The Animal House

Whether to protect and nurture their young, or simply find refuge from the elements, animals exhibit a nearly universal instinct to build and defend their homes. In this PBS-aired Nature episode, viewers witness animals constructing a wide variety of shelters—ranging from beaver dams to prairie dog towns—in caves, on the sides of cliffs, and even an elaborate system of mazes and tunnels extending underground. Not surprisingly, a good home can bring squatters and freeloaders, as many creatures are willing to take advantage of another's hard work. Some of the wildlife covered here includes bats, beavers, ants, and other insects, who expend huge amounts of energy, often only to die while helping ensure the continuation of their species. Building materials can range from saliva to silk, and even something as humble as abandoned dung. Of course, man ranks as the ultimate predator, sometimes thoughtlessly destroying habitats in search of exotic delicacies, like the ingredients for bird's nest soup. Boasting outstanding location photography, this informative documentary is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)