Ocean City's Bold Move: Using Birds of Prey to Tame Seagull Invasions

Ocean City, New Jersey, a bustling summer destination known for its beautiful beaches, has been facing a persistent seagull problem that affected beachgoers’ enjoyment. With the population surging to nearly 150,000 during peak summer days, the skies were often filled with thousands of gulls, turning casual dining into a battle for food.

Angelina Caselli, an employee in the area, vividly recalls the chaos. "You’d throw pizza crust in the air and it would bounce off a seagull," she remarked, highlighting the overwhelming presence of these birds. Tourists found themselves constantly on guard, as seagulls swooped in to snatch their fries and cotton candy.

However, the situation has dramatically changed. As of mid-July, the skies appeared less crowded, thanks to an innovative solution: trained birds of prey. Inside a modest mews, Caselli and her team from East Coast Falcons care for 13 raptors, including hawks and falcons, whose primary role is to deter seagulls. These birds patrol the boardwalk daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, not to kill, but to scare away the pesky gulls.

Caselli explained, "This is the original bow and arrow, the original gun to go hunt with." With this ancient method, Ocean City aims to restore balance, allowing visitors to enjoy their time without the fear of avian theft.

Source: www.outsideonline.com