By KLTV Newsdesk –

Wildlife charities warn many young birds are healthy, but still being taken into care

Wildlife rescue organisations across the UK are calling on the public to think carefully before intervening with young gulls, as annual admissions continue to rise sharply during the summer months, many of which turn out to be unnecessary.

The RSPCA, Scottish SPCA and the British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (BWRC) say thousands of gulls are taken into care every year, but a significant number are healthy chicks or fledglings that do not actually need rescuing.

“Not abandoned, just learning to fly”

Verity Miles, wildlife rescue expert at the RSPCA, said: “Each summer, our wildlife centres see a surge in young gulls being brought in by kind members of the public.

“Gulls are such underappreciated animals, so it’s amazing so many people want to help them.

“However, in many cases these birds have not been abandoned, but have left the nest as they learn to fly – this is a normal part of their development.

“Their parents will usually remain nearby and continue to feed and protect them, but sadly, many well-meaning passers-by will mistake this for abandonment.”

Thousands of call-outs during breeding season

Rescue teams say they are also dealing with large volumes of public call-outs during the peak breeding season, particularly involving young gulls on the ground.

Sean Meechan, Wildlife Operations Lead at the SSPCA, said: “Our rescue officers attend thousands of gull-related calls each year, especially in early summer.

“While some situations do require intervention, the majority involve healthy birds that are best left alone.”

Warnings over harm and legal risks

Experts from the RSPCA, SSPCA and BWRC stress that unnecessary intervention can cause harm to the birds — and may even breach the law.

Paul Reynolds, Chair for the BWRC, added: “Taking a healthy chick or fledgling away from their parents can cause stress to the young bird and significantly reduce their chance of survival.

“Not only that, but it is also an offence to disturb, or take gulls or eggs from their nests, unless absolutely necessary, so you may inadvertently be breaking the law by bringing in gulls that are not sick or injured.”

Pressure on rescue services growing

Charities say the seasonal spike is also placing significant pressure on wildlife centres, diverting resources away from genuinely injured animals.

The RSPCA alone has cared for nearly 4,000 gulls in the past five years, with a notable peak in June.

More than half were young birds believed to be orphaned or in distress.

Meanwhile, the SSPCA reports more than 11,000 gull-related incidents over the same period, underlining the scale of public concern.

What to do if you find a young gull

Animal welfare organisations are urging the public to follow simple guidance:

• If a young gull is uninjured, leave them where they are so their parents can continue to feed them
• Very young chicks in immediate danger may be carefully moved to a nearby safe elevated spot, if possible
• Only intervene if a bird is clearly sick or injured

Anyone finding an injured baby gull should contact a vet or a reputable wildlife rehabilitator.

Injured adult gulls can be reported to the RSPCA or SSPCA for advice or assistance.

Disease risks and official advice

Officials also warn that increased handling of wild birds can raise the risk of disease transmission, including avian influenza.

Sean Meechan, from the SSPCA, added: “The Scottish Government advises against handling gulls. If you’re concerned, the best course of action is to contact us, and we can assess the situation.”

Further advice for Scotland is available via the SSPCA, while guidance for England and Wales can be found via the RSPCA.