Seagulls Are Acting ‘Drunk’ and Wandering Into Traffic After Gorging on Flying Ants, Experts Say

Wildlife charities across the UK are appealing to motorists to exercise caution and provide sufficient space for disoriented seagulls as the annual flying ant season unfolds. Recent observations have noted an unusual spike in gulls staggering across roads and lingering in traffic, particularly along coastal areas in England.

Reports from towns such as Lowestoft and Aldeburgh in Suffolk reveal that these birds, after gorging on swarms of flying ants, exhibit erratic behaviour that raises concerns for their safety. This phenomenon has been attributed to the ideal conditions that have allowed flying ants to emerge earlier than anticipated, a result of consecutive heatwaves that have struck the region.

According to Sompting Wildlife Rescue, seagulls can consume hundreds of ants in a single feeding session. The ants are known to release formic acid as a defence mechanism, which may leave the gulls appearing somewhat disoriented after feasting. The charity warns that the ingestion of large quantities of this acid can create effects akin to drunkenness in the birds, impairing their ability to navigate their surroundings effectively.

A spokesperson from Sompting Wildlife Rescue explained, “In small amounts, it’s harmless, but when gulls gobble down a feast of ants, it can cause them to appear disoriented or drunk, stumbling around and struggling to fly properly.” This striking behaviour places gulls at heightened risk near busy roads, prompting the organisation to encourage drivers to slow down and be alert to the presence of these vulnerable birds.

While the idea that formic acid may be responsible for such disorientation is prevalent, it remains a theory that requires further investigation. Dr Viola Ross-Smith from the British Trust for Ornithology suggested that the chemical could affect gulls in a manner similar to how ethanol impacts humans. However, she also indicated that the birds might simply be so engrossed in their feeding that they neglect their immediate environment, leading to their perilous position on the roads.

This view is echoed by experts cited in BBC Science Focus, who argue that while several ant species produce formic acid, the black garden ants that are commonly seen during the flying ant season in Britain emit only minimal amounts. This leads many professionals in ornithology to posit that the gulls’ odd behaviour is more likely a result of their distraction by the food source rather than poisoning from the ants.

The flying ant season typically peaks in mid-July, marking the time when winged ant queens and males emerge to mate and set up new colonies. Wildlife organisations maintain that most gulls affected by this phenomenon eventually recover on their own after ceasing their feeding frenzy.

To aid in their recovery, experts recommend that observers provide ample space for these birds to regain their composure while suggesting the placement of fresh water nearby. This considerate gesture could facilitate their return to normal behaviour while ensuring both the birds’ safety and that of passing motorists.

As nature continues to unveil its wonders, it reminds us of the interconnectedness between wildlife and our daily lives. During this flying ant season, motorists are urged to remain vigilant and considerate of the impact of their actions on creatures that share our environment. By doing so, we can foster a more harmonious coexistence with the natural world, ensuring that these charming yet sometimes clumsy birds can return to the skies unharmed.