PBS Nature, Orbit, NWF Launch ’Wild Critters USA,’ a New Family Podcast Series for America 250

RESTON, Va. - This summer, families can embark on a wildlife adventure across the United States with Wild Critters USA, a special podcast series from Orbit: Science for Kids on the Move! produced in collaboration with PBS Nature and the National Wildlife Federation. Check out the trailer on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Designed for families with children ages 3 to 11, the ten-episode series introduces listeners to some of America's most remarkable animals and habitats - from the Mojave Desert and the Everglades to the Great Plains, rivers, forests, and coastal ecosystems.

Each episode features child co-hosts and questions from children answered by wildlife biologists, scientists, conservationists, and park rangers from organizations including the U.S. National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Episodes also have a special guest appearance by David Mizejewski, science adviser for Ranger Rick magazine and naturalist for the National Wildlife Federation.

Through storytelling, humor, and the questions of curious kids, Wild Critters USA helps families discover the remarkable animals that share our world. Families learn how wildlife survive, adapt, and help one another - and why these wild places are worth protecting for generations to come.

Episode Schedule

• June 24: Mojave Desert Tortoise (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
• July 1: American Bison (Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)
• July 8: American Alligator (U.S. National Park Service)
• July 15: Freshwater Mussels (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
• July 29: Ice Age Mammoths (U.S. National Park Service)
• Aug 5: Bald Eagles (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
• Aug 19: Wood Turtles (Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)
• Aug 26: Coral Reefs (Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)
• Sept 2: Monarch Butterflies (U.S. National Park Service)
• Sept 9: Seagrass Ecosystems (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Listen

Families can listen to Wild Critters USA on the podcast "Orbit: Science for kids on the move!" (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, more) or on the PBS Nature website: links here.

About Orbit: Science for Kids on the Move!

Orbit: Science for Kids on the Move! is an award-winning science podcast designed for families with children ages 3-11. Through conversations with scientists, engineers, doctors, explorers, and other experts, Orbit helps children explore the world through curiosity and discovery.

The podcast is produced by Cumbre Kids, an educational media company dedicated to creating high-quality, screen-free learning experiences for families.

About PBS Nature

PBS Nature is one of television's longest-running and most respected natural history series. For more than four decades, Nature has brought audiences stories of wildlife and the natural world through award-winning filmmaking, inspiring millions of viewers to better understand and appreciate life on Earth. Nature's YouTube channel reaches millions of viewers each year with stories of animals, conservation, and scientific discovery from around the world.

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation is America's largest conservation organization, dedicated to protecting wildlife, restoring habitats, and connecting people with nature. Ranger Rick magazine has inspired generations of children to explore the outdoors and learn about the natural world through engaging stories, activities, and wildlife education.