Bandit Patrol

Bandit Patrol is a compelling, heartwarming reality TV series aired by NAT GEO WILD in 2016 that centers on the heroic and compassionate actions of everyday heroes dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wildlife in distress. The “bandits” referred to in the show title are not villains but the mischievous and often misunderstood animals who sometimes fall foul of an increasingly urbanized world that bears little resemblance to their natural habitats. Blending nature, wildlife, and human drama, the series gives viewers an inside look at the challenging yet fulfilling world of wildlife rescue and rehab.

Set in the wilds and small towns of Kentucky, Bandit Patrol revolves around a group of devoted wildlife rehabilitators, as they scramble to respond to an array of distress calls about various animals in trouble. This dedicated team of rehabbers, comprises of a diverse mix of professionals, including a registered nurse, two home-makers and a construction worker. Despite having no formal training in wildlife care, these individuals have devoted their lives to this challenging profession out of an unwavering love for animals and a commitment to preservation of wildlife.

The main characters include Kristin, who has transformed her property into a haven for many animals, namely, squirrels, rabbits, and various bird species. Nikki, another primary character, has a knack for handling skunks, bats, and birds of prey. Megan dedicates her time to rescuing and rehabilitating raccoons, rabbits, opossums, and squirrels. Rounding out the team is Randall, a committed wildlife enthusiast who focuses primarily on birds of prey, like hawks and owls. The series aptly captures the camaraderie, skills, passion, successes, and occasional sadness of these devoted rehabbers as they tackle their daily challenges.

From driving at breakneck speeds to rescue a deer hit by a car, climbing steep trees to save stranded baby birds, navigating through chilling streams to an injured beaver, and carrying an unwilling 70-pound goose to safety, the rescuers go through all odds to ensure the well-being and eventual return of these “bandits” to their natural environment. Each episode brings to the viewer a sense of the urgent and unpredictable nature of their work. Often, situations can escalate rapidly: a seemingly healthy animal might need immediate medical attention, weather changes can affect rescue operations, or there might even be nocturnal operations that involve navigating through the pitch-dark wilderness.

Throughout the series, viewers get a firsthand look at the complicated, messy and sometimes dangerous process of steering these untamed creatures away from danger— be it natural threats, humans, or human infrastructure. The show engages viewers not just with the adrenaline rush of the rescue operations, but also with the expertise needed for the rehabilitation and care phase, as the team works tirelessly to nurse the wild animals back to health with medical treatments, nourishment, and much-needed love and gentle care.

The show underscores the critical importance of understanding and respecting wildlife. Some episodes particularly delve into educating the viewers about various animal species, their characteristics, behaviors and their crucial role in our shared ecosystems. The animal "bandits" are not seen as nuisances or pests, but as beings deserving compassion, care, and a chance to live their lives in peace in their natural habitats.

Bandit Patrol manages to brilliantly strike a balance between entertainment and education. It tugs at heartstrings with scenes of real compassion, while also raising awareness about critical issues related to wildlife conservation and environmental responsibility. Through its genuine portrayal of the ups and downs involved in rescue and rehabilitation, the show salutes the spirit and dedication of unsung wildlife heroes and strengthens the need for harmonious human-animal cohabitation.

Get ready for an adventurous and inspiring journey into the wild! Watch Bandit Patrol to see real wildlife heroes in action, learn more about animals and join the mission to protect and respect our wildlife. Grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and prepare to be enlightened and moved by the untold stories of these extraordinary wildlife champions.