An increase in aggressive seagull behaviour in Saugeen Shores has left locals feeling frustrated and anxious for action.
There have been a lot of comments online from visitors and locals expressing their concerns about the birds who have migrated from the beach to High Street, going after adults and children to steal their food– and ice cream.
Numerous social media posts have been made with residents sharing their experiences. Some have had their ice cream stolen while walking down the street. Others have had the gulls shove their beaks into the ice cream while still in their hands. And one resident says she was chased by multiple birds to her car— even after she tossed her cone.
Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau says they are aware of this issue and are actively looking for solutions.
“We have certainly had concerns expressed. I’ve had them expressed directly to me, and even experienced myself some aggressive behaviour from seagulls in the community,” says Charbonneau. “Stories with people on the beach with seagulls going after their food, or we have a very popular ice cream store in downtown Southampton. Seagulls have been sort of camped out downtown, on occasions going after people’s ice cream.”
Brenda Reany works at the Southampton Post Office and says she sees people attacked daily. “Many have been small children. You can see that they are absolutely terrified. Breaks my heart. Wish something could be done to change this,” says Reany.
While the residents of Saugeen Shores are no strangers to seagulls, many of them say they seem more aggressive this year.
Charbonneau adds the town is always looking for ways to deter aggressive behaviour for all sorts of animals, but it has been challenging to come up with a viable and legal solution for this particular issue because seagulls are one of many birds protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 in Canada.
The Saugeen Shores police department recently put out a public service announcement to remind the community about this Act and the penalties associated if a seagull is disturbed, injured or killed.
This caution came out after someone broke a bird’s wing by hitting it with a chair at the main beach in Port Elgin.
The fine for injuring or killing a seagull is $460 and can result in criminal charges.
Charbonneau says the town will continue to look for solutions, but there aren’t a lot of options for ongoing control given the fact they are protected.
“No question, we have some aggressive seagulls this year and I guess the important thing to note, that this time of year is nesting season for seagulls. They’re naturally more active in nesting season and a little more aggressive because they’re protecting their nests and raising their young this time of year,” says Charbonneau. “They’re wild animals and their behaviour is influenced by seasonal patterns and this year they’re exhibiting aggressive behaviour, likely related to that seasonal cycle.”
Charbonneau says he and the town recognize and share the concerns with the public, and they’re hoping as the season progresses we’ll start to see a change in their behaviour.
The mayor adds it’s important for people to remember not to feed the seagulls. Feeding them attracts them and will make them more aggressive.