Birds of prey deployed to stop seagull attacks on shoppers

Birds of prey are to be deployed in North Wales to stop seagulls attacking shoppers. The Coastal Hawks Project will put hawks and falcons on patrol in Rhyl, with their handlers wearing medieval dress. Mike Espley, a Rhyl councillor, said he came up with the idea after witnessing 30 seagull attacks on shoppers in a single day.

The first patrols, planned for March 1, will include a European eagle owl, two Harris hawks and a peregrine saker falcon. Three unemployed people will be trained at a Welshpool falconry centre to take part in the project. Mr Espley said the birds will always be tethered to the handlers, and will not be allowed to fly.



“The presence of the birds of prey will be enough to get rid of the seagulls. We are not aiming to hurt them. This is their home as well as ours, but there have been far too many attacks on people. It couldn’t continue.”

He said that as well as being a deterrent, the birds would will be a tourist attraction. “The handlers will be dressed in medieval costume and will give talks about them during the summer months and seasonal breaks.” Mr Espley said that if the project is a success, he hopes to extend it along the North Wales coast.