27/05/2026
Every year, large numbers of healthy young gulls are unnecessarily removed from the wild by well-meaning members of the public who are simply trying to help. We completely understand that instinct, seeing a young bird alone on the ground can be worrying ❤️
In many cases though, their parents are usually nearby, continuing to feed, protect and watch over them. If a healthy gull chick is in immediate danger, such as beside a road, it is often best to simply move them a short distance to a safer nearby location such as a flat roof, sheltered area or secure garden, allowing the parents to continue caring for them naturally.
Once a healthy chick is taken away from its parents, it often has to be raised in captivity unnecessarily, placing additional pressure on already stretched wildlife rescue services during the busiest time of year.
That’s why the British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council has teamed up with RSPCA (England & Wales) and Scottish SPCA to help promote clear, evidence-based guidance on when intervention is genuinely needed, helping protect gull welfare while ensuring rescue spaces remain available for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife that truly require care.
So when should you intervene?
✅ If the chick is visibly injured, weak or unwell
✅ If it has been caught by a cat or dog
✅ If it is a very young nestling in immediate danger, such as near a road or exposed to other hazards
When should you leave them where they are?
❌ If the bird is alert, mobile and otherwise healthy
❌ If parents are not immediately visible, gulls may only return periodically to feed
❌ If adults are swooping nearby, this is usually defensive parenting behaviour and a sign young birds are close
The kindest thing we can often do is observe from a distance and allow wild parents to continue doing what they do best. Please always call your nearest wildlife rescue centre for advice prior to intervening.
You can read the latest guidance here:
Scottish SPCA:
https://www.scottishspca.org/news/wildlife-rescue-organisations-highlight-risks-as-gull-admissions-peak-in-summer-2026/
RSPCA:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/helping-hurting-when-rescuing-gulls-might-do-more-harm-than-good-0gwie/?trackingId=wWyVzOEvQcK4uZRdhCVDVQ%3D%3D
Please help us share this message and support responsible wildlife rescue this summer.
