They are known for their dive-bombing antics as they strive to protect chicks and steal food from passers-by. Now, one Scottish city has reached its limit with nuisance gulls that are keeping residents awake and forcing schoolchildren to eat indoors for fear of attack.
Highland Council's Comprehensive Plan
Highland Council officials in Inverness have drawn up an extensive management plan to address growing concerns. The pilot program aims to reduce nesting sites and relocate birds to less populated areas. A report outlining the strategy will be presented to councillors next week. It considers a range of 'scaring devices and decoys', including 'street net lighting' to 'hinder severity of dive-bombing', audio deterrents, 'kites, flags and reflective devices', as well as specialist anti-perch systems before the breeding season begins.
Lethal Control as Last Resort
The report states that where issues 'persist', more drastic action may be required, but 'lethal control' should be used only as 'a last resort'. The council highlighted that the city 'has experienced an increase in reports of conflict between gulls and people', including complaints that 'elderly residents are experiencing disturbed sleep due to early morning gull calls'.
Public Complaints and School Measures
Members of the public have reported being 'dive-bombed' and suffering from 'food-snatching incidents'. The report adds that primary schools have 'prohibited children from eating outdoors due to aggressive gull behaviour'. Nature body NatureScot has provided £20,000 to support the plan's development.
A Kinder Approach from Local Business
However, one city business is taking a more compassionate approach by allowing a gull to nest on a van. Hawco Van Centre has dubbed the gull Morag and stated on social media that it would 'absolutely not be moving' the gull or 'disturbing her nest'. This contrasts with the council's more interventionist measures, highlighting the divided opinions on how to handle the growing gull population in Inverness.
