In a barn owl nest box, a mother returned with a rodent to feed it's chicks but one baby bird nearly choked on the food and needed the intervention from their mother to save it.

Wildlife ecologist Motti Charter has a camera set up in the box that was located in Florida, as it captured the action as it unfolded.

The barn owl landed inside the nest and began to break up the kill amongst the baby birds but one juvenile began to consume the leg of the rat which caused a blockage.

The young owl was clearly experiencing trouble which provoked the mother to step in and remove the rodent from the beak of the baby and subsequently save the bird.

Motti said: "This heroic act seems to demonstrate the barn owl's strong maternal instinct, and the rescue video went viral due to the incredible nature of the event.

"It is a heartwarming example of how animals can show empathy and care for their young, and the incredible bond between a mother and her offspring."