Give gulls a chance

THE RSPCA has launched a campaign to encourage people to live in harmony with seagulls.

Independent animal rescue teams have reported a sharp increase in the shooting of seagulls in the Peacehaven area and the RSPCA says it has had many calls in the South about aggressive nesting birds.

It hopes its new campaign will help people understand and tolerate gulls' natural behaviour.

The RSPCA's Jeremy Goodger said: 'Everyone enjoys sunny summer days by the sea with the gulls' wailing cry, but in our experience nothing is guaranteed to ruffle more feathers among human residents than the noise and mess these birds make in the towns.'

He added: 'Gulls nest on roofs and can block gas flues and chimneys. Parent birds will make swooping attacks on people to protect their young. Gulls will also snatch food from people and tear open rubbish sacks. But all these behaviours have natural explanation and their unpleasant effects can be minimised with a little care and understanding.'

He offered the following advice:

l Do not feed gulls. In some seaside towns gulls have learned to snatch food and cannot tell the difference between scraps willingly offered and your bag of chips.

l Put edible waste in gull-proof litter bins. Plastic bags left in the street are an open invitation to gulls.

l Gulls that swoop suddenly on people or pets are usually trying to protect chicks which have got out of the nest. If you see a gull chick, usually mottled brown and grey in colour, leave it be its parents can look after it better then you.

l If you are disturbed by nesting gulls on roofs call the local environmental health department or a pest control company which can advise about devices available to deter them.