Wildlife rescue organisations highlight risks at peak time for gull admissions
Wildlife rescue organisations are urging kind-hearted members of the public to check advice before attempting to help or ‘rescue’ young gulls.
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.”
Experts warn that unnecessary intervention can actually do more harm than good.
Paul Reynolds, chairman 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.
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.
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 SSPCA - 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.