What warning signs do seagulls give before attacking humans?

Question

I remember seeing a program on tv a few years ago about sea gulls attacking humans and the signs before attack. What are these signs?

I have just walked out side and we have hundreds of sea gulls roosting on the paving outside with chicks. One was sat on a bank about 50cm away from me and was stood up making a "carrr...........carrr........" sound and looking at me while others started replying with the same sound. Is this one of the warnings?

If they are, what are the others so I don't take the risk of being dive bombed and S**T on!

:-D

The young were only about 1.5m away from me.

Answer 1

Seagulls will typically attack when something comes close to it's eggs, i'm assuming the same goes for it's young. I'm guessing if you don't want to get attacked or s**t on, don't get too close to the young :P

Also I looked up warning signs and one of the signs is supposedly a "kakakakaka" so hopefully that helps you :)

Answer 2

I feed piqeons, sparrows, squirrels and seagulls every week for approx 8 years with my 13yr old PDD-NOS daughter.  I've had seagulls hovering in front of my face and even accidently nip me pulling peanuts from my hand.  They are a little intimidating but have always known their place in the great circle of life and in the food chain.  Not that I would eat one but I certainly would stomp and kill one if it harmed my daughter.  So far no such action has been necessary.

Answer 3

They will make hissing and screeching noises. They can't hurt you very easy although don't get their p**p in your eye this can cause damage.

If you are clsoe to their young ones they will get mad and may try to scare you by swooping at you and making noises.

Answer 4

I have no clue but I was attacked by a huge ugly white goose in the park. I was feeding bread to all the ducks and one tried to attacked me. I was trying to shoe it away and it bit my hand. It was very weird, my fingers went pretty far in its mouth and it didn't hurt, no teeth, still.....