I grew up on Animal Planet but somehow this show slipped past me and I’m upset about it.
Call of the Wildman was a program that ran from 2011 to 2014 which followed Ernie Brown Jr. (aka Turtleman) in his life as a nuisance animal remover.
He was put on Animal Planet’s radar when a video produced by Kentucky Educational Television on his hand-catching turtle technique was posted on YouTube and went viral. After flying out to meet him, they decided to film an entire season. The show was so popular that after the initial 12 episodes ran, it was renewed for a 16 episode season 2.
Throughout the show, he catches all sorts of creatures, like raccoons, skunks, snakes, spiders, and possums, relocating each nuisance animal to a safer location. He was often joined by his friend Neal James and his dog Lolly.
I’m going to have to go back and rewatch some of this, I mean the personality on this guy is exactly what you think someone who hand catches snapping turtles for fun would be and makes for awesome TV. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention allegations of deliberately placing animals in situations for him to come rescue, and the fact that he Nuisance Wildlife Control Officer permit renewal was denied in 2014 for not fulfilling his reporting duties, but regardless, judging from the comments on the original video that brought him his fame, the people absolutely loved him.
Here’s just a few of the many, many positive comments.
“This dude is honestly inspiring. He knows exactly who he is, lives how he wants to live, and appears genuinely happy. More than most of us can say.
I would 1,000% rather hang out with this man than anybody in Hollywood/pro sports/politics, etc. Seems like a cool guy who’s just living his best life.
I totally forgot about this guy and that yell just took me all the way back to sitting in my living room as a kid eating cereal watching this guy every week
I remember binge watching this guy after a long day of 5th grade
I freaking love this guy. I remember watching his show when I was a kid. hearing his cry when he catches the turtles bring backs memories.”
Also, how about one of the funniest comments of all-time…
“It’s honestly amazing to me that he’s lost so many teeth but somehow throughout all these years kept all his fingers”
Turtleman gets the people fired up.
Without further adieu, here’s the original video that got Turtleman his start.
