Shaw Media today announced the upcoming launch of Nat Geo Wild, a new digital channel dedicated to bringing audiences extraordinary wildlife programming — offering the most spectacular and thrilling encounters with nature’s ferocious fighters and gentle creatures of land, sea and air. The channel is scheduled to launch on May 7, 2012.

With the launch of Nat Geo Wild, viewers are set to experience the best, most intimate encounters with wildlife ever seen on television. Backed by National Geographic Channel’s undisputed reputation, Nat Geo Wild brings viewers groundbreaking encounters and insights from every corner of the animal kingdom, and compelling stories presented by top wildlife experts in the field. From the most remote environments, to the forbidding depths of the oceans, to the protected parks on viewers’ doorsteps, Nat Geo Wild uses spectacular cinematography and compelling storytelling to take viewers on unforgettable journeys into the wild world.

“Canadians have a remarkable appetite for family-friendly wildlife programming, and we are thrilled to connect our viewers with the foremost experts on the subject with the launch of Nat Geo Wild,” said Paul Robertson, President, Shaw Media. “No other channel offers such spectacular cinematography and stunning HD picture quality as National Geographic provides.”

Nat Geo Wild is the fastest growing network in National Geographic ChanneIs International’s portfolio (NGCI), and is NGCI’s second network to be offered in high definition. First launched in August 2006 in Hong Kong, the channel now reaches 100 million homes worldwide and is currently available in more than 90 countries across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Australia.

National Geographic Channel will continue to differentiate itself with a rich tapestry of adventure, exploration, culture and science programming, including a select number of natural history specials, while Nat Geo Wild will dedicate its platform solely to wildlife and animal programming with a mix of event programming, specials and series. The channel will initially launch in nearly 2 million households coast to coast, including both Shaw and Shaw Direct. Additional carriage will be announced in the coming weeks.

Nat Geo Wild’s Spring lineup is set to include:

Human Shark Bait (Premieres Tuesday, May 8, at 10 pm)

From some of the world’s most shark-infested waters off the coast of South Africa, a team of free-divers and conservationists put their safety on the line to separate shark attack myths from realities.

Wild Mississippi (Airs Monday at 8 pm beginning May 21)

A documentary detailing the once-in-500-year flood that occurred all along the Mississippi River last Spring and the devastating effects it had on wildlife, the human population, the environment and property.

America The Wild (Airs Thursdays at 7 pm beginning May 17)

Casey Anderson treks across North America and gets up close to grizzlies, wolverines, and other elusive species.

Live like an Animal (Mondays at 8 pm beginning June 4)

A series that sees hosts explore the ingenuity of animal architects as they find out what it takes to build and live in human-sized versions of animal homes, such as a beaver’s lodge and bird’s nest.

Upcoming Series include:

Shane Untamed (Summer/Fall 2012)

Shane Untamed follows intrepid “one man band” producer, shooter, host, and adventurer Shane Reynolds – better known to his friends as “Shane O” – on a pilgrimage to the wildest places on earth. Told through his unique storytelling and camera and editing style, each episode of Shane Untamed not only promises to be an amazing, personal encounter with wildlife and cultures around the globe, but also a no-holds-barred adventure that takes viewers on the journey of a lifetime.

Dangerous Encounters (new season, Fall 2012)

Which are the most feared predators on the planet and pack the most powerful bite? Expert Brady Barr finds out, by venturing into the lairs of some of the world’s most dangerous creatures.