Seagulls have been causing havoc for both locals and tourists at Britain’s seaside, aggressively diving for ice creams and chips, even sending a child to hospital. These birds have been a persistent nuisance, disrupting the enjoyment of many.
Cheesy Toast Shack in St Andrews reports that they lose hundreds of pounds daily by replacing meals taken by these birds. The problem has become so severe that some businesses, like Hawkins BBQ on the Isle of Man, now offer “seagull insurance” for an extra pound. This policy guarantees a free replacement meal if a seagull steals your food.
Kate Carter-Larg, the owner of Cheesy Toast Shack, is considering a similar policy. She explains the severity of the situation, noting the aggressive nature of the gulls. “The gulls are super aggressive and actually terrifying,” she said. “We are a family-run business, and I can’t just watch a sandwich get stolen without replacing it, so I always give another for free. But it is really an issue, costing us a lot. People are even left bleeding after the gulls swoop for the food.”
GULLS UNDER COVER🦅- A food truck has become the latest outlet to offer ‘seagull insurance’.
Hawkins BBQ announced the new £1 policy after locals were left ‘traumatised’ by attacks from the birds targeting their grub.
📝@dpwhitbread pic.twitter.com/bhBxUJEyhd
— SWNS Leeds (@SWNSLeeds) August 20, 2024
The problem extends beyond just financial loss. Kate mentions receiving emails from elderly customers who nearly injured themselves due to seagulls, and children often cry after encounters with the birds. The gulls even dive bomb tourists trying to take photos of their meals.
The situation has escalated over the summer, with numerous reports of increasingly bold seagulls. In Aberdeen, one woman filmed a seagull causing chaos in her kitchen, while in Swansea, a chicken shop was disrupted when a seagull flew inside. Diners had to duck for cover until someone managed to catch and eject the bird.
A Swedish child was hospitalised after a seagull attack in Lyme Regis, Dorset. While enjoying a croissant, a gull swooped down, snatching the snack and cutting her hand with its beak. She needed a tetanus shot at the hospital. This incident is one of many recent attacks in the area. One bystander reported seeing a gull stalk a woman leaving a bakery and steal her cake.
In response, Lyme Regis has made it illegal to intentionally feed seagulls. The town council has also introduced gull-proof bins, drones, and bird handlers with hawks and eagles to deter the birds.
Expert Dominic Couzens explains that the problem lies with humans, not the birds. “The reason herring gulls started eating chips is that people would leave them and not put them in bins,” he said. Seagulls are opportunistic and highly adaptable, simply following their natural instincts.
Other Perspective
- The Independent reports on the widespread issue of dive-bombing seagulls in Britain, highlighting their indiscriminate attacks on beachgoers and city dwellers, with some residents even carrying firearms for protection.(read more)
- The Mirror: Seagulls are wreaking havoc across Britain, causing sleep deprivation, stealing food, and even drawing blood from locals, as their aggressive behavior escalates.(read more)
- Manchester Evening News reports that seagulls are causing a “hassle” in Rhyl by stealing ice creams and attacking residents, despite plans to reduce their numbers being axed due to public opposition.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why are seagulls attacking people at the seaside?
They are becoming more aggressive in their search for food, often snatching it from people.
What measures are businesses taking against seagull attacks?
Some businesses offer ‘seagull insurance’ for an extra pound, covering meal replacements if stolen by gulls.
Is there any legal action against feeding seagulls?
In Lyme Regis, it is now an offence to intentionally feed seagulls.
Are seagulls getting smarter?
Yes, they are intelligent and opportunistic, adapting to human behavior and exploiting food waste.
Have seagull attacks led to injuries?
Yes, there have been instances of injuries, including a child needing a tetanus shot after a seagull attack.