RESIDENTS of Cowal and Bute have been warned to stop feeding the seagulls that they spot outside.
This is due to the fact that the birds become more difficult to control after being fed and often attack passers-by. Their increased hostility during the summer months can also be traced back to chicks being nearby.
Locals have also been advised by the council that food waste should be disposed of responsibly in a bin provided or stored away properly.
By taking these precautions, seagulls will focus less of their attention on members of the public.
The council has released a range of different guidance regarding this issue through their website.
Some of this advice states: “Seagulls are beautiful animals to observe in their natural environment, but they can be a nuisance around your property, causing damage, creating constant noise, mess and health risks from their droppings. Also, during the breeding season, the birds can become aggressive if they feel threatened.
“Seaside towns and villages are becoming extremely attractive to seagulls to feed and rear their young, but we urge people to stop feeding seagulls as the expert view is that these birds are scavengers which are thriving and putting both the public and other bird populations at risk.
“Our main priorities are to identify the scale and locus of the problem, adopt environmental measures to reduce food sources [and] discourage people who regularly feed scavenging birds.
“The council has no statutory duty to take action against gulls. The law says it is illegal to capture, injure or destroy any wild bird or interfere with its nest or eggs. This includes herring gulls. The penalties for disregarding the law can be severe.”
The page added: “Gulls are opportunistic and will scavenge waste bins and look for food. It’s important that the public are made aware that gulls are attracted to areas where food is plentiful.
“Don’t feed gulls at home or areas such as parks and other open spaces. Ensure litter and other food waste is properly stored and/or disposed of using the bins provided. Put waste (particularly food waste) out for collection on the day of collection and not the night before.”
Local residents expressed a range of views about the issue online. One Facebook user argued: “There should be fines for feeding them.”
Another agreed, commenting: “Don’t feed them, it just makes them a bigger pest.”
Others took a different view, with one person saying: “If it makes you happy, go for it.”
Another commenter described feeding the birds as a therapeutic hobby.
Further information and advice on dealing with seagulls is available on the Argyll and Bute Council website.
