Watch Wildlife Crossroads

Wildlife Crossroads is a documentary series produced by Discovery Canada that explores the struggles and triumphs of various animal species as they navigate through human-dominated landscapes. Each episode takes viewers on a journey across different regions of the country to observe firsthand how wildlife is adapting, or in some cases failing to adapt, to the challenges posed by urban, suburban and rural development.

The series explores a range of species, from the ubiquitous white-tailed deer and cunning raccoon, to more elusive creatures like the eastern cougar and the endangered loggerhead sea turtle. Through stunning cinematography and expert interviews with biologists, ecologists, and conservationists, Wildlife Crossroads brings to life the incredible complexity and diversity of Canada's ecosystems, and highlights the urgent need to protect them in the face of rapid environmental change.

The first season of Wildlife Crossroads comprises of six episodes, each focusing on a different region of the country. The season opener, "Southern Ontario: Home Invasion," introduces viewers to the myriad ways in which wildlife and humans are increasingly coming into conflict in this heavily populated region. We meet homeowners frustrated by the damage caused by hungry raccoons and skunks, and tag along with biologists as they capture and study these opportunistic animals in order to better understand their behavior.

Other episodes take us to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where researchers are studying the migratory patterns of the threatened North Atlantic right whale, and to the coniferous forests of British Columbia, where black bears are displaying increasingly bold behavior as logging operations shrink their habitat. Along the way, we learn about the research and conservation efforts underway to protect these animals and the ecosystems they inhabit.

One of the standout episodes of the series is "The Prairie Dog Whisperer," which takes us to the remote grasslands of Saskatchewan, where a passionate conservationist is working to save the highly endangered black-footed ferret. These elusive creatures, which rely on prairie dogs for food and shelter, have been pushed to the brink of extinction by habitat loss and disease. We follow the biologist as she uses cutting-edge technology to track and study the ferrets, and ultimately releases several back into the wild.

As well as covering important conservation stories, Wildlife Crossroads also provides fascinating glimpses into the biology and behavior of the animals themselves. In "Raccoons: Evolutionary Marvels," we learn about the remarkable adaptability of the raccoon, which has allowed it to thrive in virtually every type of habitat across North America. And in "Eastern Cougar: Ghost of the Forest," we learn about the elusive nature of this iconic predator, and the challenges faced by biologists tasked with studying it.

Throughout the series, viewers are reminded of the interconnectedness of all living things, and the vital importance of protecting our shared natural heritage. The final episode, "Coastal Wilderness," offers a stirring tribute to the beauty and bounty of Canada's oceans, and warns of the dire consequences of unchecked pollution and overfishing.

Overall, Wildlife Crossroads is a visually stunning and informative series that will appeal to anyone with an interest in wildlife and conservation. By shining a light on the challenges faced by animals living in a rapidly changing world, the series encourages us all to think more deeply about our relationship with the natural world, and the steps we can take to ensure its survival.