Seagulls ‘drunk’ by flying ants, causing chaos and traffic problems during UK heat wave

The noisy birds have caused mayhem as they feast on flying ants amid an intense heatwave, leading to increased aggression and traffic problems. There have been accounts of seagulls struggling and wandering precariously on roads where they tragically succumb to their damaged condition.

Unusual belligerent behavior has been observed in seagulls fed up with the millions of flying ants that appear when temperatures rise to 31C (88F). These pesky bugs carry toxins that disorient the winged scoundrels, increasing their propensity for disagreements and, unfortunately, becoming casualties along the way, the Mirror reports.

An unnamed representative from East Sussex Wildlife Ambulance and Rescue Service sounded the alarm over the situation, saying: “Some seagulls eat a lot of flying ants around and become disoriented due to the toxins the ants carry. We are flooded with roads. injured seagulls.

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The unseasonably warm weather has led to an increase in seagull encounters following excessive ant consumption, which many Britons have witnessed. A perplexed local took to social media to say: “The seagulls are drunk on flying ants and monkeys. People have been complaining to the council all day. As if we could argue with them”.

From Lincolnshire, another individual said: “There’s an abundance of seagulls with lots of squabbling. I guess they eat the little flying creatures.”

Instead, another person commented: “It’s drunk seagulls on flying ants day in Sussex.”

As the massive ‘flying ant day’ event unfolds, with armies of ants taking to the air to establish new colonies, the phenomenon has already been witnessed across the South and Midlands. It is expected to hit the north soon.

It is anticipated that this will be accompanied by sightings of intoxicated seagulls. Dr. Rebecca Nesbit, an ecologist, shared her thoughts on this strange behavior: “Some of the strange behavior we see from seagulls could be as a result of eating ants, it could leave the seagulls slightly drunk.”

She went on to add: “We know that some ants produce formic acid and it could have an effect.”

RSPB gull expert Tony Whitehead also commented on their particular affinity for ants: “Gulls are mad for ants when they come around. They are little treats for them. Eating ants makes seagulls very happy. They’re distracted and more focused on eating ants than, say, looking after cars.”