British researchers have quantified the economic impact of seagull theft, revealing that aggressive coastal birds cost UK residents approximately £171 million annually through food theft. These opportunistic scavengers employ coordinated diving tactics to snatch meals from unsuspecting beachgoers and outdoor diners. The study highlights the growing urban wildlife problem in seaside communities, where seagulls have adapted to human environments and learned to exploit food sources. This phenomenon reflects broader environmental changes and the increasing conflict between wildlife and human recreation in coastal areas.

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