The Life of Mammals

In this programme, Sir David Attenborough investigates the world of omnivores, revealing the wide range of skills these animals display in their natural habitats, from foraging strategies to behavioural adaptations. He also demonstrates how a number of omnivorous species have successfully colonised urban settings, establishing homes in cities and towns across the globe.

Opportunists is a television programme presented as a single episode, fronted by the renowned naturalist David Attenborough. In this installment, the focus turns to the fascinating group of animals that are neither strictly herbivores nor carnivores, but omnivores, whose flexible diets allow them to thrive in a variety of settings. Attenborough guides viewers through the diverse capabilities of these creatures, highlighting the many skills they've displayed while foraging, hunting, and surviving in their natural surroundings. The episode showcases how omnivores employ a range of tactics to locate food, avoid predators, and interact with their ecosystems, underscoring their adaptability in the wild. The narrative also examines the way certain omnivorous species have begun to settle within human‑made environments. By venturing into towns and cities, these animals've found new niches, using urban resources and infrastructure to sustain themselves. Their presence in densely populated areas illustrates a shift from purely rural habitats to mixed landscapes. Through this dual lens of wilderness and urban life, the programme paints a picture of omnivores as opportunistic survivors, capable of exploiting both natural and built‑up worlds. Attenborough’s observations tie together the animals’ innate talents with the ways they have learned to coexist alongside people, and it's offering a concise look at their remarkable versatility.