Brits advised to put on exhausting hats to guard themselves towards dive-bombing seagulls

Officials have urged Brits to guard themselves from divebombing seagulls – utilizing exhausting hats and umbrellas.

The newest pointers state that to assist cut back harm from the birds employees and householders ought to arm themselves with brollies and headgear.

NatureScot in Scotland says employers and individuals who personal residential and industrial property ought to present anti-gull Personal Protective Equipment. It says licences to take motion towards the animals would solely be given if the victims are thought-about weak.

READ MORE: ‘We’re being terrorised by dive-bombing seagulls regardless of being 80 miles from coast’

For extra bizarre tales, take a look at our web page devoted to all issues bonkers

The steering states: “Under most circumstances we might anticipate an employer or property proprietor to offer PPE (headwear or umbrella) or take needed precautions to restrict the frequency of dive bombing (present another entry route), as a substitute resolution to a licence.

“We would only consider this behaviour as a risk to public health or safety when the recipient of the dive bombing is a vulnerable person or group of persons, for example someone who is unable to defend themselves due to working at height, or due to certain forms of disability.”

NatureScot has up to date steering for gull licensing in response to “significant and serious declines” in all 5 species that breed in Scotland.

The transfer will cut back the variety of licences which can be issued to regulate gulls in cities and cities every breeding season, following new proof populations are struggling.

The newest Seabirds Count census reveals a major decline in all 5 breeding species of gull, with numbers in Scotland dropping by 44% to 75% relying on the species.

Factors similar to modifications in meals availability and land use, together with current outbreaks of avian flu, have been blamed for the declines. Currently, the herring gull is a pink listed species of conservation concern within the UK, whereas the lesser black-backed gull, nice black-backed gull, widespread gull and black-headed gull are all amber listed.

A overview of those classifications is underway following the most recent Seabirds Count publication. In Scotland, a particular licence should be utilized for to destroy the nests or eggs of gulls, relocate chicks or, as a final resort, perform deadly management.

Since eradicating gulls from the General Licence in 2019, NatureScot has been assessing demand for licenses whereas working with native authorities, pest controllers and the general public to stress the requirement for preventative, non-lethal measures.

NatureScot’s Licensing Manager Liz McLachlan said: “Our role is to balance the conservation and protection of species with public interests such as safeguarding people from health and safety risks.

“To ensure we get that stability proper, it is important that our licences take into consideration the most recent science and proof. The ongoing declines in gull species in Scotland reported within the newest seabird census could be very regarding.

“That’s why we are taking steps to ensure everyone is aware of our licensing approach, to ensure that populations are protected, and where possible restored, while health and safety risks to the public are minimised.

“We know that gulls can typically trigger points in our cities and cities and that these modifications might trigger concern for some individuals. Our licensing group have been speaking with native councils and licence holders to organize them and we’ll proceed to work with these affected as we enter the 2024 season to offer recommendation and help.”