The wild creatures who walk among us
WOLVES found living among the “safety” of landmines is just one of the incredible stories in a new wildlife series presented by Sir David Attenborough.
Lavish nature show Mammals, narrated by the broadcasting veteran, will show how they have taken advantage of every major environment on Earth.
A pack of Indian wolves are now living in minefields in the Golan Heights, on the border of Israel and Syria.
It has become their last bizarre stronghold due to so many being shot by farmers.
Filmmaker Lydia Baines said: “It’s quite a scary testament to the fact these wolves are safest there because we can’t access them. I think that fact speaks volumes. There’s increasing evidence that wolves can actually smell the TNT in the landmines.”
The production team also captured the interaction between sea lions coming ashore seeking food on a beach in Chile and meeting dogs on the shoreline.
Lydia said of the extraordinary footage: “The dogs started dancing, which is incredible new behaviour.
“They are descendants of wolves who had never met sea lions before – these two species normally would never interact.” The six-part BBC series also shows how wild animals have managed to survive in urban areas, including elephants in Zimbabwe, otters in Singapore and coyotes in cities across North America.
Series producer Scott Alexander says Sir David, 97, still helps to shape the scripts and the stories.
“I worked with him 20-odd years ago on Life In Cold Blood and his enthusiasm, passion and energy just hasn’t waned,” he said.
Lydia added: “He’s very honest. He will tell you what he thinks, which is great.”
Mammals, BBC One, tonight, 7pm