Feeding seagulls at the beach sounds like a fun beach pastime and an ideal way to get rid of uneaten sandwiches and chips. But please take a few moments to discover four reasons why this is not a good idea:

  1. Seagulls can turn quite aggressive when they believe a snack is owed to them. They can chase and even peck you until you give them a tasty treat. When a flock of seagulls comes together, it becomes yet more dangerous for you and even for others nearby.
  2. It’s unhealthy for them to eat our scraps. They will fill up on the offered foods that are not suitable for their nutritional needs, then not be hungry for the fish and other sea life that will keep them healthy.
  3. It draws them near fishing lines and nets. The seagulls can easily become entangled in fishing line, damaging or even breaking a wing or leg. That leaves the seagull unable to hunt for its food or flee from prey.
  4. They become dependent on humans for their source of food – something that is never good for wildlife. When animals stop being afraid of humans, they become a nuisance and can even be menacing to us whether food is involved or not.

Next time you are at the beach, please resist the urge to feed the seagulls. It will keep you safe, as well as the seagulls!