
Seagulls are increasingly attacking and eating dogs in coastal areas, with some incidents resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities.
In some cases, the gulls are attracted to the dogs' food and presence, leading to aggressive behavior.
Dog owners in coastal areas are advised to take precautions to prevent their pets from being targeted by aggressive seagulls.
Seagulls are highly intelligent and adaptable birds that can quickly learn to associate dogs with food.
For more insights, see: How to Stop Dog from Eating Other Dogs Food
Seagull Attacks on Dogs
Seagulls have been known to kill at least three dogs in the UK in recent years. Their five-and-a-half-foot wingspans make them formidable predators.
In Devon, England, a seagull picked up a chihuahua named Gizmo and flew off with it in its beak. Gizmo is still missing.
Seagulls have also been known to kill dogs in other parts of the UK, including Cornwall, where a Yorkshire Terrier was killed by swooping gulls.
One disturbing incident involved a seagull eating a pet tortoise like a crab in Liskeard.
Here are some reported cases of seagull attacks on dogs:
Britain's Seagull Problem
Seagulls have become a serious issue in UK coastal towns, with their large wingspans reaching up to five-and-a-half feet wide.
At least three dogs have been killed by gulls in the UK in recent years, with reports of gulls also eating pigeons, ducks, and lambs.
The problem started when the British fishing industry declined in the 1970s, causing gulls to evolve their behavior and live in cities instead of out at sea.
Seagulls now feed on garbage, human food, and occasionally pick off live pets from people's back gardens, making them a real threat to pets and their owners.
Here are some disturbing examples of seagulls' attacks on pets:
- A seagull picked up a chihuahua in Devon and flew off with it in its beak.
- A seagull pecked a chihuahua to death in Devon in May 2015.
- A Yorkshire Terrier was killed by swooping gulls in Cornwall.
Causes of Attacks
Britain's seagull problem is a complex issue with multiple causes. One major factor is the availability of food waste, which attracts seagulls to urban areas.
Seagulls are intelligent birds that can adapt to their environment, and they've learned to thrive in cities by scavenging for food in trash cans and dumpsters. This behavior is often encouraged by humans who feed them intentionally.
A study on seagull behavior found that these birds are more likely to be aggressive when they're fed by humans, as it creates a dependency on food and can lead to territorial behavior.
Seagulls are also drawn to coastal areas with high levels of fish waste, which can come from fishing industries or tourism. In some cases, seagulls have even been known to follow fishing boats to scavenge for food.
The presence of seagulls in urban areas can also be a sign of a larger problem with waste management. If trash cans are not properly secured or cleaned regularly, seagulls will take advantage of the situation and make themselves at home.
Statistics and Trends
Britain's Seagull Problem is a growing concern, and the numbers are staggering. In the past decade, the seagull population has increased by over 25% in some areas.
Seagulls are attracted to human food, and it's estimated that over 70% of seagulls in urban areas feed on human waste, including litter, food waste, and even pet food.
The cost of dealing with seagull-related issues is also on the rise, with some councils spending over £1 million per year on seagull control measures.
Seagulls can be aggressive, with over 50% of reported incidents involving seagulls showing aggressive behavior towards humans.
The majority of seagull attacks occur during the summer months, when seagulls are feeding their young and are more protective of their territory.
In some areas, seagulls have been known to steal food from people's hands, with one study finding that seagulls are responsible for stealing up to 30% of food from beachgoers.
Incidents and Near Misses
A severed paw was spotted being fought over by a flock of seagulls near a car park in Exeter, Devon.
The paw was found around 25 miles away from where a dog was carried away by a seagull in July.
The dog, a four-year-old miniature chihuahua named Gizmo, is still missing.
A leg bone was found on a rooftop in Totnes, Devon, which was initially feared to belong to Gizmo, but experts later said it was probably a rabbit's foot.
Seagulls were seen acting suspiciously and fighting over the paw, which was described as soft like a cat and had been burned.
The paw is a grim reminder of the dangers posed by seagulls in Britain.
Seagull Behavior and Habitat

Seagulls are highly adaptable birds that can thrive in a wide range of environments, from coastal areas to inland cities.
They are known to form large colonies, with some colonies containing up to 100,000 birds.
Seagulls are intelligent birds that have been observed using tools to obtain food, such as using rocks to crack open shells.
In the UK, seagulls are found in abundance along the coastlines, where they can be seen scavenging for food in waste bins and on beaches.
Seagulls are also known to be opportunistic feeders, taking advantage of human food sources such as fish and chips shops and tourist areas.
They are highly social birds that live in large groups, often with a dominant bird leading the flock.
Seagulls are also known to be aggressive birds, particularly when defending their young or territory.
In the UK, seagulls are protected by law, and it is an offense to intentionally disturb or harm them.
Seagulls are found in a variety of habitats, including coastal areas, islands, and even inland cities.
They are highly mobile birds that can travel long distances in search of food and suitable habitats.
Seagull Population and Growth
Seagull populations in Britain have been steadily increasing over the years, with estimates suggesting a rise of over 10% in the past decade.
According to a study, the average lifespan of a seagull in Britain is around 20-30 years, which contributes to their growing population.
Seagulls are highly adaptable birds, able to thrive in a variety of environments, from coastal towns to rural areas.
A significant factor contributing to the growth of seagull populations is the availability of food waste, particularly in urban areas.
Seagulls are known to form long-term monogamous relationships, with some pairs staying together for over 20 years.
The seagull population in Britain is estimated to be around 1.5 million, with the largest populations found in England and Wales.
Impact on Local Communities
Britain's Seagull Problem has a significant impact on local communities, with many residents feeling harassed and intimidated by the birds' aggressive behavior.
Seagulls are known to swoop down and steal food from people's hands, often causing a mess and leaving a foul smell behind.
In some areas, seagulls have been spotted attacking people who try to shoo them away, leading to injuries and a sense of fear among locals.
According to eyewitness accounts, seagulls have been seen following people for blocks, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
This aggressive behavior is often linked to the availability of food waste in public spaces, which can attract seagulls and encourage their scavenging habits.
In some coastal towns, residents have reported finding seagull droppings on their cars, sidewalks, and even their front doors, causing damage and creating a health hazard.
Seagulls are also known to dig up gardens and lawns in search of food, leaving behind holes and messes that require costly repairs.
Locals have taken to using deterrents like noise-making devices and visual repellents to try and keep seagulls at bay, but these measures are often ineffective.
Consider reading: People Eating Dogs
Sources
- https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jul/24/it-carried-our-dog-away-are-the-uks-seagulls-getting-more-aggressive
- https://www.businessinsider.com/britain-fights-dog-killer-sea-gulls-2015-7
- https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/seagull-paw-gizmo-chihuahua-dog-missing-exeter-devon-a9075771.html
- https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9559994/seagull-dog-chihuahua-gizmo-becca/
- https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/family-left-distraught-after-seagull-31303472
Featured Images: pexels.com