Blackpool named as UK's number 2 hotspot for seagull attacks in seaside holiday locations

The study, specifically based around beach holiday locations, found that as many as 43 per cent of people across the land have been attacked by a seagull.

And Blackpool, with its long stretches of beach, combined with abundant outdoor food outlets and crowds of visitors, is like a magnet for these adaptable - and rather large - birds.

Blackpool Beach is ranked second among the UK's seagull attack hotspots, with 18.93% of participants having experienced a run-in with the gulls there.

Only Brighton - with 19.92% - finished above it. This latest survey coincides with a recent warning by Blackpool Council for residents to be vigilant and take extra care as we are now into the nesting season.

Gulls are particularly protective towards their chicks and if nests are on nearby roofs, the parent birds can sometimes swoop down to warn people off.

Not afraid to snatch food

In addition to this, the opportunist gulls are not afraid to try and snatch food from the hands of anyone enjoying an outdoor snack.

Last year, Blackpool Zoo even invited applicants to take up a new summer job - dressing up as an inflatable eagle to scare off the seagulls which were swooping down on customers at the cafe’s outdoor tables.

Previously, the Gazette has featured the case of a woman in a wheelchair who was left with two black eyes after a seagull flew at her and hit her in the face, while in Cleveleys a man was scratched as a bird grabbed a sandwich out of his hand - and in Fleetwood a dogwalker also had a black eye after a seagull attack.

The new survey was carried out by WhichBingo, whose team ran a survey consisting of 2,000 Brits, to discover the seagull attack hotspots of the UK.

Key survey findings

• Over 2 in 5 people have fell victim to a seagull attack.
• Blackpool ranks #2 for seagull attacks across the UK.
• Around 1 in 10 people attacked have lost a personal item (phone, wallet, keys).
• Almost 1 in 3 attacks have resulted in a cut head.

Spokesman Charlie Shakespeare said: “Our research shows almost half of all UK holiday makers have had a run in with aggressive seagulls.

“Whether they are stealing chips, dive-bombing loved pets or grabbing anything they can get their beaks on they have become a real seaside menace. Unfortunately, nothing discourages them and they seem to be getting bolder than ever.”

However, the birds are protected by law and supporters say they have only become a menace since humans have encroached on the birds' natural habit.

Have you ever been attacked by a gull?

For further informnation on WhichBingo visit https://www.whichbingo.co.uk?