In Liepaja, scenes showing seagulls attacking people have already become commonplace — as soon as someone picks up food, they immediately swoop in, reports TV Kurzeme.
Guntis shared his experience in a report by TV Kurzeme, admitting that seagulls snatched half a bun from his hands. His wife faced a similar situation. Another Liepaja resident, Julia, mentioned that the problem is relevant, so she no longer eats buns outdoors.
Similar complaints are appearing on social media — people write that seagulls even swoop into baby strollers.
Ornithologist Ritvars Rekmanis acknowledges that such behavior from seagulls is not exceptional, as seagulls are predators. They adapt to urban life and seek food this way, so they will take any opportunity.
Although residents are outraged, the Liepaja municipality responds that this is not within the local authority's responsibility. Residents themselves should pay attention to their principles of behavior and habits, especially when it comes to eating outdoors.
One practical solution could be the installation of different trash bins that prevent birds from accessing their contents; however, both the municipality and the ornithologist remind that people should not feed birds or leave food waste in places accessible to them.
