It was reported on August 21 that seagulls had been demonized as a coastal plague due to food theft and harassment of tourists. But some gulls have evolved more virulent tendencies. Researchers say they saw gulls pecking out the eyes of seal pups and letting them die. The pup lost sight, couldn't find its mother to eat, and finally starved to death. At this time, the seagulls return to enjoy a free meal.
Scientists say the birds seem to have learned this behavior only recently, using it as a way to kill seal pups much larger than the black backed gull. In some cases, once the pup loses sight, other gulls join the attack and start eating its lower abdomen and genitals. (this article is edited by the four seas anecdotes, please indicate the source of reprint https://love.4hw.com.cn/animal/32897.html For more information, please pay attention to the four seas anecdotes and our official wechat Q group, which can collect the global wonders!)
Researchers found black backed gulls attacking Cape seal pups off the coast of dorob National Park in Namibia. They believe that in recent years, the number of seals has increased significantly, and now there are more than 80000 seals. They come to the Namibian coastline to mate and raise their young.
The pups also face other dangers, such as vicious attacks from jackals, lions and hyenas. These predators venture to the beach in search of easy prey. The photo shows a jackal biting a seal cub.
The scientists say the gulls seem to patrol the coast of dorob National Park, learning to use their advantages to find an adequate source of food. They say they have seen more than 200 cases of gulls attacking the eyes of seal pups in the past 15 years, with a 50% success rate.
(this article is edited by the four seas anecdotes, please indicate the source of reprint https://love.4hw.com.cn/animal/32897.html For more information, please pay attention to the four seas anecdotes and our official wechat Q group, which can collect the global wonders!)