LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- Animal Planet will roll out a half-dozen originals in April, including a second season of its paranormal series "The Haunted."

Here's a breakdown of what's on tap in the coming weeks:

-- "The Haunted" returns for its sophomore run on Friday, April 1 at 10:00/9:00c. Also due on Fridays is newcomer "Killer Outbreaks," which follows everyone from small town doctors at community hospitals to top scientists at the Centers for Disease Control as they combat devastating diseases. Said effort bows Friday, April 15 at 9:00/8:00c.

-- The long-running "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom" will be back for its ninth season on Sunday, April 3 at 7:00/6:00c. The veteran series will be joined by season three of "River Monsters" the following week, April 10, at 10:00/9:00c.

-- "The Bear Whisperer" will make its series debut on Thursday, April 7 at 10:00/9:00c. The three-part series, a follow-up to last year's two-hour special, follows Steve Searles as he manages the bear population in Mammoth Lakes, California.

-- Previously announced entries include "Taking on Tyson" (premieres Sunday, March 6 at 10:00/9:00c, concludes with two-hour finale on Sunday, April 3 at 9:00/8:00c), "Bear Woman" (three-part series due on Thursday, March 17 at 10:00/9:00c) and "I'm Alive" (season two bows Wednesday, March 2 at 10:00/9:00c); while "It's Me or the Dog" and "Cats 101" resume new episodes on Saturday, March 26 and Saturday, April 9, respectively.