PBS’s Nature series often takes us to remote corners of the globe, presenting the wonders of the natural world far from human interference. But what happens when nature sets up shop right in our backyard? The upcoming episode, “San Diego: America’s Wildest City,” airing Wednesday, on PBS, examines just that. This time, the focus is on San Diego, a bustling metropolis of 3.3 million people, which also happens to be a hotbed of surprising biodiversity.
Forget lions and tigers and bears; “San Diego: America’s Wildest City” examines a different kind of urban jungle. The episode aims to reveal how various species, from elegant grebes performing their elaborate mating dances to powerful orcas embarking on dramatic hunts, manage to not only survive but thrive alongside their human neighbors.
How do these creatures adapt to the challenges and opportunities presented by a city environment? What intricate relationships have developed between the human and animal residents of San Diego? The program seeks to answer these questions and more, providing a unique perspective on the intersection of urban life and the natural world.
By focusing on San Diego, a city known for both its human population and its rich natural heritage, the episode positions itself to explore the delicate balance between urbanization and ecological preservation. Could San Diego serve as a model for other cities grappling with similar issues?
Nature: San Diego: America’s Wildest City (Season 43, Episode 3) airs Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 8:00 PM on PBS.