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Everywhere people live, animals live too. On this episode of The Children’s Hour, we explore the creatures that share our backyards, neighborhoods, and cities. From prairie dogs in New Mexico to coyotes in Albuquerque, and even monkeys in Thailand, the Kids Crew and our guests help us see the wild world right outside our windows.

Our intern and junior producer, Thaniel Lentz, researched the many animals that thrive in cities, suburbs, and rural places. He explains how prairie dogs create underground towns that provide shelter for owls, ferrets, and reptiles, even as their own populations shrink. We also learn about roadrunners, who dash at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, and coyotes, clever enough to use stoplights to cross busy streets.

Guest Cooper Freeman, Alaska Director for the Center for Biological Diversity, describes what it’s like to live with bear, moose, lynx, and even musk ox right outside your door. He explains how climate change is shifting animal habitats northward and what people can do to live safely and respectfully with wildlife.

We also travel around the globe: to Thailand, where monkeys roam city streets and even enjoy an annual buffet feast; to India, where millions of stray dogs live alongside people; to Australia, where koalas and magpies turn up in backyards; and to Brazil, where conservationists are restoring wildlife to the Tijuca urban rainforest.

Along the way, we hear music, poetry, and stories inspired by animals. The Kids Crew remind us that no matter where you live, wild creatures are never far away.

This episode of The Children’s Hour was written and produced by Thaniel Lentz, our junior producer and intern, with production help from Katie Stone and Sara Gabrielli. Amber Schiel writes our learning guides, which can be found at ChildrensHour.org.

The Children’s Hour is produced by The Children’s Hour Inc., a New Mexico nonprofit organization. We are distributed by Native Voice One, the Native American Radio Network.

©2025 The Children’s Hour Inc., All Rights Reserved.

Please note: not all songs we play can be found in Spotify.