In the summer of 2019, a person captured the scene of a flock of seagulls “partying” on Bournemouth beach with leftover wine and beer that tourists had not finished.
Typically, these white seagulls flying around the coastline give us an impression of elegance and charm. In some Western coastal cities, these birds have become an essential characteristic symbol.
However, behind the pleasant impressions of seagulls lies a harsh reality. They have a habit of “snatching” food in a brazen manner. French fries, hamburgers, ice cream… in the hands of tourists suddenly vanish into thin air. The culprits are none other than the seagulls.
Seagulls love to eat ice cream from tourists’ hands.
Recently, researchers have discovered that global warming and rising temperatures have led to a series of environmental issues. At the same time, seagulls are showing signs of changing their habits and behaviors. They are becoming increasingly “bold,” prone to destruction, and even capable of exhibiting brutal behaviors such as swallowing chicks.
Climate Change Leading to Behavioral Changes
In July 2019, British seagulls made headlines as they were reported to have “captured” a Chihuahua in Devonshire, been seen swallowing pigeons alive, and even hunting rabbits.
Natalie Williams, the owner of the missing Chihuahua, monitored the rooftop where the seagulls often perched and found a frightening pile of carcasses and animal fur, including the body of a seagull that had been killed by other seagulls.
The Chihuahua taken by seagulls.
Regarding the increasing trend of violent behavior and the reasons why seagulls are preying on other birds and mammals, scientists believe this is closely related to global environmental changes.
As global temperatures rise, many plankton and fish migrate to deeper, colder waters. This means that seagulls living around shallow waters are struggling to find food.
Moreover, the decline of the fishing industry in England in recent years has contributed to the food scarcity for seagulls. In this situation, many bird species have had to venture inland in search of new food sources.
Seagulls hunting fish.
In England, a resident of Bristol captured images of seagulls catching pigeons. After the photo was shared on social media Twitter, many people left comments recounting similar experiences.
From this, it can be concluded: It seems that other bird species have become common prey for seagulls. Even residents in Devonshire have witnessed many scenes of seagulls ruthlessly swallowing their own kind.
Seagulls eating pigeons.
Outside a restaurant in Cornwall, a seagull was seen eating a pigeon, causing diners to tremble with fear. Along the Northern Bergland coast, many have witnessed seagulls catching and eating chicks even with the mother bird nearby.
Outrageous Behavior: Drunkenness, Vomiting, Snatching
Even more notably, these seagulls do not just enjoy the “scent of blood.” Many people across England have seen drunken seagulls falling off rooftops, staggering down the street, and even vomiting on those trying to help them.
In the summer of 2019, one person recorded a scene of a flock of seagulls “celebrating” on Bournemouth beach with leftover wine and beer from tourists.
It seems drunken seagulls are not much different from humans!
What is even more astonishing is that one bottle of wine among them contained urine and had been nearly consumed by the birds. It seems drunken seagulls are not much different from humans!
But they do not only drink leftover beer and wine from humans; one seagull has exhibited more “malicious” behavior, gradually learning how to snatch drinks from people’s hands.
Fiona Heath, from Glasgow, shared her experience as a victim of seagulls on Twitter: “A seagull just flew over, drank my wine, and knocked over my glass. They left me not a single drop.”
Seagulls gradually learn how to snatch drinks from people.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) treated nearly 30 drunken seagulls over a two-week period. Initially, the group suspected these birds were suffering from a new neurological condition, but it became clear that they recovered after vomiting.
Jo Daniel, head of the organization responsible for rescuing drunken seagulls, launched the first campaign in the summer of 2019.
“Those seagulls smelled like drunk people, reeking of alcohol, making our animal rescue vehicle smell like a mobile bar,” Jo recounted.
Residents want to “expel” seagulls from their habitat.
Virgil Turner, a firefighter in Dorsetshire, also recounted a story about rescuing a drunken seagull: “When we arrived, a seagull had fallen off the roof. It was shaking its head and suddenly tried to fly up as I approached.”
Later, Turner managed to catch the “dazed bird”, which suddenly vomited on the firefighter.
However, not all seagulls that appear to be drunk are alcoholics. There is another possibility.
Around July each year, a large number of “flying ants” flood England. These ants contain formic acid, which can poison seagulls that consume them, resulting in symptoms similar to those induced by hallucinogenic drugs.
Some have seen seagulls flying erratically in the air, with many exhibiting aggressive behavior.
To Protect or Exterminate This “Nasty” Species?
In England, many elderly people have been pecked on the head by seagulls, some postal workers have been attacked multiple times, and even some dogs have been “mobbed” to death by seagulls.
July each year is the time when seagulls become the most aggressive, as this is a crucial period for their chicks to develop enough strength to leave the nest.
Due to these increasingly excessive behaviors, the Worcestershire County Council has even hired “seagull control officers” to deal with these birds. Some other localities refer to seagulls as “aggressive flying rats,” calling for the elimination of this harmful species.
However, the attitude of animal rescue organizations is quite different.
Wild Bird Aid, a rescue group on the Isle of Wight, posted images of six dead seagulls on social media, claiming that drivers had deliberately run them over.
According to English law, those who intentionally kill or capture seagulls can face up to 6 months in prison or a fine of £5,000.
However, in the case of drunken seagulls or those poisoned by eating the errant flying ants on the road, there is insufficient evidence to determine that the driver intentionally killed this protected bird.
Residents want to “expel” seagulls from their habitat. Animal protection groups are working hard to defend this bird species. Two opposing viewpoints have been fiercely contending.
From a broader perspective, the reason seagulls have become “nasty” is climate change, or it is a consequence of human actions. If in the future, this bird exhibits more harmful behaviors, the authorities will undoubtedly have to take decisive measures.
