Seagulls have always been opportunistic birds, but recently they have become adept at stealing food directly from the hands of people and locals. This behavior is due to several factors. As coastal cities grew and tourists became a constant presence, seagulls found an abundant source of food in garbage and people's carelessness. Adapting to the human environment proved easier for them than hunting their natural prey. Furthermore, overfishing and pollution have drastically reduced the amount of available fish, forcing them to seek alternatives to survive. Another key factor is social learning. It has been observed that when a seagull discovers an effective technique for stealing food, others quickly imitate it. They are intelligent and bold birds, capable of studying human behavior, attacking at the precise moment, and, in some cases, even creating distractions to achieve their goal. Although it may seem fun to watch them in action, this behavior is a sign of human impact on ecosystems. Feeding them or leaving food scraps within their reach only reinforces this behavior, driving them further and further away from their natural sources. Perhaps the real problem isn't the thieving gulls, but the changes we've brought to their world. #GlobalMorgenstern
