Springwatch viewers furiously slam show as they demand bosses warn them before grisly scenes
SPRINGWATCH viewers have slammed the show and demanded bosses warn them before grisly scenes.
Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan updated fans on a short-eared owl’s next – which was first shown last week.
However, the BBC show faced viewer backlash following scenes of one animal’s demise.
Chris explained: “There were six youngsters in the nest” and added: “Last night there were only two left in the nest.”
The other four had spread out in a bid to avoid capture by predators.
Meanwhile, Michaela admitted the team was “really surprised” upon telling viewers how one chick ate its sibling.
This occurred after “nights of hunger” and the younger chick became “weak and defenceless”.
Viewers were horrified by the disturbing scenes and soon shared their reactions on social media.
One wrote: “Baby owl eating its sibling alive ffs. Give us a 5-minute warning next time.”
Another penned: “Ffs that was hideous…it didn’t die and get eaten, it was pulled apart alive poor thing.”
A third chimed in: “Oh no, the owl chick eating its sibling whilst still alive. Horrible.”
While a fourth commented: “Oh my days….that was grim, poor baby.”
Earlier this year, Michaela, 59, opened up about an off-screen row with Chris, 64.
Admitting they are sometimes opposites in their presenting styles, Michaela said in an interview with The Times: “He has all the facts, whereas I love the stories surrounding a particular nest.
“Last year I had to really fight my corner — a buzzard pecked its sibling to death and chucked it out of the nest onto the ground.
“Chris and the team wanted to put a camera on all the beasts that were eating it.
Everything you need to know about Springwatch
Springwatch began in 2005 and showcases British wildlife during the changing of the seasons in the United Kingdom
It’s presented by Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Iolo Williams and Megan McCubbin
Chris and Michaela joined the show from 2009 and 2011 onwards, respectively
Just like last year, the long-running series is broadcasting live from RSPB Arne in Dorset
A total of 19 series have aired to date, with the 20th edition now on air on BBC Two
The show’s popularity over the years spawned spin-offs Autumnwatch and Winterwatch
Autumnwatch began as a one-off, but was expanded into its own series from 2006 to 2022
Last year, the Beeb cancelled Autumnwatch citing budget concerns and having a smaller audience than its counterparts
The original presenting line-up for Springwatch included comedian and conservationist Bill Oddie, television presenter Kate Humble and naturalist Simon King
Bill, known for his work with The Goodies, exited the programme in 2008, followed by Simon in 2010 and Kate in 2011
“He was saying, ‘It’s really interesting.’ I said, ‘Yes, but it’s a step too far. Our audience has invested in that little chick, we don’t need to see it now being decimated with a slow-mo camera.’
“In the end we didn’t have room for the footage.”
Michaela added: “You’ve got to keep it a little bit positive.”
Springwatch airs on BBC Two and iPlayer.