To Survive In Nature You've Got To Be A Rebel

8pm Sunday NATURE: Natural Born Rebels – Documentary

From a promiscuous prairie dog to a kleptomaniac crab and an alpha chimpanzee who reigns with an iron fist, this three-part miniseries explores the most rebellious animals in the natural world. But are these creatures really breaking bad? Across the world, new studies are uncovering an astonishing variety of insubordinate animal behaviors, and despite how it appears on the surface, researchers are discovering the complex and fascinating science behind why these animals behave the way they do. In fact, being a rebel could be the key to success in the wild.

Stuart Dunn

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PBS

SURVIVAL - Some animals will do whatever it takes to survive. Cockatoos turn to vandalism, boxer crabs hold anemones hostage, sloths become filthy, puff adders have an invisibility cloak to hide themselves, and chimps use violence to stay in power.

• Noteworthy Facts:
  
  • Sulphur-crested cockatoos are notorious for vandalizing and littering Sydney, Australia on garbage day. These inquisitive and clever birds have figured out which colored bins they can find scraps of food in, and this adaptation to the urban environment has made them curious to try to discover other food sources around the city, even if it means damaging property.
    
  • Stone martens have found a new haven in the cities of central Europe and are causing extensive damage to cars; there’s been an estimated $75 million worth of damage per year in Germany alone. Research suggests the destructive behavior is tied to the need to secure a mate through scent-marking of territories. Cars carry the scent marks around the city and confuse the Stone martens into thinking their territory is being encroached upon.