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U.K. Seagulls Steal Drugs and Get High

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Seagulls in the U.K. seem to not be content with fish and chips anymore; they’ve now also begun to steal drugs from people.

seagull eating

Seagulls are often considered the most despised bird worldwide due to their brazen and often disruptive behavior. That being said, they display a level of intelligence and adaptability that should not be underestimated.

Almost everyone who has enjoyed a seaside snack has experienced the audacity of seagulls swooping down to snatch a bite. However, recent reports from the United Kingdom reveal an alarming new trend: seagulls are now stealing drugs.

More precisely, the trend involves a synthetic marijuana, known as ‘spice’. In this article, we delve into this unusual behavior, exploring its implications for seagulls and the potential reasons behind it.

So, whether you’re a bird lover, a beachgoer, or simply an intrigued reader, join us as we investigate the fascinating world of these feathered kleptomaniacs!

Key Points

  • Seagulls in the UK have been reported to steal a synthetic marijuana known as ‘spice’ from people in various locations.
  • The seagulls’ encounters with ‘spice’ have led to them displaying erratic behavior, including dive-bombing pedestrians.
  • Seagulls can carry and transmit diseases to humans, often through their droppings or direct contact.
  • A study found that seagulls closely monitor human food choices and show a preference for items that people are eating nearby.

Avian Thiefs: Seagulls Steal Drugs

seagull eating

Seagulls in the United Kingdom have been reported to steal drugs from people. More specifically, a synthetic marijuana known as ‘spice’. This peculiar behavior has mostly been observed in various locations, including coastal towns like Hastings, East Sussex, Margate, Kent, and Essex. Even major cities such as London, Leeds, Manchester, and Liverpool have been subject to this avian-thievery.

The seagulls, known for their scavenging habits, have been swooping down and snatching the drug from unsuspecting individuals. Witnesses state that seagulls will swoop down, grab their joint, and then just fly off with it.

The strange occurrences have prompted concerns and inquiries, with the United Kingdom Department of Health and Social Care being approached for further comment on the matter. The effects of spice in humans can be potent and sometimes dangerous. However, the situation with the seagulls adds a new twist to the drug’s impact that one had accounted for.

The incidents raise concerns about the unintended consequences of drug use and its potential impact on the environment.

How the Drugs Affect Them

The seagulls’ drug use has led to peculiar actions that have alarmed both locals and visitors. The seagulls’ encounters with ‘spice’, a synthetic marijuana, have led to them being described as ‘psycho gulls’.

The birds have been observed dive-bombing pedestrians and displaying erratic behavior before eventually collapsing.

While there’s lots of documentation regarding the effects of ‘spice’ on humans, the impact on seagulls remains unexplored. This situation has raised concerns about the unintended consequences of drug use and its potential impact on wildlife and the environment. Investigations into these occurrences are ongoing.

Are Seagulls Dangerous?

seagull steals drugs in the U.K

Seagulls, like any wild animal, can potentially pose a threat to humans. Especially so when they feel threatened or are protecting their young. They may be particularly aggressive during the breeding season.

However, it’s important to note that not all seagulls are dangerous. Most often, they are simply looking for food. The recent incidents in the UK, where seagulls steal drugs and display erratic behavior, are unusual and not representative of typical seagull behavior.

Generally, seagulls are not harmful to humans unless provoked. They are an integral part of the coastal ecosystem and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of nature.

It’s always advisable to respect their space and avoid feeding them, as this can lead to dependency and aggressive behavior.

Read this to uncover a violent scene involving a seagull and a sea lion.

New Study: Seagulls Look to Humans In Their Vicinity For Advice On Their Diet

seagull steals drugs in the U.K

Seagulls, particularly European herring gulls, have been observed to closely monitor human food choices. They show a strong preference for items that people are eating nearby.

In a study conducted on the Brighton beachfront, researchers presented gulls with blue and green packets of potato crisps. An experimenter sat nearby and either idly watched the gulls or pulled out a green or blue packet from their bag and ate from it.

The researchers found that 48% of the birds approached the packets when the experimenter was eating, compared with 19% when they weren’t. When gulls approached and pecked a packet, they chose the same color as the experimenter’s packet 95% of the time.

This could potentially explain the recent incidents of seagulls stealing drugs, as they may have observed humans consuming these substances and, mistaking them for food, decided to snatch them.

The Diseases They Might Spread

seagull steals drugs in the U.K

The one way that seagulls might really pose a threat is through the spread of disease.

Seagulls, like many birds, can carry and transmit diseases to humans, often through their droppings or direct contact. These diseases can cause a range of symptoms and can be particularly harmful to those with weakened immune systems.

  • Salmonellosis: This bacterial infection can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Contaminated food or water is the most common way this disease spreads.
  • Campylobacteriosis: Another bacterial infection that causes similar symptoms to salmonellosis. It’s often contracted from undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, or contaminated water.
  • E. coli: This bacteria can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. It’s often spread through contaminated food or water.
  • Cryptococcosis: This is a fungal disease that can cause pneumonia and swelling of the brain. Inhaling the fungus present in bird droppings can transfer it to humans.
  • Avian Influenza (Bird Flu): This viral infection can cause fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. You can contact it through direct contact with infected birds or their droppings.

FAQs About Seagulls

seagull shoplifts packet of doritos
What do seagulls eat?

Seagulls are omnivores, and their diet is highly diverse. They typically eat fish, insects, earthworms, rodents, and other small birds. They also frequently scavenge on human food waste.

What’s the difference between a seagull and a gull?

The term “seagull” is a colloquialism that is often used to refer to any type of gull. In reality, there are many different species of gulls, and not all of them live near seas, hence the more accurate term is simply “gull.”

How big is a seagull brain?

The exact size of a seagull’s brain varies among species, but it’s generally small in relation to their body size. While there’s no exact measurement, it’s important to note that despite their small brain size, gulls exhibit complex behaviors and learning abilities.

Seagulls Steal Drugs: Conclusion

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This new trend of seagulls in the United Kingdom stealing drugs may be alarming, but it is equally a testament to their intelligence and adaptability.

Urban seagulls have almost completely adapted their diet to what humans leave behind. In fact, they often don’t even wait for us to leave it behind – they’ll snatch it right out of our hands, as evidenced by the recent incidents of drug theft.

These incidents serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between humans and wildlife, and the unexpected consequences that can arise from our actions. As we continue to share our urban spaces with these birds, it’s crucial to understand and respect their behaviors, even as we strive to mitigate any potential harm.

Thank you for reading this article about how seagulls steal drugs! There’s still so much more to explore in the vast world of animals:

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