BBC Springwatch sparks fury as fans fume 'warn us next time' over 'grim' discovery

s hit wildlife programme was inundated with backlash after showing horrific scenes of one animal's brutal death. Its presenters, and , returned to screens with a major update on the short-eared owl's nest, which was introduced last week.

Chris reflected: "There were six youngsters in the nest," before revealing: "Last night there were only two left in the nest," while the other four spread out to avoid predators. However, after nights of hunger, Michaela admitted "it really surprised us" as she informed viewers the younger chick was eaten alive by its stronger sibling after becoming "weak and defenceless." The harrowing scenes left viewers disturbed as they took to social media with fury, including one who wrote: "Baby owl eating its sibling alive ffs. Give us a 5-minute warning next time." (sic)

A shocked viewer stated: "Oh my days....that was grim, poor baby," as another echoed: "Oh no, the owl chick eating its sibling whilst still alive. Horrible."

A fourth agreed: "Ffs that was hideous...it didn't die and get eaten, it was pulled apart alive poor thing."

"Jeeze, could have done without being shown that older owl chick pecking its fellow younger chick to death. It's different it dying and then being eaten, but to be eaten alive is horrible," added a disgusted fan.

While another couldn't face the graphic scenes and announced they were switching off the programme: "F*** #Springwatch TURNOVER!"

The cameras facing the nest showed the full view of the larger bird pecking at its weaker sibling, which was still alive until it pulled it apart.

As the tragic footage played, Michaela detailed the scenes to viewers, saying, "As you can see, that little one became weak and defenceless, and the stronger sibling took complete advantage.

"Started pecking at the younger one, it was still alive, and I'm really sorry to say, I know it's hard to watch, but it pecked it to death, and that was really surprising for us."

The presenter added, "They were fed four times. The little one could've taken some of that food, but the bigger one took it, although there was plenty of prey around. They were branching out, so they were old enough to survive. We thought all of them were going to survive."