Seagulls are a common sight in the UK, especially if you’re by the coast and tucking into some fish and chips.
It’s no secret that seagulls are known for their greed with some even being brave enough to take food out of your hands.
While you might think it’s a nice thing to give them some of your leftovers, experts are warning against it.
Can you feed seagulls?
Waste management experts at BusinessWaste.co.uk have warned people to avoid feeding seagulls because feeding and interacting with seagulls allows them to become more comfortable around humans, increasing the chance they feel confident enough to attack.
Seagulls are scavenger birds and naturally find their food from the sea but it’s also this feeding habit that means they’ll happily find their food from any opportunistic source.
Feeding seagulls encourages them to continue to flock to public places in search of food instead of out at sea.
Can you be fined for feeding seagulls?
The team at BusinessWaste.co.uk advises people to never actively feed seagulls because this can exacerbate the problem.
They explained that some local councils will fine you as much as £100.
If bins are overflowing, speak to a member of staff where you purchased your food and ask them to dispose of it for you.
Businesses are encouraged to work with waste management companies to secure bins, utilise seagull-proof bags and arrange waste collections early in the morning or later in the day when seagulls are less active.
East Devon District Council explained that feeding seagulls isn’t illegal but you should still avoid it: “It is not generally illegal to feed the gulls but it is never advisable and it is best for their health if they follow their natural instincts.”
Can seagulls attack you?
Yes, some seagulls will attack humans. East Devon District Council explained “this is almost always because the adult gulls are protecting their chicks.”
Native wild animals in the UK
Many businesses find that seagulls are attracted to bins and will often rip through bags and rummage through the contents, allowing waste to spill everywhere, the waste experts explained.
This makes it difficult to keep local areas clean and sees bin workers regularly facing battles to do their job without the risk of being attacked.
If one tries to steal your food, you should cover it as best as you can and calmly walk away.
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Mark Hall, waste management expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, said: “Many people visit the seaside for a trip away and are blissfully unaware of the havoc that seagulls cause to the local population. The seabird can grow to huge sizes and as a result, attacks on the public and waste workers can actually be quite dangerous.
“As the birds are scavengers, they will do whatever is required to eat, even if that means stealing food from humans, or ripping into bin bags.
“We’re hoping with a bit of awareness, people will ensure they adjust their behaviour where needed and prevent the issue from escalating further.”
