Public urged to think twice before intervening with young gulls
Wildlife rescue organisations across the UK are urging kind-hearted members of the public to check advice before attempting to help or “rescue” young gulls, as admissions continue to rise each year – many of which are unnecessary.
The RSPCA, Scottish SPCA and the British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (BWRC) have raised concerns because thousands of gulls are being brought into their care every year – but a number of these are healthy chicks or fledglings that did not require help.
Verity Miles, wildlife rescue expert at the RSPCA said: “Each summer, our wildlife centres see a surge in young gulls being brought in by kind members of the public. Gulls are such underappreciated animals, so it’s amazing so many people want to help them. However, in many cases these birds have not been abandoned, but have left the nest as they learn to fly – this is a normal part of their development. Their parents will usually remain nearby and continue to feed and protect them, but sadly many well-meaning passers-by will mistake this for abandonment.”
Wildlife rescue teams are also receiving many thousands of calls from concerned members of the public, particularly during the peak breeding season.
Healthy bird are best left alone
Sean Meechan, Wildlife Operations Lead from the SSPCA, said: “Our rescue officers attend thousands of gull-related calls each year, especially in early summer. While some situations do require intervention, the majority involve healthy birds that are best left alone.”
Experts from the RSPCA, Scottish SPCA and BWRC warn that unnecessary intervention can actually do more harm than good.
Paul Reynolds, Chair for the BWRC, added: “Taking a healthy chick or fledgling away from their parents can cause stress to the young bird and significantly reduce their chance of survival. Not only that, but it is also an offence to disturb, or take gulls or eggs from their nests, unless absolutely necessary, so you may inadvertently be breaking the law by bringing in gulls that are not sick or injured.”
As well as the risks to the birds themselves, this surge in admissions means a strain in resources at rescue centres as they are potentially diverted from helping genuinely sick and injured wildlife.
More than half of these to be orphaned or grounded
The RSPCA alone has cared for nearly 4,000 gulls in their wildlife centres the past five years – particularly over summer months, with a substantial peak in June. More than half of these involved young birds thought to be orphaned or grounded. The Scottish SPCA attended over 11,000 gull-related incidents during this same period – highlighting the scale of public concern and seasonal demand.
The organisations are encouraging the public to follow simple guidance:
- If a young gull is uninjured, leave them where they are so their parents can continue to feed them
- Very young chicks in immediate danger may be carefully moved to a nearby safe elevated spot, if possible
- Only intervene if a bird is clearly sick or injured
Members of the public should contact a vet or reputable wildlife rehabilitator if they find an injured baby gull. Injured adult gulls can be reported to the RSPCA or Scottish SPCA – who may advise contacting a local wildlife rehabilitator.
The increased handling and higher number of birds in care can also sadly raise the risk of disease transmission, such as avian influenza.
If you’re concerned, the best course of action is to contact us
Sean Meechan, from the Scottish SPCA added: “The Scottish Government advises against handling gulls. If you’re concerned, the best course of action is to contact us and we can assess the situation.”
More information for those in Scotland can be found on SSPCA’s website, while advice for those in England and Wales can be found on the RSPCA website.
The RSPCA website also has advice on how to report bird flu incidents in England and Wales.
