Why seagulls attack people

Or rather, they only do what they must to survive - just like humans. Why would a seagull attack a human being for no reason, like so many people say they do? We are ten times bigger than they are, are much more powerful and could easily hurt them or even kill them. Seagull populations developed around coastal areas where fishing towns would provide them plenty of food.

Nowadays seagulls have adapted to living in non-fishing towns, where they can find food that humans throw away. This food can come from various situations, such as:. If this happens, please remember that they are not attacking you but trying to get to your food. Put your trash out as close to collection time as possible to limit the time it's exposed to wildlife. Scan the area for gulls before you sit down to eat outside. Look around for gulls perched on nearby posts, walls, and buildings.

Take note of any gulls that appear to be watching the area and keep an eye on them or go somewhere else to eat. Have a backup plan of where to move to if seagulls start coming towards you aggressively.

This lets you keep an eye on any gulls in the area in case they start approaching you in search of food. Stare hard at any gull that starts coming closer to you on foot. Carry food in closed containers inside a bag if possible and hold it close to your body, so that gulls are less likely to spot it and dive for it. Cover them until you reach a place where you can sit down to eat them safely.

If you have to carry something uncovered like an ice cream cone or a pastry, keep it close to your body instead of holding it outstretched in front of you. Dispose of food waste promptly and properly. Throw away food scraps and disposable food containers in the proper disposal bins as soon as you finish eating. Method 2. Listen for a low-pitched, squawking sound as a warning of an attack. Gulls defending their nests and chicks make a warning sound to tell you to get away before they attack.

If you want to familiarize yourself with the warning sound, you might be able to find audio clips of it online. The breeding season for gulls is typically from March to September, so be especially cautious during this time. Move away if you hear a warning squawk or if a gull starts swooping at you. Find a different route that lets you avoid the nesting gulls. Lift up your arms to protect your head if a seagull begins swooping at you.

Unlike other deterrents that gulls may get used to, a bird of prey will always be a threat. In other areas, councils have turned to "egg oiling". Removing the eggs from the nest and dipping them in liquid paraffin forms a seal around the egg that stops them from maturing and hatching. The gulls continue to sit on the eggs until they eventually move on.

While total numbers are declining, you may still be seeing more of them, according to bird experts. That's because some species have become urbanised and are living closer to humans, says Dr Steve Portugal from the Royal Holloway University of London.

As their natural environments on cliff tops become seaside towns, he says, some species have travelled inland where they find high rooftops as a substitute home and plenty of food from litter and food waste. Bird experts say that reports of gull attacks tend to rise when new chicks are born - usually from the end of May until August. Wildlife expert Charlotte Ambrose, of the RSPB, says most gulls are "caring and attentive parents" who will defend their young from any perceived threats.

Seagull 'flew off with Gizmo the Chihuahua'. Concern over 'snooping' anti-gull drone. Image source, Getty Images. Make do and deter. Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team?

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