Aggressive Seagull Snatches Lunches from Hungry Greggs Customers.
Greggs customers in Bournemouth are facing an unusual threat: a dive-bombing seagull. This aggressive bird, nicknamed Greg, targets people leaving the bakery, snatching their lunches right out of their hands.
Seagull’s Sneaky Tactics
Greg, the troublesome gull, has been causing quite a stir. One man in a white t-shirt, enjoying a pizza slice, was taken by surprise when the seagull swooped down behind him, aiming for his meal. While some customers manage to duck in time, others are left without their lunch.
Local Observations
Locals have spotted Greg using a red phone box near the bakery as a lookout point. “He is sneaky and seems to know what he is doing,” a local told The Sun. Customers often start eating their food right outside the bakery, making them easy targets for the hungry gull.
Victims’ Reactions
One unfortunate man was left staring in disbelief at his empty wrapper after Greg flew off with his pizza slice. The gull has been seen circling the area, hunting for more snacks during lunchtime. Several people, including a young woman, had to duck for cover as the bird made its attack.
Gulls’ Feeding Habits
Gulls are opportunistic feeders and will eat almost anything. Their diet includes scraps, eggs, seeds, fruits, carrion, fish, insects, smaller birds, and shellfish. In cities, gulls have developed a taste for British classics like chips, burgers, and kebabs. A fully grown adult herring gull, for instance, eats about 20 percent of its body weight in food daily, equivalent to a 10-stone adult consuming 59 Big Macs every day.
Council’s Advice
Despite Greg’s need for food, the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Council urges visitors not to feed him. “We are limited in the action we can take,” a council spokesman said. “In a coastal area, this is a part of life, and we encourage visitors to not feed the seagulls and avoid carrying food near spots where there is a high concentration.”
Protection Status
Gulls, technically not seagulls, are protected due to their rapidly declining colonies. They are on a “red list” of birds at risk. Anyone who disturbs or harms wild gulls risks up to two years in prison and a fine.
Expert Insight
Bird expert Dominic Couzens told MailOnline that seagulls are more intelligent than people realize. They have learned to target people holding chips and ice creams, taking advantage of Brits’ forgiving nature. “They are not the problem. We are the problem,” Couzens said. “They are omnivores, very intelligent, and will eat anything. They are opportunistic and extremely adaptable. If they are into a good thing, they will stick with it.”
Conclusion
With their adaptability and intelligence, gulls like Greg continue to thrive in urban areas, finding easy meals and capitalizing on human behavior. While they pose a nuisance, these birds are simply doing what comes naturally to them.