Chris Packham reported to police after ‘sniffing’ wild goshawk chick on TV
Chris Packham has been reported to the police after allegedly 'sniffing' a baby goshawk bird during a segment on The One Show.
The wildlife presenter appeared on the programme in June, informing viewers the species had recovered after almost becoming extinct after being killed 'illegally' by gamekeepers. In the short clip, Chris was seen sniffing one of three chicks to discover its "characteristic scent or perfume" before they were weighed, sexed, and ringed in accordance with a British Trust for Ornithology permit.
However, after the episode was aired, a police complaint was made claiming a filming licence may not have been secured, therefore causing a "disturbance" to a protected species.
Wildlife presenter Chris Packham has come under fire after his latest appearance on The One Show (BBC/James Vale)Chris insisted he hadn't broken any laws, claiming those worried about the birds should be more concerned about "widespread persecution" by gamekeepers, who have killed goshawks 'illegally'. But one viewer was appalled by what he'd seen, telling The Telegraph: "I watched the programme and was struck by the way Mr Packham handled and sniffed the birds. These birds are Schedule 1 protected and it is a crime to intentionally or recklessly disturb at, on or near an active nest."
According to a Hampshire Police spokesperson, they were notified of an alleged violation of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 on July 2. They stated it is "currently being analysed by the force's Countrywatch unit," reports The Sun. A BBC spokesman told The Mirror: "The One Show had permission to film and followed all protocols around filming wildlife." We have contacted Chris' rep for further comment.
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The Springwatch star recently had to call in the cops over vicious online trolling of his partner and step-daughter. Police are investigating a vile tweet sent to Charlotte Corney, 47, who owns The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, and zoologist and TV presenter Megan McCubbin, 28, in May.
Speaking to The Mirror, Chris said: "The content of the tweet was about violence to women and it was also racial, racist and xenophobic. I am lucky that Charlotte and Megan have grown to be robust and understand I cannot stop doing what I do, so we have had to learn to deal with that type of abuse because it’s only going to go on and get worse."
The naturalist also said he worries about the future for his stepdaughter, Megan - whose mother Jo McCubbin was in a relationship with Chris for 10 years. He said: "I worry about Megan’s future and what’s the world going to be like, if she ever gets to my age? We have really quite ugly conversations about where’s the safest place in the world going to be. It’s a really depressing conversation to be having with a young person who’s starting their life in adulthood."
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