Who's Afraid of the European Hamster?


Genre: Animals, Pets & Vets, Documentaries


Duration: 1 x 60'


Year of Production: 2020


Production Company: Pernel Media


Commissioned By: France Télévisions


Definition: HD


A natural history whodunnit, featuring a rarely filmed and endangered mammal

This intriguing wildlife programme introduces us to the European hamster – a curiously charismatic mammal that has seldom been filmed before. It may look cute and furry, but a ferocious and bloodthirsty disposition, coupled with its 30-cm length, takes it a world away from its cousin, the tiny golden hamster much-loved by children.

The film unfolds in the style of a crime thriller, starting with a giant hamster locked up for a violent incident. As we follow her on the run, interacting with both familiar and rare flora and fauna in a sublime Alsace valley setting in France, this unique film sheds light on her supposed crime, delivering an exciting story line and surprising twist.

This hamster, however threatening, is also one of the most endangered mammals in Europe. There are barely 100-200 on French soil and, like the wolf, bear and lynx, the European hamster is now the subject of a large-scale protection programme.