Bank Holiday warning for angry seagulls not just at the seaside

During the breeding season, gulls have been known to launch attacks on people.

After mating and nest-building in February and March, many will be protecting nests and eggs towards the end of April and into May.

READ MORE: 'Problem persists' - Seagull issue continues in Barrow with warnings over bird abuse from Cumbria Police

Natalie Bungay, Technical Manager at British Pest Control Association (BPCA) said: "We love British birds. All wild birds and their eggs are rightfully protected by law in the UK, so it is absolutely vital that holidaymakers, householders or business owners don’t interfere with them.

"However, gulls can pose a serious safety concern. They have been known to attack people unexpectedly, which can be a frightening experience, especially if they draw blood, which can occasionally happen.

"We often think of gulls as a coastal problem – which they can be in seaside towns where people have fed them regularly. But for some time now they have also been an increasing problem in towns and cities away from the coast too."

This migration has been noticed by Furness Wildlife expert Rachel Wilson who rescues birds under the name of Rachel's wildlife. 

She added: "Here in Barrow, they are mainly around the town centre, and in recent years have come further inland to nest in the likes of rooftops.

"We are to blame for this really as in our 'throw-away' society they have adapted to eating from human rubbish.

"A few years ago, I witnessed a seagull in the town centre eat an entire lollipop - stick included - with no problem.  And I'm sad to say that I have seen some who no longer recognise fish as a food source.

"This time of year they are quite aggressive. If they're defending their eggs or a chick falls out of the nest the parents do a kind of drop dive and you don't see them coming.

"The best non-harmful way to defend yourself is by opening an umbrella.

"They have become more resilient to predators, for example there are signs around BAE car parks to say 'beware of aggressive seagulls.'

"They've started playing predator noises to deter them however it's that often they've gotten used to it."

People can avoid attracting gulls by ensuring picnic foods or chippy take-aways are kept covered or eaten out of sight of gulls.

Gulls, and their eggs, are protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, therefore it is important to seek professional help if homes or businesses are having problems with nesting gulls.

BPCA members are trained professionals who are regularly assessed to the British Standard in Pest Management BS EN 16636.

Natalie added: "Always consult a BPCA member before considering any form of bird management. You could be prosecuted if you illegally interfere with a bird, its nest or eggs.”

"There are a variety of bird-proofing measures available, all of which will deter birds without causing them harm, and as gulls are large and heavy, any proofing measures need to be suitable for the job, very heavy duty and correctly installed by a professional.

"Bird prevention, proofing and control is a highly specialised area requiring specific equipment and techniques. Pest professionals are required to try all reasonably practicable non-lethal bird control methods before they consider lethal control."

Cumbria police have issued warnings to the public not to mistreat seagulls as issues with the birds have risen in recent times.