© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Octopus: Making Contact

Season 38 Episode 1 | 53m 14s

The octopus is the closest we may get to meeting an alien. They evolved from a common cousin more than 500 million years ago, but are also intelligent creatures with proven problem-solving abilities. So what happens when you invite an eight-legged alien into your living room? This documentary follows marine biologist David Scheel as he tracks his evolving relationship with his own octopus.

Aired: 10/01/19 | Expires: 08/02/23
Major support for NATURE is provided by The Arnhold Family in memory of Henry and Clarisse Arnhold, The Fairweather Foundation, Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III, Charles Rosenblum, Kathy Chiao and Ken Hao, Sarah and Sandra Lyu in memory of Seung and Dorothy Lyu, Colin S. Edwards, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, Filomen M. D’Agostino Foundation, Lillian Goldman Charitable Trust, Gregg Peters Monsees Foundation, Seton J. Melvin, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Sandra Atlas Bass, Bradley L. Goldberg Family Foundation, Dr. George Stanley and Sandra Caruso, The Hite Foundation, Kitty Hawks and Larry Lederman, Perpetual Kindness Foundation and Sun Hill Renewal Fund, Ruth Mary Einhorn, Arlene and Milton D. Berkman, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and by Viewers Like You.
Extras
In the Westman Islands, one community has banded together to save lost young puffins.
Sixty million American bison once thundered across the prairies of North America.
Go behind the lens with the making of 'In Her Nature.'
Sea otters are back, and their return is a breath of fresh air for the waters of Monterey Bay.
Despite cultural taboos, herpetologist Fandresena Rakotoharimalala is determined to save chameleons.
There’s no lizard like a chameleon—color-shifting, tree-climbing, eye-swiveling magic.
The Bear River was once a lush area with wetlands, hot springs, and abundant wildlife.
Follow a woman’s transformative journey as she nurtures wounded hummingbirds.
Terry Masear helps rescue baby hummingbird twins whose mother died.
Follow a woman’s transformative journey as she nurtures wounded hummingbirds.