Mr Packham, who lives within the New Forest, was presenting an merchandise on The One Show about how goshawks are making a comeback after coming near extinction.
He sniffed considered one of three chicks, explaining that goshawks had a “attribute scent or fragrance”, earlier than the birds have been weighed, sexed, and ringed.
But a viewer contacted police and alleged that the 62-year-old broadcaster had disturbed the uncommon woodland predators, that are protected by legislation.
A Hampshire police spokesperson stated: “We obtained a report referring to an alleged offence below the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it’s at the moment being reviewed by our Countrywatch group.”
Posting on social media, Mr Packham denied doing something mistaken.
He added: “When it involves goshawks’ welfare we ought to fret rather less about naturalists having a sniff sometimes and [more about] the widespread persecution of those species.”
READ MORE: New Forest-based naturalist Chris Packham opens wildlife hide in grounds of Stroud School, Romsey
The presenter informed The Daily Telegraph {that a} “large quantity” of goshawks have been killed by gamekeepers yearly.
Referring to the merchandise on The One Show he added: “All three of those birds fledged the nest – let’s hope they survive.”
A BBC spokesperson added: “The One Show had permission to movie and adopted all protocols round filming wildlife.”
A goshawk prepares to devour its prey (Image: Gordon Spruce)
Nature lovers have taken to X, previously referred to as Twitter, to defend the Southampton-born presenter.
Raptor Protection UK stated: “Biggest risk to UK goshawks is gamekeepers, not Chris Packham. The latest in a long-running malicious smear marketing campaign is simply laughable.”
Protect the Wild added: “This is simply ridiculous. The anti-Chris Packham brigade out in full drive once more.”
READ MORE: TV star Chris Packham joins protest against ‘attack on environmental laws’
Forestry England declined to touch upon the viewer’s criticism, which was made to police on July 2.
A press release on its web site says the New Forest is home to 45 pairs of goshawks, which is one of many UK’s most elusive birds of prey.
“Goshawks have been absent from the Forest for 120 years, solely returning in 2002. Since then, a group at Forestry England have been working arduous to study extra about these raptors and assist to make sure that they’re able to breed efficiently.”
In 2014 chicken lovers celebrated the arrival of the primary chicks born to a pair of goshawks nesting within the Forest.
A webcam enabled nature lovers to look at them being cared for by their dad and mom.
