Nature isn't always pretty: Camera livestreams eagle feeding cat to babies

A webcam monitoring a bald eagle nest in Pittsburgh livestreamed some dramatic footage when a bird brought what appears to be a dead kitten to their nest to feed their young. (YouTube)

A webcam monitoring a bald eagle nest in Pittsburgh livestreamed some dramatic footage when a bird brought what appears to be a dead kitten to their nest to feed their young.

While it's usually roaming cats that prey on birds, it seems that the tables were turned in this case.

The footage, captured on Tuesday, shows one adult bald eagle in the nest with two babies when another adult bird swoops in with a treat for the whole family.

The furry critter appears limp in the footage, and experts say it was likely dead before it was dropped into the nest.

While it may be difficult to watch, bird experts say it's all part of nature.

"While many may cringe at this, the eagles bring squirrels, rabbits, fish (and other animals) into the nest to eat multiple times each day," the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania said on its Facebook page.

The group said it has received a number of questions about the video.

"To people, the cat represents a pet, but to the eagles and toother raptors, the cat is a way to sustain the eaglets and help them to grow," the group writes.

The organization also reminded cat owners to keep their critters indoors, primarily because cats are known to eat "many, many" songbirds.

"While seeing a cat in the nest was difficult for many, we're hopeful that people will understand that this is a part of nature, and nature isn't always kind or pretty," the group added.