Issues
During the breeding season, but particularly during the months of July and August reports of attacks on members of the public increase. Brought about by the current year’s breeding cycle, the adults take it upon themselves to protect their young who have just hatched, by swooping down upon anyone they perceive as a threat.
Research has shown that seagulls are having larger broods than they are traditionally, probably due to the lack of predators and the advantages of food close by. Gulls often live for between 25-30 years and this, combined with increases in brood size, has caused an increase in the seagull population.
The Clean Air Act of 1956 banned the burning of rubbish and led to an increase in open landfill sites around the country. This plentiful food supply helped move the gulls from traditional coastal areas inland where open bins and fast food pinched from unsuspecting members of the public was also added to their food supply. The new chicks learn the imprint of their place of birth and will exploit the advantages accordingly. Research has shown an increase in gulls in towns which is estimated at having doubled in the last 20 years