We've all been there, walking up a promenade on a hot summer day enjoying an ice cream or some fish and chips. Nothing could ruin the moment.
Well, enter the beaky little nightmare.
Seagulls are natural-born foragers and a right royal pain in the backside for anyone wishing to enjoy the seaside.
A gull will snatch food from a hand, especially if held aloft and out of direct human eyeline.
🍟🐦 We've never described seagulls as "psychos", but it's always nice to see our press release get picked up in the national press!
— British Pest Control Association (BPCA) (@britpestcontrol) April 29, 2024
READ: https://t.co/bTqt69uhMX #PestsInThePress
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has urged caution during gull nesting season, which particularly heightens in the summer.
Seagulls have also been known to attack humans when they get too close to their nests. They are incredibly protective creatures, especially during bird nesting season, and anyone who gets too close can expect a rather violent retaliation and possible injuries.
Can you hit a seagull?
No. You cannot scrap a seagull.
Like all other wild birds, gulls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it an offence to intentionally injure or kill any gull, or to take, damage or destroy an active nest or its contents.
You are strongly advised not to feed seagulls as this will not only increase the seagull population but will also cause unnecessary annoyance to neighbours.
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When gulls are fed regularly it creates an artificially high population and encourages further breeding pairs to take up residence in the area.
People who cause nuisance by persistently feeding gulls at home could face a Community Protection Notice from certain local councils. This may attract a fixed penalty if not complied with.
What should I do instead if I'm attacked?
Lift your arms to protect your head if a seagull begins swooping at you. Keep your arms above your head, but don't wave them around.
Move away from the area until the gull stops attacking you. Waving your arms around to try and fend off the seagull may just aggravate it more and make the attack worse.
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