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Arts & Culture

NOVA: Wild Predator Invasion

“Calusa,” a Florida panther, at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.
Courtesy of Dave Long/Long Memories Photography
“Calusa,” a Florida panther, at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.

Airs Wed., April 2, 2014 at 9 p.m. & Sun., April 6 at 3 p.m. on KPBS TV

Explore the science behind the headlines in PBS’ premier science series. With compelling stories and spectacular visuals, NOVA programs demystify science and technology for viewers of all ages and spotlight people involved in scientific pursuits.

Dr. Doug W. Smith, project leader of Gray Wolf Restoration Project in Yellowstone National Park, tracking the movement of the wolves.
Courtesy of Rob Goldie/©BBC
Dr. Doug W. Smith, project leader of Gray Wolf Restoration Project in Yellowstone National Park, tracking the movement of the wolves.
Colby Anton and Kira Cassidy-Quimby, Wolf Group, Yellowstone National Park, part of Carcass Scene Investigation.
Courtesy of Rob Goldie/©BBC
Colby Anton and Kira Cassidy-Quimby, Wolf Group, Yellowstone National Park, part of Carcass Scene Investigation.

"Wild Predator Invasion" - Over the last few centuries we have shot, trapped and skinned the predators that formerly thrived at the top of the food chain in the wild.

Wild bears, wolves and big cats are all in retreat, and a growing number of scientists are discovering that by eliminating predators, we have changed the environment. Removing predators from the wild has thrown ecosystems off-kilter, triggering domino effects that scientists are just beginning to understand.

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In "Wild Predator Invasion," NOVA follows scientists who are trying out a simple but controversial solution: returning apex predators --like wolves, bears, and panthers -- to their natural environments.

Can these newly reintroduced predators restore the natural balance of their ecosystems without threatening the humans who live among them?

Past episodes of NOVA are available for online viewing. NOVA is on Facebook, and you can follow @novapbs on Twitter.