Wildlife experts urge Lancashire residents not to “rescue” healthy young gulls
Wildlife rescue organisations are urging people across Lancashire to check advice before attempting to help young gulls, as thousands are being unnecessarily taken into care each year.
Along the Fylde coast, residents are familiar with scenes of anxious gull parents swooping overhead while awkward-looking chicks appear stranded on the ground below nests.
But experts from the RSPCA and the British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council say many of these birds are healthy fledglings learning to fly — and do not need rescuing.
Verity Miles, wildlife rescue expert at the RSPCA, said wildlife centres see a surge in gull admissions every summer from well-meaning members of the public.
She said: “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.”
Rescue organisations say they are also receiving thousands of calls from concerned residents during the peak breeding season.
However, experts warn that unnecessary intervention can actually reduce a young bird’s chance of survival.
Paul Reynolds, Chair of the British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, said: “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.”
Wildlife organisations say the rise in unnecessary admissions is also putting extra pressure on already stretched rescue centres, potentially diverting resources away from genuinely sick and injured animals.
Experts are encouraging anyone concerned about a gull chick to seek professional advice before intervening.