'Gutsy' gulls dive-bombing town's residents

Wild gulls in the United Kingdom are protected by law

Residents say "gutsy" gulls are increasingly flying at them and generally creating havoc.

People in Penrith, Cumbria, have been sharing their frustrations on a social media group for the town.

One member said: "I'm sick of being dive-bombed by them when out on my mobility scooter. They are gutsy."

Others were more forgiving of the birds, which are protected by law, with conservationists pointing out gulls are attracted by human activity such as leaving waste lying around.

The social media venting began with the comment: "Forget the name seagull we have towngulls. Anyone else noticing the problem we have? And only going to get worse."

The resident who complained of dive-bombing added: "I now travel with a water pistol. It's not funny anymore."

However, a champion of the birds leapt to their defence, noting: "They’re just taking advantage of a food source that humans provide, you can’t blame the gulls."

Bird buffet

Emma Caulfield, from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), said the birds' behaviour can often be sparked by the actions of people.

This includes feeding them, as well as mismanagement of waste which provides a "buffet" for the birds.

Ms Caulfield said: "There is a push away from natural nesting sites, because of habitat change."

She added there is a corresponding "pull to towns and cities" because of "plentiful food, people's waste, and lots of available nesting".

The BTO's Birds of Conservation Concern list monitors population changes within species.

The herring gull is categorised as red, denoting the highest level of concern.