In The Beverly Hillbillies, Elly May Clampett was famous for her love of “critters”—animals of every kind. But the show’s animal stars were no mere props. Behind the scenes, handling alleys full of live animals posed serious logistical challenges, unexpected comedic moments, and some of the most memorable off-script stories.
From puppies, skunks, raccoons, to more exotic creatures, Elly May interacted with hundreds of animals over the course of nine seasons. Production schedules were built around their unpredictable behavior. If a “critter” refused to move, took off in the wrong direction, or simply refused to respond to its trainer, cast and crew would wait, improvise, or sometimes shoot entirely different scenes.
Some animals had standout personalities. One dog, for instance, became notorious for stealing scene steals: whenever a scene called for Elly May to deliver dialogue, the dog in the background would bark, move into frame, or do something amusing—forcing multiple retakes. Similarly, raccoons were used in episodes not just as comic devices, but sometimes for visual effect, camera misdirection, and even for staging surprise reveals.
Donna Douglas often shared stories of patience, comedy, and occasional chaos. In interviews, she recounted times when animals mistook props for food, chewed wires, or hid under furniture. One pistachio scene (i.e. when Elly May sneaks or shares treats) was delayed because a squirrel refused to drop a nut—leading to four retakes.
Animal trainers, too, were integral. They coached the animals, coordinated cues, and sometimes improvised when animals went astray. Crew members remember early mornings spent pacifying an upset skunk, or setting up elaborate distractions so that birds would fly away on cue. These behind-the-scenes anecdotes, while chaotic, became part of the lore of the show—contributing to its belief that “critters” weren’t just set dressing but co-stars.
The unpredictability of animals added authenticity and spontaneity. When Elly May cradled a raccoon, the reaction in her voice, the way the animal shifted in arms, sometimes unscripted—these made scenes feel real. Comedy, after all, thrives on surprise, and with animals, surprises were guaranteed.
