Bangor City Council have called in a local Bird of Prey expert to tackle the problem of aggressive seagulls in Bangor city centre.
Seagulls are becoming an increasing problem in Bangor, by nesting, frequently swooping at people and scavenging food.
The council are now working with falconer Islwyn Jones, owner of Pen-Y-Bryn Falconry, who will visit Bangor later this month.
Islwyn has previously worked with ‘Elsa’ the Eagle Owl to tackle the seagull problem in Caernarfon.
Using birds of prey acts as a deterrent to gulls visiting and nesting in the area and is a humane way of dealing with the problem, the seagulls aren’t attacked or hurt, simply scared away.
Boasting a six foot wingspan, the sheer size of an Eagle Owl is usually enough of a deterrent for the pesky gulls.
Islwyn said: “The birds are terrified of Elsa simply because of her size. Having her around in Bangor for the next few weeks should deter them from nesting and so there will be less chicks to feed in early summer.
“I don’t fly Elsa, just walk around with her, that’s enough of a deterrent, it’s a humane way to deal with the seagulls
“I won’t be there every day, a visit every few weeks is usually enough, otherwise the seagulls will get used to her being around and will no longer see her as a threat.
“I also use the visits to educate the public about the birds of prey, Elsa has become quite a celebrity in Caernarfon.
Islwyn also educates the public about what they can do to help: “If there’s no food waste around the seagulls won’t be there“ he added.
Elsa will be visiting Bangor with Islwyn during the weeks commencing 15th and 22nd April.
Photos Hwb Caernarfon
