Coyote Peterson, the charismatic host of Brave Wilderness, has gained immense popularity by diving headfirst into some of the most dangerous experiences on Earth.
If you’ve ever found yourself watching YouTube videos of a man in a cowboy hat getting stung by hornets, bitten by snakes, or attacked by various dangerous creatures, there’s a good chance you’ve come across Coyote and his fearless approach to nature.
His videos, which highlight his interactions with dangerous animals and insects, have captured the fascination of millions around the world, earning his channel Brave Wilderness a massive following of over 19 million subscribers.
Coyote’s rise to fame on YouTube is not your typical journey. His channel stands out because of the unique and daring content it offers—his willingness to put himself in harm’s way in the name of education.
Whether he was enduring the sting of a bullet ant, allowing a tarantula to crawl over him, or taking on some of the world’s most venomous creatures, Coyote’s content was often intense and thrilling, pushing the boundaries of what most people would consider safe.
This fearlessness turned him into an internet sensation, but it didn’t come without consequences.
There were countless hospital visits, physical tolls, and injuries along the way.
Yet, it was this very dedication to confronting nature’s most intimidating creatures that garnered him a loyal fan base.
In 2020, however, Coyote announced a significant career shift. As his fame grew, Coyote signed an official deal with Animal Planet for a new syndicated TV show titled Brave the Wild.
This marked a major turning point in his career, as he revealed that he was stepping away from YouTube. His decision was a result of wanting to focus on this new show, which would take him to new environments and allow him to showcase dangerous animals and insects in a different, more educational light.
The goal of the show was to emphasize wildlife conservation and reduce the fear that people often associate with these creatures.
Coyote’s goal for Brave the Wild was to inspire people to appreciate these animals from a safe distance, encouraging viewers to overcome their fears and admire the creatures he had spent years studying.
Despite announcing his retirement from YouTube, Coyote did not disappear from the online world entirely. In fact, his brief exit from YouTube didn’t last long.
In a moment that thrilled his fans, Coyote returned to the platform to share a video where he took a sting from an eastern cicada killer wasp—one of the most painful stings known to man.
This video, along with others in which he continued his exploration of the world’s dangerous creatures, proved that even though he was focused on his new television show, he wasn’t quite done with the wild stunts that had earned him his fame.
As of now, Brave Wilderness continues to exist, but Coyote’s presence is less frequent. His departure from the channel has allowed Mark Vins and Mario Aldecoa, both of whom were regular collaborators with Coyote, to take over as the primary hosts.
Coyote, however, still makes guest appearances from time to time, satisfying his fans’ desire to see the host engage with creatures that can sting, bite, or attack.
While Coyote has continued his work with Brave the Wild, the show takes a more refined approach than his previous YouTube work.
It isn’t about just putting his body on the line for entertainment’s sake but about raising awareness of the importance of protecting these animals and their habitats.
In fact, the show’s emphasis on conservation is a key part of its mission. Coyote explained in interviews that Brave the Wild is not just a wild adventure series; it’s a way to educate people about the need to preserve these creatures and their ecosystems.
He believes that when people understand the importance of these animals, they’ll be more inclined to protect them.
In his conversations with Mental Floss, Coyote described how his mission is not only to entertain but also to inspire others to view these often-feared creatures through a new lens—one of respect and admiration.
His journey has always been about getting close to dangerous animals, but it’s also been about understanding them better, encouraging his audience to see the beauty and importance in every creature, no matter how scary they may appear at first glance.
Coyote has said that the more we understand about these animals, the less we fear them, and that understanding is key to conservation efforts.
Today, viewers can catch episodes of Brave the Wild on Discovery+ where Coyote and his team continue to explore some of the planet’s most dangerous animals, traveling to places around the world and featuring species that aren’t typically in the limelight.
Whether it’s a deep dive into the world of insects or an expedition into remote rainforests, Coyote’s passion for wildlife education and conservation remains at the heart of everything he does.
While his YouTube days may be less frequent, Coyote’s impact on wildlife education and entertainment continues to resonate through Brave Wilderness and Brave the Wild.
His journey is one of adventure, personal risk, and ultimately, a commitment to educating the world on the wonders and dangers of nature, making his work as relevant and thrilling as ever.
