The season premiere episode, “Radioactive Wolves,” examines Chernobyl’s resurgence of wildlife since the historic nuclear disaster that occurred there 25 years ago. Focusing on a growing native wolf population in the contaminated area, scientists are piecing together a picture of surviving species in a world without humans. This portrait of wildlife in the forbidden zone provides a fascinating “What If?” window into a future after the collapse of human civilization.

Other fall premiere episodes will include:

“Animal House” — Nov. 2. Why do some animals build structures and others don’t, and how do animals decide where to build?

“Jungle Eagle” — Nov. 9. Intrepid cameramen step into the world of the harpy eagle, which hides away deep in the South American jungle and is large enough to eat monkeys.

“My Life As a Turkey” — Nov. 16. This is the true story of naturalist Joe Hutto (portrayed by wildlife photographer Jeff Palmer), who was presented with a rare opportunity to raise wild turkeys from chicks. Deep in the wilds of Florida, Hutto spent each day out and about as a “wild turkey” with his family of chicks until the day came when he had to let his children grow up and go off on their own. As it turns out, this was harder than he ever imagined.