Latest news with #herringgull
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Barmouth gull kicked to death after stealing fish from plate
A herring gull has died after it was kicked after stealing fish from someone's plate, the RSPCA has said. The incident happened at Marine Parade in Barmouth, Gwynedd, outside a fish and chip shop on 4 August at about 13:00 BST. Julia Dalgleish, RSPCA animal rescue officer, said: "Gulls and their nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is illegal to do anything that causes suffering to gulls."The organisation is looking for first-hand witnesses to get in touch. Ms Dalgleish said: "Sadly, many people have an unfavourable opinion of gulls - but these are intelligent animals who form strong social bonds with."The RSPCA asked for help identifying someone of interest to the case, "he is about 5ft 10in (1.78m), has curly hair, is of medium build and was wearing a black jacket". Why do gulls steal food? Gull populations are in decline, with several species on the UK red list of conservation gulls are coming to live closer to people, adding human leftovers to their natural menu of fish, crabs, starfish and birds may be flocking to urban areas to find food to feed their chicks during the breeding season, switching back to a natural diet once their youngsters have gulls may be relying on human leftovers for much of the year as the natural food supply are in trouble in their natural spaces, and some species, such as herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls, are seeking refuge in coastal is very little data on the number of urban gulls - but natural populations are regularly monitored, showing big declines.
BBC News
08-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Bradford: Litter warning after gull tangled in string put down
A herring gull left tangled in string had to be put down, prompting a litter warning from the young bird was spotted tightly wrapped in the material while up on a telegraph pole on Winston Terrace, Bradford, on 29 Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service managed to cut the string and partially free the gull, but the bird had to be euthanised due to the extent of its injuries. "This is such a sad incident and highlights the dangers of litter to wildlife," the RSPCA's Hannah Westen said. "While still trailing the string, the juvenile herring gull flew from a telegraph pole to the top of a high tree," the animal rescue officer said. "He flew down to the ground, still entangled, with the other end of the string caught in the top of the tree."The fire service put the bird in a cardboard box and contacted the RSPCA for further support. "On closer examination at the vets, we could see that the string was tightly wrapped round the poor bird's right wing multiple times, which suggests he had been spiralling around," Ms Westen said."We managed to get the string off, but it was clear his feathers were so damaged that there was no hope of rehabilitation."The RSPCA urged people to hold on to litter until they find an opportunity to dispose or recycle it safely and responsibly."As we all strive to create a better world for every animal, this could save an animal's life," she added. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
