There seems to be an incredible media frenzy about 'cold-eyed, killer' Herring gulls killing tortoises, small dogs, swallowing 'mother' starlings whole, pecking people and ripping pasties out of our hands (http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/23/killer-seagulls-top-the-pecking-order-for-a-media-frenzy). The birds have even been likened to terrorists and there have been yet more calls to 'cull' them (who's the terrorist then?). This medium-sized bird is a wild species that is designed to obtain food for itself and its chicks. All the examples cited could easily reflect the animal being a) offered a tempting meal or b) protecting its eggs and chicks from possible predators. Humans (by inappropriate waste disposal and becoming associated with food rewards when snacking outside) and providing high buildings as cliff substitutes for nesting have been a major factor in increasing their numbers and concentrating them in towns and cities (the name 'seagull' is a bit of a misnomer).
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