Main content

Fighting

Episode 8 of 12

Fight or flee? Resist or surrender? Aggression is widespread in animals. However, risking injury is the last resort. Presented by Sir David Attenborough.

Fight or flee? Resist or surrender? Aggression over food, territory or mates is widespread in animals. But teeth, hooves, horns and spines can cause severe injury and sometimes death. So zebras in the Serengeti, moose in Alaska and even bizarre stalk-eyed flies in Malaysia assess their opponent's prowess and choose to fight depending on what they stand to lose or gain. And despite the proliferation of weapons in nature's trials of strength, many disputes are settled without a blow being struck. Risking injury is the last resort. Written and presented by Sir David Attenborough.

Available now

49 minutes

Credits

RoleContributor
PresenterDavid Attenborough
WriterDavid Attenborough
ProducerKeenan Smart
Executive ProducerPeter Jones

Broadcasts

  • Wed 21 Nov 199020:00
  • Sun 25 Nov 199019:15
  • Sun 19 Nov 199518:10
  • Sun 30 Dec 200109:30
  • Tue 19 Mar 201316:25
  • Sat 4 Oct 201409:20

BBC Earth

BBC Earth

Visit BBC Earth, the new home of wildlife on the BBC.