Sweeps brings out all sorts of stories designed to enrich the lives of local TV viewers.
In Oklahoma City, The Lost Ogle reports, stations there try to drum up viewership by turning their sights on the mountain lion population roaming the area looking for human prey.
They do this because mountain lions are shy, solitary, rarely-seen creatures that kill a few Americans each decade, therefore we should all be nervous, scared and on alert when going for a hike at Martin Nature Park.
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In Huntsville, Ala. ABC affiliate WAAY goes the warm and cuddly route by tapping the power of the dog to promote itself.
Any other stations looking to bask in the reflected glow of an animal story to bring in viewers? Let us know.