown force,
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00:04:32,806 --> 00:04:34,408
nobody knows,
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00:04:34,442 --> 00:04:36,910
for no one has ever seen
the rocks in motion,
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00:04:36,944 --> 00:04:39,313
only the marks
of their passing.
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00:04:48,756 --> 00:04:50,724
Part of the desert's
endless panorama
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00:04:50,758 --> 00:04:52,493
is the salton sea,
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00:04:52,526 --> 00:04:55,329
itself the remainder
of an ancient ocean.
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00:04:58,966 --> 00:05:02,403
And here are scenes that come
from the time of creation.
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00:05:02,436 --> 00:05:05,839
Along these shores,
pent-up gases bubble and boil
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00:05:05,873 --> 00:05:07,675
like seething cauldrons.
70
00:05:07,708 --> 00:05:11,645
Nature's symphony
of the mud pots.
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00:06:27,120 --> 00:06:29,957
This, then, is
the great American desert,
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00:06:29,990 --> 00:06:31,925
a land of heat and sun,
73
00:06:31,959 --> 00:06:34,528
of sand and soundless space,
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00:06:34,562 --> 00:06:36,129
the ominous silence broken only
75
00:06:36,163 --> 00:06:38,632
by the howling
of the sandstorm.
76
00:07:11,932 --> 00:07:14,201
How anything can live
in this harsh region
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00:07:14,234 --> 00:07:16,537
remains a mystery
to most of US.
78
00:07:16,570 --> 00:07:20,140
And yet where we find only
a dead and desolate wasteland,
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00:07:20,173 --> 00:07:22,710
nature finds life.
80
00:07:29,617 --> 00:07:31,118
And this "true-life adventure"
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00:07:31,151 --> 00:07:34,121
is the story
of nature's living desert.
82
00:07:41,529 --> 00:07:44,632
It's the ancient drama
of the struggle for existence.
83
00:07:44,665 --> 00:07:46,066
And for the most part,
84
00:07:46,099 --> 00:07:48,468
life here is a bit
on the grim side.
85
00:08:01,915 --> 00:08:04,985
But of course there's
always comedy relief.
86
00:08:05,018 --> 00:08:08,589
This character, for instance,
is an odd bird for sure.
87
00:08:08,622 --> 00:08:10,190
He's the roadrunner,
88
00:08:10,223 --> 00:08:13,727
so-called because
he'd rather walk than fly.
89
00:08:13,761 --> 00:08:17,130
A nosy fellow completely
lacking in manners,
90
00:08:17,164 --> 00:08:20,901
he has a habit of pecking at
anything lying around loose,
91
00:08:20,934 --> 00:08:23,537
such as the tail
of a garter snake.
92
00:08:31,812 --> 00:08:35,549
A confirmed practical joker,
he finds this great sport,
93
00:08:35,583 --> 00:08:38,151
making little snakes
out of big ones.
94
00:08:46,727 --> 00:08:48,862
At the residence
of Mrs. Tarantula,
95
00:08:48,896 --> 00:08:50,831
it's always open house.
96
00:08:50,864 --> 00:08:52,800
She's forever
cleaning her parlor
97
00:08:52,833 --> 00:08:55,102
for guests that might
drop by for dinner.
98
00:08:55,135 --> 00:08:57,738
Uh, her dinner, of course.
99
00:08:57,771 --> 00:09:01,174
And here comes a caller now.
100
00:09:10,183 --> 00:09:13,353
This lethal lady is one of the
leading actors in our drama.
101
00:09:13,386 --> 00:09:17,124
She'll be receiving more
visitors from time to time.
102
00:09:21,194 --> 00:09:23,130
A gourmet who prefers
a different diet
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00:09:23,163 --> 00:09:25,032
is the chuckawalla.
104
00:09:26,299 --> 00:09:29,069
These little fellows
are strict vegetarians,
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00:09:29,102 --> 00:09:33,073
diminutive dinosaurs
who dine on daisies.
106
00:09:39,647 --> 00:09:41,749
To meet the harsh challenge
of the desert,
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00:09:41,782 --> 00:09:44,618
nature must fashion
odd patterns of life.
108
00:09:44,652 --> 00:09:46,620
And with the spiny cacti,
109
00:09:46,654 --> 00:09:49,823
her creations approach
the realm of fantasy.
110
00:09:57,665 --> 00:09:59,032
Trees being scarce,
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00:09:59,066 --> 00:10:00,868
the desert birds
must build their nests
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00:10:00,901 --> 00:10:03,170
in the most unlikely places.
113
00:10:03,203 --> 00:10:06,339
Still they manage to turn
the drawback to an advantage.
114
00:10:06,373 --> 00:10:09,276
Home, sweet home here
is a bristling fortress,
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00:10:09,309 --> 00:10:12,179
guarded by 1,000 bayonets.
116
00:10:13,346 --> 00:10:16,116
To each bird,
its own brand of cactus.
117
00:10:16,149 --> 00:10:18,051
For these young thrashers,
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00:10:18,085 --> 00:10:21,989
the cholla provides a nursery
as neat as a pin cushion.
119
00:10:22,022 --> 00:10:25,325
The prickly pear becomes
sanctuary for the dove,
120
00:10:25,358 --> 00:10:28,996
while the desert skyscraper,
the giant saguaro,
121
00:10:29,029 --> 00:10:31,264
is a haven for the woodpeckers.
122
00:10:38,205 --> 00:10:42,075
Here too the red-tailed hawk
chooses her nesting place.
123
00:10:44,845 --> 00:10:48,882
On the living desert, nature
delights in the unexpected.
124
00:10:48,916 --> 00:10:52,285
Sometimes in the very heart
of the wasteland,
125
00:10:52,319 --> 00:10:54,922
an underground stream
will reappear.
126
00:11:04,464 --> 00:11:07,267
But these watering places
are rare, indeed.
127
00:11:07,300 --> 00:11:09,136
Most of the desert creatures
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00:11:09,169 --> 00:11:11,739
must learn to do without water
over long periods.
129
00:11:11,772 --> 00:11:13,774
The tortoise is lucky.
130
00:11:13,807 --> 00:11:15,909
He manufactures his own,
131
00:11:15,943 --> 00:11:19,146
using the special equipment
nature has given him.
132
00:11:22,950 --> 00:11:25,853
He gathers his raw material
early in the season
133
00:11:25,886 --> 00:11:28,455
when there's still
green foliage available.
134
00:11:33,293 --> 00:11:34,928
By internal chemistry,
135
00:11:34,962 --> 00:11:36,964
he converts the leaves
into clear liquid,
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00:11:36,997 --> 00:11:39,166
which he stores
beneath his shell.
137
00:11:49,242 --> 00:11:51,178
He's a traveling canteen,
138
00:11:51,211 --> 00:11:54,815
able to tide himself
over long periods of drought.
139
00:11:58,018 --> 00:11:59,486
Another piece
of special equipment
140
00:11:59,519 --> 00:12:01,221
that makes life a little easier
141
00:12:01,254 --> 00:12:03,791
is the skid
under the tortoise's chin.
142
00:12:03,824 --> 00:12:06,093
It helps him
over the rough places.
143
00:12:11,198 --> 00:12:14,434
A tortoise must gather his
Greens while they're available.
144
00:12:14,467 --> 00:12:16,336
Yet this poses a problem.
145
00:12:16,369 --> 00:12:18,906
For now
it's courting season, too.
146
00:12:18,939 --> 00:12:20,207
A nice dilemma --
147
00:12:20,240 --> 00:12:22,175
stay a bachelor
at the waterworks,
148
00:12:22,209 --> 00:12:25,913
or chase after the women
and maybe die of thirst.
149
00:12:25,946 --> 00:12:30,784
A coy glance from the sideline
soon settles that question.
150
00:12:30,818 --> 00:12:34,054
The bashful male
begins his courtship
151
00:12:34,087 --> 00:12:36,289
as a nodding acquaintance.
152
00:12:46,399 --> 00:12:48,368
Then when he gets a bit bolder,
153
00:12:48,401 --> 00:12:52,439
the lady as usual
gives him the runaround.
154
00:12:52,472 --> 00:12:55,575
After all, every female
wants a choice in the matter.
155
00:12:55,608 --> 00:12:57,510
At the proper moment,
156
00:12:57,544 --> 00:13:00,447
in the proper tradition,
the rival enters.
157
00:13:04,617 --> 00:13:06,586
With a sort
of ponderous chivalry,
158
00:13:06,619 --> 00:13:08,822
the two males square off.
159
00:13:13,426 --> 00:13:16,563
Two knights in armor ready
to battle for the lady fair.
160
00:13:16,596 --> 00:13:20,033
Uh, but first they agree
on the tournament rules.
161
00:13:32,445 --> 00:13:35,348
The handy skid now
becomes the jouster's Lance
162
00:13:35,382 --> 00:13:38,051
with which he tries
to upend his rival.
163
00:13:38,085 --> 00:13:40,520
In fact, this
is the object of the bout
164
00:13:40,553 --> 00:13:42,255
since a tortoise
turned upside-down
165
00:13:42,289 --> 00:13:44,091
is completely helpless.
166
00:14:42,649 --> 00:14:45,618
Finally, it's tortoise
turned turtle.
167
00:14:45,652 --> 00:14:56,496
Eight, nine, ten, you're out.
He's not only lost his dignity,
he may lose his life.
168
00:14:56,529 --> 00:14:58,698
Vulnerable to heat prostration,
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00:14:58,731 --> 00:15:00,467
he must right
himself immediately
170
00:15:00,500 --> 00:15:03,436
or die of sunstroke.
171
00:15:03,470 --> 00:15:06,373
The winner meanwhile
claims the lady fair,
172
00:15:06,406 --> 00:15:10,010
totally unconcerned with
the plight of his opponent.
173
00:15:40,207 --> 00:15:42,175
An immigrant
from Central America
174
00:15:42,209 --> 00:15:43,610
is the coatimundi,
175
00:15:43,643 --> 00:15:47,247
a tropical cousin
of the American raccoon.
176
00:15:47,280 --> 00:15:49,682
Thanks to a cast-iron
digestive system,
177
00:15:49,716 --> 00:15:51,284
he's right at home here.
178
00:15:51,318 --> 00:15:52,519
He'll eat anything.
179
00:15:52,552 --> 00:15:54,754
Insects, lizards, fruit, eggs.
180
00:15:54,787 --> 00:15:57,290
You name it,
the coati will eat it.
181
00:16:01,628 --> 00:16:04,264
What's more, nature made him
almost completely immune
182
00:16:04,297 --> 00:16:06,366
to the deadly sting
of the scorpion.
183
00:16:09,502 --> 00:16:14,007
And so he often adds this spicy
tidbit to his daily diet.
184
00:16:22,515 --> 00:16:24,751
For dessert,
what could be nicer
185
00:16:24,784 --> 00:16:27,720
than the fruit
of the prickly
186
00:16:44,537 --> 00:16:46,673
The coatis are by choice
tree-dwellers
187
00:16:46,706 --> 00:16:49,209
and often make their homes
in hollow logs
188
00:16:49,242 --> 00:16:51,678
found along the dry washes.
189
00:16:55,315 --> 00:16:57,384
As soon as mother coati
makes the bed,
190
00:16:57,417 --> 00:17:00,287
the youngsters come along
and muss it up again.
191
00:17:14,467 --> 00:17:16,236
Playful, fun-loving,
192
00:17:16,269 --> 00:17:19,072
these little rascals aren't
as innocent as they look
193
00:17:19,106 --> 00:17:21,074
for coatis are born bandits,
194
00:17:21,108 --> 00:17:24,111
even to the masks
on their faces.
195
00:17:24,144 --> 00:17:27,814
Since egg-stealing
is their favorite pastime,
196
00:17:27,847 --> 00:17:31,651
they're a constant threat
to unguarded nests.
197
00:17:35,155 --> 00:17:37,424
Working like professionals,
the second-story men
198
00:17:37,457 --> 00:17:39,259
make off with the loot.
199
00:17:39,292 --> 00:17:42,362
And Mrs. Vulture arrives
just a little too late
200
00:17:42,395 --> 00:17:43,730
to save her eggs.
201
00:17:49,502 --> 00:17:53,806
About this time, mother
looks in to check the swag
202
00:17:53,840 --> 00:17:56,509
and is quick to cut herself in.
203
00:17:59,479 --> 00:18:01,581
Meanwhile, this junior burglar
204
00:18:01,614 --> 00:18:04,684
finds he forgot to steal
the combination.
205
00:18:22,869 --> 00:18:26,306
And then after the omelet,
a quiet nap.
206
00:18:35,482 --> 00:18:38,351
These wild pigs
are called by several names --
207
00:18:38,385 --> 00:18:40,220
jabalinas, peccaries --
208
00:18:40,253 --> 00:18:41,854
but their real name is trouble,
209
00:18:41,888 --> 00:18:44,257
for they're one
of the most ferocious animals
210
00:18:44,291 --> 00:18:45,858
on the American continent.
211
00:18:45,892 --> 00:18:47,494
They travel in groups,
212
00:18:47,527 --> 00:18:50,129
especially when
accompanied by young.
213
00:18:57,704 --> 00:18:59,572
Unlike their domestic cousins,
214
00:18:59,606 --> 00:19:01,774
peccaries wear
a thick coat of fur.
215
00:19:01,808 --> 00:19:03,943
And when they find
a patch of damp sand,
216
00:19:03,976 --> 00:19:06,313
they welcome
the chance to cool off.
217
00:19:16,323 --> 00:19:19,526
But now another vicious fighter
with an equally bad reputation
218
00:19:19,559 --> 00:19:21,294
comes their way.
219
00:19:26,933 --> 00:19:29,502
It's a good rule
on the desert to keep clear
220
00:19:29,536 --> 00:19:31,438
of a bobcat on the prowl,
221
00:19:31,471 --> 00:19:35,942
but it's an even better rule
never to pick on a peccary.
222
00:19:35,975 --> 00:19:37,577
Like all wild pigs,
223
00:19:37,610 --> 00:19:39,779
they have long tusks
and short tempers.
224
00:19:54,427 --> 00:19:57,330
The cat's instinctive reaction
is to climb a tree,
225
00:19:57,364 --> 00:19:58,565
but no tree.
226
00:19:58,598 --> 00:20:00,567
Well, it's no time
to be choosy.
227
00:20:00,600 --> 00:20:02,469
This is an emergency.
228
00:20:10,743 --> 00:20:12,412
When it comes to a choice
229
00:20:12,445 --> 00:20:14,747
between sharp tusks
and sharp thorns,
230
00:20:14,781 --> 00:20:16,649
the cat prefers the latter.
231
00:20:29,929 --> 00:20:31,931
Not the most comfortable spot
in the world,
232
00:20:31,964 --> 00:20:33,800
but at least he's safe.
233
00:20:55,588 --> 00:20:58,425
And the bobcat finally decides
the desert's no place
234
00:20:58,458 --> 00:20:59,826
for a tenderfoot.
235
00:21:15,942 --> 00:21:17,544
In her desert drama,
236
00:21:17,577 --> 00:21:20,347
nature knows
neither hero nor villain.
237
00:21:20,380 --> 00:21:24,016
She's impartial and plans
for the survival of all.
238
00:21:24,050 --> 00:21:26,919
Thus the rattlesnake is given
a super-sensitive tongue
239
00:21:26,953 --> 00:21:28,988
with which he tracks his prey.
240
00:21:32,559 --> 00:21:35,462
Even the faintest scent
left in the sand
241
00:21:35,495 --> 00:21:38,565
will guide him unerringly
along the trail.
242
00:21:52,479 --> 00:21:55,615
The pocket mouse
has only one defense --
he goes underground,
243
00:21:55,648 --> 00:21:58,485
and it's any hole
in an emergency.
244
00:21:59,552 --> 00:22:02,321
Oop! Any hole but that one.
245
00:22:11,063 --> 00:22:13,766
Hot on the scent,
the rattlesnake
sticks to the trail.
246
00:22:13,800 --> 00:22:16,403
Wherever it leads, he follows.
247
00:22:19,005 --> 00:22:19,972
Uh-oh.
248
00:22:20,006 --> 00:22:22,141
The tarantula
and the rattler --
249
00:22:22,174 --> 00:22:23,943
two of a kind.
250
00:22:27,013 --> 00:22:29,416
The snake isn't
to be bluffed out of a meal.
251
00:22:31,984 --> 00:22:35,522
He's sure the mouse
is in that hole.
252
00:22:35,555 --> 00:22:38,891
The spider is sure he isn't...
253
00:22:38,925 --> 00:22:43,596
While the party in question
would rather dig than debate.
254
00:22:51,471 --> 00:22:52,839
Largest of all spiders
255
00:22:52,872 --> 00:22:55,775
and armed with
her own brand of poison,
256
00:22:55,808 --> 00:22:58,010
the tarantula
stands her ground.
257
00:23:02,715 --> 00:23:06,419
And oddly enough, the
rattlesnake backs down first.
258
00:23:08,120 --> 00:23:10,723
It's a standoff,
and nobody wins...
259
00:23:10,757 --> 00:23:15,562
Nobody, that is, except the
little mouse who wasn't there.
260
00:23:17,096 --> 00:23:18,931
The scent cold,
the trail is lost.
261
00:23:18,965 --> 00:23:20,667
And this time a desert killer
262
00:23:20,700 --> 00:23:22,869
has been outwitted
by everybody.
263
00:23:39,619 --> 00:23:42,121
Every afternoon
along about sundown,
264
00:23:42,154 --> 00:23:45,592
the red-tailed hawk flies
to this particular spot
265
00:23:45,625 --> 00:23:47,226
and waits...
266
00:23:47,259 --> 00:23:50,997
For here occurs a phenomenon
that's as regular as clockwork.
267
00:23:52,899 --> 00:23:56,035
Inside this cave, millions
of bats are awakening,
268
00:23:56,068 --> 00:23:58,805
for their day begins
with the twilight.
269
00:24:07,647 --> 00:24:10,216
Bats are
the only flying mammals.
270
00:24:10,249 --> 00:24:13,586
This species lives
exclusively on insects
271
00:24:13,620 --> 00:24:17,156
and so helps nature keep the
pest population under control.
272
00:24:30,770 --> 00:24:32,672
Now as evening approaches,
273
00:24:32,705 --> 00:24:35,642
these night fliers take off
for their hunting grounds.
274
00:24:45,084 --> 00:24:48,287
To navigate in the dark,
bats use a form of radar.
275
00:24:48,320 --> 00:24:51,791
Their high-pitched squeaks
bounce off solid objects
276
00:24:51,824 --> 00:24:55,161
to become the echoes
by which they guide themselves.
277
00:25:05,204 --> 00:25:08,174
Soon the sky is filled
with clouds of bats.
278
00:25:12,645 --> 00:25:15,648
And this is what the hawk
has been waiting for.
279
00:25:15,682 --> 00:25:18,150
She draws a bead
on half a dozen or so,
280
00:25:18,184 --> 00:25:20,787
and down she goes!
281
00:25:23,890 --> 00:25:25,558
A clean miss.
282
00:25:25,592 --> 00:25:27,994
Oh, well, maybe she forgot
to allow for the wind.
283
00:25:29,295 --> 00:25:33,265
This time she checks
elevation, drift, diving angle,
284
00:25:33,299 --> 00:25:34,867
and...
285
00:25:41,641 --> 00:25:42,875
Scored a hit.
286
00:25:42,909 --> 00:25:44,611
But it gets away.
287
00:25:44,644 --> 00:25:46,779
Old butterclaws.
288
00:25:59,926 --> 00:26:02,862
Was ever a bird so frustrated?
289
00:26:07,967 --> 00:26:11,370
This can drive a hawk
to nervous prostration.
290
00:26:11,403 --> 00:26:13,740
She just can't figure it out.
291
00:26:13,773 --> 00:26:17,744
You see, nobody ever told her
about the bats' radar.
292
00:26:20,046 --> 00:26:22,014
Frantic now,
she'll try anything,
293
00:26:22,048 --> 00:26:24,150
even a collision course.
294
00:26:24,183 --> 00:26:26,786
To her surprise, it works.
295
00:26:28,220 --> 00:26:32,591
And a mighty small reward
for such a prodigious effort.
296
00:26:34,060 --> 00:26:36,963
To nature, the loss of one bat,
or even 1,000,
297
00:26:36,996 --> 00:26:39,131
is really no loss at all.
298
00:26:39,165 --> 00:26:41,768
This winged column
streams into the sky
299
00:26:41,801 --> 00:26:45,604
until long after the sun
has gone from the scene.
300
00:26:48,741 --> 00:26:51,143
The nighttime wonders
of nature's living desert
301
00:26:51,177 --> 00:26:53,813
more than match
the wonders of the day.
302
00:26:53,846 --> 00:26:55,782
The desert water hole
in particular
303
00:26:55,815 --> 00:26:58,117
attracts an odd assortment
of night life.
304
00:26:58,150 --> 00:27:00,152
Here the toads
find a hunting ground
305
00:27:00,186 --> 00:27:02,021
especially to their liking.
306
00:27:15,334 --> 00:27:17,737
Here the centipede
puts his best foot forward
307
00:27:17,770 --> 00:27:19,906
and steps out
for an evening stroll.
308
00:27:49,168 --> 00:27:52,238
Suddenly he finds he's wandered
down a dead-end street.
309
00:27:58,444 --> 00:28:00,747
In the realm of fancy footwork,
however,
310
00:28:00,780 --> 00:28:03,215
the millipede is without equal.
311
00:28:03,249 --> 00:28:05,752
Millipede --
literally "1,000 feet,"
312
00:28:05,785 --> 00:28:07,019
give or take a few.
313
00:28:07,053 --> 00:28:09,055
Count 'em.
314
00:28:36,215 --> 00:28:37,316
Uh-oh.
315
00:28:37,349 --> 00:28:40,386
Looks like a bad night
for a pedestrian.
316
00:28:40,419 --> 00:28:42,054
But not this one.
317
00:28:42,088 --> 00:28:44,190
Nature gives the millipede
an unpleasant odor
318
00:28:44,223 --> 00:28:46,826
guaranteed to make him
completely spider-proof.
319
00:28:54,967 --> 00:28:58,304
This pungent defense,
however, has its limitations.
320
00:28:58,337 --> 00:29:01,240
The toad finds it
quite appetizing.
321
00:29:09,048 --> 00:29:11,918
Whenever the moon casts a spell
over the living desert,
322
00:29:11,951 --> 00:29:14,020
the goblins appear.
323
00:29:14,053 --> 00:29:16,288
In this case,
it's an elfin owl.
324
00:29:16,322 --> 00:29:19,191
From her doorway,
she watches a strange ballet
325
00:29:19,225 --> 00:29:20,759
in the moonlight.
326
00:29:22,094 --> 00:29:23,930
Like a creature bewitched,
327
00:29:23,963 --> 00:29:26,765
the burrowing snake
performs his serpentine solo.
328
00:30:31,497 --> 00:30:34,066
The owl is witness
to many unusual scenes,
329
00:30:34,100 --> 00:30:35,434
but one of the strangest
330
00:30:35,467 --> 00:30:37,569
is the courtship
of the tarantulas.
331
00:30:40,139 --> 00:30:42,474
The male comes calling
like any love-sick Romeo
332
00:30:42,508 --> 00:30:45,544
and knocks
on the female's door.
333
00:31:00,292 --> 00:31:03,162
In her own good time,
Juliet appears.
334
00:31:03,195 --> 00:31:06,332
He greets her with open arms --
all eight of them --
335
00:31:06,365 --> 00:31:08,367
and draws her close.
336
00:31:14,373 --> 00:31:16,575
The lady takes her cue
and swoons.
337
00:31:16,608 --> 00:31:18,277
A bit theatrical perhaps,
338
00:31:18,310 --> 00:31:20,212
but it's a technique
that always works,
339
00:31:20,246 --> 00:31:22,114
even with tarantulas.
340
00:31:25,551 --> 00:31:27,653
But the owl
hasn't seen anything yet,
341
00:31:27,686 --> 00:31:30,522
for now begins the courting
dance of the scorpion.
342
00:31:33,625 --> 00:31:36,195
Of course, the first thing
he needs is a partner,
343
00:31:36,228 --> 00:31:38,297
so he digs one up.
344
00:31:41,500 --> 00:31:43,369
Being native westerners,
345
00:31:43,402 --> 00:31:47,106
the scorpions favor the lively
rhythms of the square dance.
346
00:31:49,108 --> 00:31:50,542
All right, everybody!
347
00:31:50,576 --> 00:31:52,979
Choose your partners
for the sting-o-ree.
348
00:31:56,648 --> 00:31:58,951
* lady and gent
to the center of the ring *
349
00:31:58,985 --> 00:32:00,719
* lock those claws,
lift that sting *
350
00:32:00,752 --> 00:32:02,989
* three legs up
and four legs down *
351
00:32:03,022 --> 00:32:05,958
* whirl that scorpion
round and round *
352
00:32:08,727 --> 00:32:10,963
* circle 'round,
and away we go *
353
00:32:10,997 --> 00:32:14,066
* sashay right
with a do-si-do *
354
00:32:16,668 --> 00:32:19,005
* halfway 'round
and backtrack back *
355
00:32:19,038 --> 00:32:21,073
* snap your claws
with a clickety-clack *
356
00:32:21,107 --> 00:32:23,075
* gents to the left,
ladies to the right *
357
00:32:23,109 --> 00:32:25,511
* now, ain't that gal
a pretty sight? *
358
00:32:28,747 --> 00:32:31,017
* swing your partner,
give her a hug *
359
00:32:31,050 --> 00:32:33,319
* get your hooks
on a lady bug *
360
00:32:45,031 --> 00:32:47,033
* stingers up
for the sting-o-ree *
361
00:32:47,066 --> 00:32:49,601
* but watch out, gal,
you don't sting me *
362
00:32:53,105 --> 00:32:55,074
* allemande left
with your insect fair *
363
00:32:55,107 --> 00:32:57,509
* and take your gal
to you-know-where *
364
00:33:04,450 --> 00:33:07,353
The amorous mood of the evening
seems to be catching,
365
00:33:07,386 --> 00:33:10,756
for now the long-horned beetle
in formal attire
366
00:33:10,789 --> 00:33:14,593
decides to drop in
on the lady downstairs.
367
00:33:16,228 --> 00:33:18,297
What a charming smile she has.
368
00:33:18,330 --> 00:33:21,167
And such magnificent mandibles.
369
00:33:25,804 --> 00:33:29,375
He's the forceful type
and walks in unannounced.
370
00:33:29,408 --> 00:33:32,644
But his welcome isn't
quite what he expected.
371
00:33:32,678 --> 00:33:35,381
First thing he knows,
the lady clamps a hammerlock
372
00:33:35,414 --> 00:33:37,015
on one of his feelers.
373
00:33:40,652 --> 00:33:43,455
And then she begins
to gnaw on his leg,
374
00:33:43,489 --> 00:33:47,359
merely her way of hinting that
she's already going steady.
375
00:33:47,393 --> 00:33:51,097
And by the coincidence which
is usual in romantic farces,
376
00:33:51,130 --> 00:33:53,399
here comes the boyfriend now.
377
00:34:11,150 --> 00:34:14,786
A double headlock,
and then a deadlock.
378
00:34:14,820 --> 00:34:17,789
But in the end,
true love triumphs,
379
00:34:17,823 --> 00:34:20,826
and a battered beetle
beats a hasty retreat.
380
00:34:35,841 --> 00:34:37,709
After what he's been through,
381
00:34:37,743 --> 00:34:39,645
this lad's in no mood
for nonsense,
382
00:34:39,678 --> 00:34:41,947
not even from tarantulas.
383
00:34:45,817 --> 00:34:47,819
Nature's on his side this time,
384
00:34:47,853 --> 00:34:50,689
for she's armed him with some
special anti-tarantula weapons.
385
00:35:00,932 --> 00:35:02,901
And when they
finally part company,
386
00:35:02,934 --> 00:35:05,471
the spider's left with
a new respect for beetles.
387
00:35:16,415 --> 00:35:19,551
Just how long can
this charmed existence last?
388
00:35:22,921 --> 00:35:26,425
If at first you don't succeed,
call your big brother.
389
00:35:26,458 --> 00:35:29,695
"Hey, mugsy, take care
of this wise guy, will ya?"
390
00:35:34,900 --> 00:35:36,935
Big toad bites little beetle.
391
00:35:36,968 --> 00:35:39,271
Little beetle bites big toad...
392
00:35:39,305 --> 00:35:40,406
On the tongue.
393
00:35:40,439 --> 00:35:41,773
Ouch!
394
00:35:55,221 --> 00:35:56,788
During these moonlight hours,
395
00:35:56,822 --> 00:35:58,624
most of the nocturnal creatures
396
00:35:58,657 --> 00:36:00,726
spend their time
gathering food.
397
00:36:00,759 --> 00:36:05,397
The kangaroo rats in particular
carry on a busy harvest.
398
00:36:05,431 --> 00:36:08,400
Supplies are stuffed
into their large cheek pouches
399
00:36:08,434 --> 00:36:10,436
for future consumption.
400
00:36:17,543 --> 00:36:19,545
When pouches
are filled to capacity,
401
00:36:19,578 --> 00:36:22,180
some of the gleanings
must be buried.
402
00:36:26,485 --> 00:36:28,454
Finding a likely spot
for a private pantry
403
00:36:28,487 --> 00:36:30,789
requires some scouting around.
404
00:36:35,694 --> 00:36:38,797
In the process, some mighty
odd things turn up...
405
00:36:38,830 --> 00:36:41,367
Such as a belligerent
horned toad.
406
00:36:54,313 --> 00:36:55,681
It never fails.
407
00:36:55,714 --> 00:36:57,783
Whenever you want
a little privacy,
408
00:36:57,816 --> 00:36:59,985
there's always somebody
looking over your shoulder.
409
00:37:00,018 --> 00:37:01,820
The nosy neighbor.
410
00:37:01,853 --> 00:37:04,856
He minds everybody's
business but his own.
411
00:37:30,316 --> 00:37:32,418
The nuisance
is hard to discourage,
412
00:37:32,451 --> 00:37:34,886
but he finally takes the hint.
413
00:37:37,589 --> 00:37:40,892
And once he's out of the way,
the food's put into storage.
414
00:37:51,036 --> 00:37:53,639
These little fellows have
some rather unusual habits.
415
00:37:53,672 --> 00:37:55,541
They practically
never drink water,
416
00:37:55,574 --> 00:37:57,476
but, like the tortoise,
manufacture it
417
00:37:57,509 --> 00:37:59,445
inside their bodies.
418
00:37:59,478 --> 00:38:03,782
And for a bath, what could be
better than good, clean sand?
419
00:38:13,058 --> 00:38:15,894
In this bustling colony,
there's never an idle moment,
420
00:38:15,927 --> 00:38:17,896
and Mrs. Rat's busiest of all,
421
00:38:17,929 --> 00:38:20,666
for mother's work
is never done.
422
00:38:20,699 --> 00:38:24,736
She's nurse,
housekeeper, and provider.
423
00:38:26,972 --> 00:38:29,908
A mother with babies to feed
is constantly on the move.
424
00:38:29,941 --> 00:38:32,644
And she must often travel
considerable distances
425
00:38:32,678 --> 00:38:34,813
to find seeds.
426
00:38:34,846 --> 00:38:36,815
With all her responsibilities,
427
00:38:36,848 --> 00:38:38,650
Mrs. Rat is extremely cautious
428
00:38:38,684 --> 00:38:42,087
and quick to hide
at the slightest sound.
429
00:38:50,862 --> 00:38:52,698
The kingsnake isn't poisonous,
430
00:38:52,731 --> 00:38:55,767
but he does have
an appetite for kangaroo rats.
431
00:38:58,970 --> 00:39:01,440
Mrs. Rat needs
no second warning.
432
00:39:01,473 --> 00:39:04,376
She heads for home
and her children.
433
00:39:04,410 --> 00:39:06,845
Now the snake
picks up her trail.
434
00:39:16,054 --> 00:39:18,890
In this crisis,
mother rat has a plan,
435
00:39:18,924 --> 00:39:20,692
but she must work fast.
436
00:39:26,598 --> 00:39:28,934
For emergencies,
every family of kangaroo rats
437
00:39:28,967 --> 00:39:31,002
prepares an auxiliary burrow.
438
00:39:38,209 --> 00:39:41,680
On her second trip,
she barely manages to
slip in the back door,
439
00:39:41,713 --> 00:39:43,749
as the enemy enters the front.
440
00:39:49,488 --> 00:39:52,624
But the nursery's empty.
Where's the missing baby?
441
00:39:54,460 --> 00:39:57,963
Lost in the maze of tunnels,
trying to find his mother.
442
00:40:20,151 --> 00:40:23,855
Still on the trail, the snake
heads for the second burrow.
443
00:40:23,889 --> 00:40:27,726
And then an innocent bystander
saves the day.
444
00:40:27,759 --> 00:40:31,129
Enter the gekko,
a poor, defenseless lizard.
445
00:40:31,162 --> 00:40:32,698
Well, not quite.
446
00:40:32,731 --> 00:40:35,066
For nature gave him
a detachable tail.
447
00:40:38,003 --> 00:40:40,606
And so nothing's hurt
but his pride.
448
00:40:40,639 --> 00:40:43,975
He'll soon grow another tail
and be as good as new.
449
00:40:47,879 --> 00:40:51,182
This odd pattern in the sand
is made by the sidewinder,
450
00:40:51,216 --> 00:40:53,985
or horned rattlesnake.
451
00:41:09,968 --> 00:41:12,638
There's a reason for this
strange method of travel.
452
00:41:12,671 --> 00:41:15,140
It gives the sidewinder
traction in soft sand
453
00:41:15,173 --> 00:41:17,142
where other snakes won't go.
454
00:41:17,175 --> 00:41:20,779
Thus nature provides him with
hunting grounds all his own.
455
00:41:22,848 --> 00:41:24,616
A formidable hunter,
456
00:41:24,650 --> 00:41:27,553
he leans strongly toward a diet
of lizards and rodents.
457
00:41:55,747 --> 00:41:57,649
Small but extremely poisonous,
458
00:41:57,683 --> 00:41:59,985
he doesn't
usually track his prey,
459
00:42:00,018 --> 00:42:02,287
but waits for it
to come to him.
460
00:42:21,272 --> 00:42:22,273
Yikes!
461
00:42:26,177 --> 00:42:28,179
In the face
of such a potent enemy,
462
00:42:28,213 --> 00:42:30,649
most intended victims
take to the hills.
463
00:42:30,682 --> 00:42:33,251
But not the rat.
He takes the offensive.
464
00:42:37,155 --> 00:42:40,558
And his favorite weapon
is a homemade sandstorm.
465
00:42:42,293 --> 00:42:44,195
Against this stinging barrage,
466
00:42:44,229 --> 00:42:47,098
the rattler has practically
no protection.
467
00:42:47,132 --> 00:42:49,267
His eyes especially
are vulnerable.
468
00:42:49,300 --> 00:42:51,002
They have no lids,
469
00:42:51,036 --> 00:42:53,739
only a delicate covering
over the pupils.
470
00:42:53,772 --> 00:42:55,273
He can't even squint.
471
00:43:29,808 --> 00:43:31,376
The snake's ambush has failed.
472
00:43:31,409 --> 00:43:33,044
Only one thing left --
473
00:43:33,078 --> 00:43:36,614
start sidewinding
for the nearest exit.
474
00:43:40,451 --> 00:43:42,420
Now that the enemy's
in full retreat,
475
00:43:42,453 --> 00:43:45,223
everybody wants to claim
a share in the victory.
476
00:44:05,176 --> 00:44:07,412
Naturally, after such
a tremendous triumph,
477
00:44:07,445 --> 00:44:09,180
a celebration's in order.
478
00:44:43,181 --> 00:44:45,250
Then in typical human fashion,
479
00:44:45,283 --> 00:44:48,119
the affair degenerates
into a brawl.
480
00:44:52,457 --> 00:44:54,292
The commotion
attracts an outsider
481
00:44:54,325 --> 00:44:56,227
who decides to crash the party.
482
00:44:56,261 --> 00:44:59,164
This popeyed prowler
is the ring-tailed cat.
483
00:44:59,197 --> 00:45:02,500
Actually, he's no more cat
than his cousin the raccoon,
484
00:45:02,533 --> 00:45:05,771
but he does have a cat's taste
for kangaroo rats.
485
00:45:05,804 --> 00:45:08,439
And here's another
big appetite on the lookout
486
00:45:08,473 --> 00:45:10,742
for refreshments.
487
00:45:25,223 --> 00:45:27,893
The squabbling rats
are about to learn
488
00:45:27,926 --> 00:45:29,828
one of nature's oldest laws --
489
00:45:29,861 --> 00:45:32,898
a single moment off-guard
can be your last.
490
00:45:36,401 --> 00:45:41,439
It's a lucky rat who gets away
to live perhaps another day.
491
00:45:55,921 --> 00:45:57,889
In nature's design
for the desert,
492
00:45:57,923 --> 00:46:01,026
the pattern changes
with the passing hours.
493
00:46:01,059 --> 00:46:02,460
Each species in turn --
494
00:46:02,493 --> 00:46:05,263
insect and bird,
reptile and mammal --
495
00:46:05,296 --> 00:46:07,298
has its preferred time of day.
496
00:46:07,332 --> 00:46:09,367
Now in the cool of the morning,
497
00:46:09,400 --> 00:46:12,337
the ground squirrels appear.
498
00:46:15,874 --> 00:46:17,442
These are the roundtails
499
00:46:17,475 --> 00:46:20,478
whose favorite breakfast
is the prickly-pear cactus.
500
00:46:21,880 --> 00:46:26,551
Its juicy pulp provides them
with both food and drink.
501
00:46:35,560 --> 00:46:38,830
They're also fond of leaves
and seedpods.
502
00:46:42,400 --> 00:46:44,535
Breakfast often
lasts all morning,
503
00:46:44,569 --> 00:46:47,038
unless there's an interruption.
504
00:46:50,441 --> 00:46:52,110
It's old nosy Parker,
505
00:46:52,143 --> 00:46:53,879
the roadrunner.
506
00:46:58,950 --> 00:47:02,320
Incidentally, he's a member
of the cuckoo family,
507
00:47:02,353 --> 00:47:06,257
a charter member as far
as the squirrels are concerned.
508
00:47:08,126 --> 00:47:10,161
Still they know
how to handle this clown.
509
00:47:10,195 --> 00:47:12,397
Just give him a taste
of his own medicine.
510
00:47:16,201 --> 00:47:17,936
But no sooner are they rid
of one nuisance,
511
00:47:17,969 --> 00:47:19,537
then another appears.
512
00:47:19,570 --> 00:47:22,407
This time it's sweet William,
the spotted skunk.
513
00:47:22,440 --> 00:47:25,176
He's a night prowler
and, like all skunks,
514
00:47:25,210 --> 00:47:27,478
carries a grudge
against everybody,
515
00:47:27,512 --> 00:47:30,248
especially when he's
on his way home to bed.
516
00:47:40,391 --> 00:47:44,062
And whenever he's around,
somebody smells trouble.
517
00:47:50,035 --> 00:47:53,338
When Willy gets his back up,
it means, "stand aside, buster,
518
00:47:53,371 --> 00:47:55,306
or I'll let you have it."
519
00:48:01,980 --> 00:48:04,082
There's not much a squirrel
can do about this.
520
00:48:04,115 --> 00:48:04,882
Wow!
521
00:48:04,916 --> 00:48:07,986
When he's had it, he's had it.
522
00:48:15,560 --> 00:48:17,695
What's this?
Another intruder?
523
00:48:17,728 --> 00:48:20,932
Ah, it's only skinny,
the kid from across the way,
524
00:48:20,966 --> 00:48:22,667
always trying to horn in.
525
00:48:22,700 --> 00:48:25,536
"Hey, how's chances
for joining the gang?"
526
00:48:29,174 --> 00:48:32,677
But the gang, it seems,
wants no part of skinny.
527
00:48:44,322 --> 00:48:46,992
Still, skinny's
not easily squelched.
528
00:48:47,025 --> 00:48:49,394
"Games"
529
00:48:58,236 --> 00:49:00,571
This guy's getting
a little tiresome.
530
00:49:00,605 --> 00:49:03,341
Besides, he's interfering
with breakfast.
531
00:49:03,374 --> 00:49:06,211
They decide to put him
in his place.
532
00:49:16,121 --> 00:49:17,522
But skinny doesn't mind.
533
00:49:17,555 --> 00:49:19,357
At least he's
the center of attention.
534
00:49:19,390 --> 00:49:22,560
And who knows?
Maybe this is the initiation.
535
00:49:44,315 --> 00:49:46,317
Well, if that
was the initiation,
536
00:49:46,351 --> 00:49:48,686
somebody forgot to give him
the password.
537
00:49:53,224 --> 00:49:55,626
Suddenly, skinny and
his problems are forgotten,
538
00:49:55,660 --> 00:49:59,564
for now a visitor approaches
who can't be ignored.
539
00:49:59,597 --> 00:50:01,499
The gila monster --
540
00:50:01,532 --> 00:50:05,736
a strange combination
of ugliness and beauty.
541
00:50:07,672 --> 00:50:11,309
He looks like a beaded bag,
but this is pure deception,
542
00:50:11,342 --> 00:50:14,045
for nature,
in a moment of grim humor,
543
00:50:14,079 --> 00:50:16,181
filled the bag with poison.
544
00:50:28,693 --> 00:50:32,397
In their panic, some
literally grasp at straws.
545
00:51:06,164 --> 00:51:08,299
Something must be done
about this ugly customer,
546
00:51:08,333 --> 00:51:09,600
but who's to do it?
547
00:51:10,768 --> 00:51:13,671
The only to take action
is skinny.
548
00:51:16,674 --> 00:51:19,577
Well, he wanted to play tag,
549
00:51:19,610 --> 00:51:23,080
except this time, it's apt
to be tag for keeps.
550
00:51:28,853 --> 00:51:31,256
Still, skinny has
two things in his favor --
551
00:51:31,289 --> 00:51:34,225
he's fast on his feet,
and he has a fighting heart.
552
00:51:40,431 --> 00:51:42,800
His method of dealing
with gila monsters
553
00:51:42,833 --> 00:51:44,635
is to insult them.
554
00:51:48,406 --> 00:51:52,477
As he warms to his work,
he even gets a little cocky.
555
00:51:57,848 --> 00:52:01,152
"Hey, skinny,
get out of there."
556
00:52:04,689 --> 00:52:08,159
Once he starts something,
though, skinny sticks to it
557
00:52:08,193 --> 00:52:11,562
until even the gila monster
can't take any more.
558
00:52:21,439 --> 00:52:23,541
And who's the hero of the hour?
559
00:52:23,574 --> 00:52:25,310
Why, skinny, of course.
560
00:52:25,343 --> 00:52:28,346
Let's give the little fellow
a big hand.
561
00:52:31,716 --> 00:52:34,752
It's been a busy morning
for the squirrels,
562
00:52:34,785 --> 00:52:36,521
but whenever things
calm down a bit,
563
00:52:36,554 --> 00:52:38,423
it's back to breakfast.
564
00:52:43,428 --> 00:52:45,663
"Hey, who's rocking the rock?"
565
00:52:45,696 --> 00:52:48,699
Well, it's the tortoise.
566
00:52:54,605 --> 00:52:56,674
"Morning, brother tortoise.
567
00:52:56,707 --> 00:52:58,243
You leaving?"
568
00:52:58,276 --> 00:53:01,379
"Okay, everybody,
free ride's over."
569
00:53:01,412 --> 00:53:04,915
And so the gang gets off,
all except skinny.
570
00:53:04,949 --> 00:53:06,684
He's one of those characters
571
00:53:06,717 --> 00:53:09,487
who just has to ride
to the end of the line.
572
00:53:24,602 --> 00:53:26,837
On the living desert,
573
00:53:26,871 --> 00:53:29,940
nature's theme is always the
preservation of the species.
574
00:53:29,974 --> 00:53:33,944
And she uses many methods
to accomplish her purpose.
575
00:53:33,978 --> 00:53:37,548
This is the pepsis wasp,
or tarantula hawk.
576
00:53:37,582 --> 00:53:39,817
In order that her kind
may survive,
577
00:53:39,850 --> 00:53:42,253
she must stalk
the deadly tarantula
578
00:53:42,287 --> 00:53:45,222
and engage it in mortal combat.
579
00:53:47,292 --> 00:53:49,927
It's her perilous mission
to sting the giant spider,
580
00:53:49,960 --> 00:53:54,699
paralyze it, and thus preserve
it as food for her young.
581
00:53:56,667 --> 00:53:59,537
She hurries from one likely
looking hole to another,
582
00:53:59,570 --> 00:54:02,340
literally asking for trouble.
583
00:54:13,651 --> 00:54:15,052
And she finds it,
584
00:54:15,085 --> 00:54:17,588
but not the kind she expected.
585
00:54:20,525 --> 00:54:22,693
The ant army swarms
to the attack.
586
00:54:22,727 --> 00:54:25,296
Their one purpose
is to weigh her down,
587
00:54:25,330 --> 00:54:27,031
keep her earthbound.
588
00:54:28,799 --> 00:54:30,735
Against
this organized onslaught,
589
00:54:30,768 --> 00:54:32,803
the wasp has no defense.
590
00:54:32,837 --> 00:54:35,573
She can only hope
to shake them off.
591
00:55:01,466 --> 00:55:03,033
She wins her freedom,
592
00:55:03,067 --> 00:55:06,671
but only to resume
her search for spiders.
593
00:55:10,107 --> 00:55:13,544
Driven by the compelling urge
to reproduce her species,
594
00:55:13,578 --> 00:55:15,746
she'll let nothing stop her.
595
00:55:15,780 --> 00:55:18,115
A tarantula it must be,
596
00:55:18,148 --> 00:55:20,651
and a tarantula it is.
597
00:55:21,586 --> 00:55:24,522
Now they are met, face-to-face.
598
00:55:24,555 --> 00:55:27,091
And this is a sight
few have ever witnessed.
599
00:55:27,124 --> 00:55:30,961
In this strange encounter, the
spider battles for its life,
600
00:55:30,995 --> 00:55:33,698
the wasp, for generations
yet to come,
601
00:55:33,731 --> 00:55:35,700
for only through the tarantula
602
00:55:35,733 --> 00:55:38,836
can she ensure
the propagation of her line.
603
00:55:38,869 --> 00:55:41,706
In this raw
and elemental struggle,
604
00:55:41,739 --> 00:55:43,441
these are the weapons --
605
00:55:43,474 --> 00:55:45,410
the paralyzing sting
of the wasp
606
00:55:45,443 --> 00:55:47,412
and the lethal bite
of the spider,
607
00:55:47,445 --> 00:55:50,548
the rapier and the broadsword.
608
00:55:50,581 --> 00:55:53,418
In size and brute strength,
the odds favor the giant,
609
00:55:53,451 --> 00:55:55,052
but these are more than matched
610
00:55:55,085 --> 00:55:58,556
by the frenzied skill
of its tiny adversary.
611
00:56:09,900 --> 00:56:12,703
The stricken wasp
grovels in the sand,
612
00:56:12,737 --> 00:56:15,105
but the spider
fails to follow up.
613
00:56:15,139 --> 00:56:19,510
It's a missed opportunity
and a fatal mistake.
614
00:56:19,544 --> 00:56:23,448
In this brief respite,
the wasp recovers.
615
00:56:25,483 --> 00:56:28,719
And now she drives
for the one vulnerable spot,
616
00:56:28,753 --> 00:56:30,521
the abdomen.
617
00:56:56,246 --> 00:56:57,882
Then the turning point
618
00:56:57,915 --> 00:57:00,117
as the wasp suddenly
reverses her tactics
619
00:57:00,150 --> 00:57:04,622
and, flat on her back,
thrusts home.
620
00:57:14,064 --> 00:57:16,066
She scores again and again,
621
00:57:16,100 --> 00:57:18,636
and her poison
begins to take its toll.
622
00:57:23,173 --> 00:57:25,576
The groggy giant
is almost defenseless now,
623
00:57:25,610 --> 00:57:28,579
but the wasp
is a creature obsessed.
624
00:57:49,634 --> 00:57:53,070
Finally,
one last paralyzing thrust,
625
00:57:53,103 --> 00:57:55,272
and the battle is over.
626
00:57:55,305 --> 00:58:00,645
But now, in victory, the wasp
faces an even bigger task.
627
00:58:00,678 --> 00:58:03,681
She must drag the spider,
many times her size,
628
00:58:03,714 --> 00:58:06,150
to a secret hiding place.
629
00:58:08,986 --> 00:58:11,055
But into her fragile body,
630
00:58:11,088 --> 00:58:15,560
nature has packed a strength
prodigious beyond belief.
631
00:58:29,306 --> 00:58:32,142
With fanatical energy,
she digs a hole,
632
00:58:32,176 --> 00:58:35,580
for it's part of her ritual
to Bury her victim.
633
00:58:43,888 --> 00:58:46,991
Now and then, she pauses
to check for measurements...
634
00:58:50,761 --> 00:58:52,997
Then returns to her task.
635
00:58:54,999 --> 00:58:57,034
A tremendous Boulder
presents an obstacle,
636
00:58:57,067 --> 00:58:59,269
but only temporarily.
637
00:59:00,805 --> 00:59:02,873
To a human, this would be
like towing a 10-ton truck
638
00:59:02,907 --> 00:59:04,174
with your teeth.
639
00:59:24,228 --> 00:59:28,032
Now on the tarantula's body,
she will lay a single egg.
640
00:59:28,065 --> 00:59:32,036
Soon a new wasp will emerge,
feed on the paralyzed spider,
641
00:59:32,069 --> 00:59:34,104
and then one day venture forth
642
00:59:34,138 --> 00:59:37,307
to replay
this grim desert drama.
643
00:59:39,176 --> 00:59:40,945
Still at large in the vicinity,
644
00:59:40,978 --> 00:59:43,614
the rattlesnake
is on the prowl again.
645
00:59:46,250 --> 00:59:48,953
So far, this killer seems
to have had his own way,
646
00:59:48,986 --> 00:59:52,757
but there are a few creatures
who dare to challenge him.
647
00:59:52,790 --> 00:59:55,793
And one of these
is the red-tailed hawk.
648
00:59:59,429 --> 01:00:03,167
And so this time, even as
the rattler stalks his prey,
649
01:00:03,200 --> 01:00:06,904
sudden death hangs
over his own head.
650
01:00:13,010 --> 01:00:15,279
Flashing talons
strike for the head,
651
01:00:15,312 --> 01:00:17,782
but the snake
is like a steel spring.
652
01:00:17,815 --> 01:00:20,785
When the spring is coiled,
it's deadly.
653
01:01:25,249 --> 01:01:28,786
The hawk finds an opening,
seizes the rattler's head,
654
01:01:28,819 --> 01:01:32,689
and as suddenly as it began,
the violent conflict has ended.
655
01:01:42,199 --> 01:01:45,069
But if death and destruction
stalk the living desert,
656
01:01:45,102 --> 01:01:48,739
birth and rejuvenation
inevitably follow after.
657
01:01:48,773 --> 01:01:51,976
New life, however,
depends on rainfall.
658
01:01:52,009 --> 01:01:54,111
And so nature
brews up a tempest
659
01:01:54,144 --> 01:01:57,314
and drives her thunderheads
over the mountain barrier.
660
01:02:09,226 --> 01:02:12,196
In this land of extremes,
there are no half measures.
661
01:02:12,229 --> 01:02:15,432
It's either no rain at all
or all at once,
662
01:02:15,465 --> 01:02:18,168
and so the cloudburst.
663
01:03:04,014 --> 01:03:06,016
Almost as suddenly
as they came,
664
01:03:06,050 --> 01:03:09,353
the torrential rains disappear.
665
01:03:09,386 --> 01:03:14,391
And yet more violent than the
storm itself is the aftermath,
666
01:03:14,424 --> 01:03:17,928
for now miles away where
the desert lies silent,
667
01:03:17,962 --> 01:03:19,897
untouched by the cloudburst,
668
01:03:19,930 --> 01:03:21,932
an ominous rumbling is heard.
669
01:03:21,966 --> 01:03:25,135
It seems to come from all
the canyons at once.
670
01:03:28,906 --> 01:03:30,374
Suddenly from out of nowhere...
671
01:03:33,510 --> 01:03:35,946
...a wall of water
on the rampage,
672
01:03:35,980 --> 01:03:37,882
the flash flood of the desert.
673
01:03:54,164 --> 01:03:55,933
On these barren hills,
674
01:03:55,966 --> 01:03:58,068
the rushing waters
find nothing to hold them back.
675
01:03:58,102 --> 01:04:02,339
And so from all sides, they
converge, become a torrent,
676
01:04:02,372 --> 01:04:06,243
a raging river,
and finally a desert niagara.
677
01:04:38,008 --> 01:04:40,377
In all these endless
miles of space,
678
01:04:40,410 --> 01:04:42,679
the lost river
has nowhere to go.
679
01:04:42,712 --> 01:04:45,082
Soon it
dissipates its strength.
680
01:04:45,115 --> 01:04:47,451
Its currents span out
on the flats.
681
01:04:47,484 --> 01:04:49,553
Water mixes with earth
682
01:04:49,586 --> 01:04:53,523
until only a river
of liquid mud remains.
683
01:05:00,164 --> 01:05:02,933
And finally the once raging
torrent is swallowed up
684
01:05:02,967 --> 01:05:06,536
in the desert's
overwhelming vastness.
685
01:05:06,570 --> 01:05:09,940
It would seem that nature has
brought water only to waste it,
686
01:05:09,974 --> 01:05:14,611
for now the scorching sun dries
out the last bit of moisture.
687
01:05:29,493 --> 01:05:31,195
Yet this is only the surface.
688
01:05:31,228 --> 01:05:33,663
Moisture seeping
through the desert floor
689
01:05:33,697 --> 01:05:35,365
has awakened dormant seeds.
690
01:05:42,506 --> 01:05:44,574
The miracle of the flowers --
691
01:05:44,608 --> 01:05:47,377
one of nature's
greatest triumphs.
692
01:05:56,520 --> 01:05:59,189
In this floral galaxy,
the desert wild flowers
693
01:05:59,223 --> 01:06:02,126
display their blossoms
in almost endless variety.
694
01:06:02,159 --> 01:06:03,627
Poppies...
695
01:06:03,660 --> 01:06:05,495
Lupine...
696
01:06:05,529 --> 01:06:07,697
The primrose.
697
01:06:11,601 --> 01:06:13,470
And in even the tiniest plants,
698
01:06:13,503 --> 01:06:17,441
the surge of new life
is strong.
699
01:06:28,652 --> 01:06:30,420
Throughout the desert,
700
01:06:30,454 --> 01:06:34,158
the drab cactus plants
reveal their hidden beauty.
701
01:07:14,131 --> 01:07:17,167
In daylight and darkness,
the pageant continues.
702
01:07:17,201 --> 01:07:20,570
Now the night-blooming cereus
passes through its full cycle
703
01:07:20,604 --> 01:07:22,239
in a single night...
704
01:07:22,272 --> 01:07:26,076
From bursting bud
to full-blown flower.
705
01:08:00,410 --> 01:08:03,247
Here is one of nature's
innermost secrets,
706
01:08:03,280 --> 01:08:05,582
the heart of a living flower.
707
01:08:34,544 --> 01:08:37,514
The flower fades
and withers away.
708
01:08:37,547 --> 01:08:40,784
And yet in this
fantastic wonderland,
709
01:08:40,817 --> 01:08:44,388
there are no endings,
only beginnings.
710
01:08:44,421 --> 01:08:46,856
After every ebb, the full tide.
711
01:08:46,890 --> 01:08:49,493
After every night, a new day.
712
01:08:49,526 --> 01:08:53,163
And so it will be
through all of time.
713
01:08:55,265 --> 01:08:57,701
This, then,
is the desert's story,
714
01:08:57,734 --> 01:09:00,370
a story of the life-force
itself,
715
01:09:00,404 --> 01:09:02,372
challenging and mysterious.
716
01:09:02,406 --> 01:09:05,675
The eternal story
of the living desert.
55532
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