Nice acts against seagull menace

THE CITY of Nice has declared war on its growing population of seagulls, which are becoming more aggressive.

Local authorities are planning a sterilisation campaign next year after increasing complaints that the birds are causing a nuisance, swooping on tourists' food, cafe terraces and market stalls.

One resident even reported that the birds attacked their dog - and a fishmonger told Nice Matin of witnessing a flock of seagulls attacking and killing a cat.

Their presence has also been reported around creches and school playgrounds at tea-time.

Hélène Saliceti, in charge of animal protection at Nice city hall, told the paper: "They are predators, wild - and they're dangerous because of their size. They are no longer seeking their food from the sea.

"If we don't act, residents will start poisoning them, or shooting them. People are calling and writing to us, furious. Seagulls are settling on their roofs and making their nests."

A city-wide consultation will be launched in the autumn to identify where action needs taking. Seagulls are a protected species and the préfecture has to give approval if eggs are to be sterilised next spring.
Photo: Andrew E. Russell/Flickr