Seagulls in Liepāja Grow Bolder: Steal Food, Damage Property

The coastal city of Liepāja in Latvia is experiencing a growing problem with seagulls. These birds, particularly the silver gulls, have become extremely bold, often swooping down to snatch food from people's hands or from tables at outdoor cafes. Local business owners report damage to property, including torn furniture and broken items, as the gulls search for food. Residents have also been affected, with many recounting incidents of having snacks or meals stolen by the birds. The Nature Protection Board of Latvia has commented that simply reacting to the consequences is not enough; instead, preventive measures are crucial. They suggest that reducing the availability of food through better waste management and discouraging people from feeding the birds could help mitigate the issue. Without such changes, the problem is expected to worsen, with seagulls becoming increasingly aggressive. Discussions are ongoing between local authorities and businesses to find effective solutions, but the Nature Protection Board stresses that long-term success depends on changing public behavior and implementing proactive strategies.