Capturing wildlife on film takes courage, skill, patience and a deep understanding of animal behavior. Most importantly, it demands a profound respect for one's subjects. Wild animals can be unpredictable, and professional filmmakers know that preparation is the key to safety.

Yet in the wild, even the most well-laid plans can go awry. When they do, a life-threatening situation can develop in a matter of seconds. Sometimes, it's even captured on film.

Up Close and Dangerous takes viewers behind the scenes of wildlife filmmaking for a look at some of the most alarming animal encounters ever caught on film. The filmmakers who captured these harrowing moments are among the best in the world, and they've joined us to tell their tales. Some of the highlights include a surprise charge by a protective silverback gorilla; a hair-raising face-to-lens encounter with a wild wolf and an elephant seal brawl that catches a cameraman off guard.

Note that the professionals featured in this Animal Planet series are all highly experienced and fully aware of the dangers of the job. Their encounters, while fascinating, are also instructive; they illustrate just how unpredictable nature can be and how much we still have to learn about wildlife.

Witness wildlife filmmaking at its most intense. Watch Up Close and Dangerous on Animal Planet. Check the TV Schedule for the next air date.