Dawn of the Gulls: Recent Reports of Seagull Attacks Raises Questions – Why Are Our Seagulls Suddenly So Angry?

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Whether it's hype or not, the public will likely be more fearful of these common birds due to recent publicity, and may be more inclined to run from them – which could well result in an increased number of injuries on business properties.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) March 25, 2014

Laridaphobia (the intense fear of seagulls) may become a common term soon enough, as the number of seagull attacks reported in the news rises worldwide. But has anything really changed? Bird-X, Inc. investigates.

In mid-March 2014, a woman in the UK reports a seagull attack that occurred during her lunch break. After falling down as the result of being spooked by a large aggressive seagull (source), she’s turned to suing her company’s landlord for not controlling the building’s bird population. In Mrs. Kelly’s case, the birds were nesting on the roof of her office building – a situation that could have been prevented with proper bird control.

Also in March 2014, a beach in Orange County, California announced its plans to use a live hawk to chase away seagulls and pigeons, and in February 2014, a beach on the Coast of East Devon, UK made the same announcement – citing that a trained falconer will simultaneously entertain tourists (source).

In January 2014, the Pope famously released peace doves at the Vatican – we will spare the gritty images, but a seagull immediately attacked one of the helpless doves once it was released (source). This seagull was only acting on natural instinct, but it certainly didn’t do its species any good in the eyes of the public worldwide.

Bird-X would like to point out that may seem silly to some, as summer approaches and tourists head to the beaches, it’s more important than ever for waterside restaurants, beaches, and local businesses to prepare for 'The Seagull Scare.'

"Whether it's hype or not, the public will likely be more fearful of these common birds due to recent publicity, and may be more inclined to run from them – which could well result in an increased number of injuries on business properties." stated Bird-X, Inc.'s Media Director Alison James.

To read more about Bird-X’s humane seagull control methods and products, click here. Not only does humane bird control provide protection from business liabilities, but customers like it too – because areas free from seagull mess appear cleaner and more inviting, and the aggressive birds are gone.

While actual seagull attacks are quite rare, and humans have been living with seagulls as a part of life for many centuries, all gulls have sharp beaks, sharp talons, and are quite capable of scaring an unsuspecting person if they are nesting nearby or feel threatened – especially if that person does not see gulls on a regular basis. Large groups of gulls can even display “mobbing behavior” by teaming up against perceived predators, such as humans in their territory.

Furthermore, in nature seagulls regularly steal food from other birds – this carries over into the human world, and seagulls are well-known snack thieves. This is usually not a problem, but again if a person is fearful of seagulls or surprised, they can stumble or fall – again, a liability for businesses.

Seagull control can be very simple; depending on your needs, something as easy as extra tall spikes or a silent-to-humans ultrasonic bird repeller can keep seagulls away without too much fuss.

Warranted or not, we’ll likely see more seagull scares in the press this year, as well as more cautious tourists. Plus on top of everything, Michael Bay is now remaking the classic Hitchcock film “The Birds,” and as The Examiner jokes, “there may be exploding seagulls.” Will our beaches ever be the same again?

About Bird-X
Bird-X, Inc. is the leading brand of humane pest bird control worldwide since 1964, and is dedicated to protecting human health, wildlife and the environment in which we all live. The Chicago-based company manufactures a complete line of unique pest control products with an unmatched focus on quality, efficacy, and customer service.

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