Why are seagulls protected?
ALTHOUGH traditionally associated with the seaside, seagulls are a bird that have become synonymous with cities in the UK.
There are six different species of gulls in Britain and, though they often hit the headlines for their actions, their population is actually in decline.
Why are seagulls protected in the UK?
Seagulls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
According to , this legislation protects wild birds and other animals in England and Wales and is put in place to to protect wild animals from unnecessary suffering.
Some species of gull, such as herring gulls and kittiwakes, are actually on the UK Red List, which is a list of birds in the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man in most urgent need of help.
Animals on the Red List are considered species of conservation concern because there is evidence suggesting that their populations are in decline overall.
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Climate crisis and overfishing have been blamed for the decline in gulls as they are reducing natural food sources for the birds.
Is it illegal to kill seagulls?
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects seagulls, their chicks and their nests.
This means it is illegal to intentionally kill seagulls.
It also against the law to take or injure gulls, take or destroy their eggs, or damage or destroy any gull nests while they're in use or being built.
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The only exception to this would be if somebody was was acting under licence.
Captive gulls are also protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which requires keepers to avoid causing them unnecessary suffering.
In April 2023 police launched an animal cruelty probe after a seagull was seen being walked on a dog lead by a man in Newcastle.
How long do seagulls live?
Seagulls have a lifespan of around 20 years.
In 2021, a birdwatcher from Cleveland, Ohio, discovered the oldest gull on record, a ring-billed gull who was 28 years old.
If you come across an injured gull, recommends reporting the bird to welfare organisations such as the RSPCA, SSPCA, or USPCA - or taking it to a wildlife hospital or a local vet.
It is not uncommon to find a gull chick on the ground as they leave the nest at an early age.
An uninjured chick, however, must be left where it is in the care of its own parents.
If it is in danger, it can be moved a short distance to a safer place.
The RSPB notes that you should be wary that the chick's parents may try to protect the chick and fly at you if you get too close.
What do seagulls eat?
Seagulls have become known for stealing food like chips and bread from unsuspecting humans on seafronts.
But they should actually be eating fish, insects, reptiles and rodents.
Shocking footage shared on TikTok in June 2023 showed a seagull eating a squirrel whole and some have been known to eat other birds.
Seagulls are omnivores, meaning they can also eat nuts and berries.
It is not recommended to feed seagulls, as both the RSPB and RSPCA warn that it could lead to them attacking for food.
Feeding the birds low nutritional items, such as bread or chips, can also be detrimental to their health and lead to long-term problems for them.
Do seagulls sleep?
Seagulls do sleep but they don't have a routine like humans do and will sleep at different times throughout the day.
They will often find somewhere safe and secure to sleep to avoid being exposed to attacks from prey.
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They are often seen sleeping in different poses - thought to be linked to various stages of sleep.
Seagulls often open and close their eyes while dozing so it can be hard to tell if they are awake or not.