Hawk solution for seagull problem

Hawks could be brought in to scare gulls away from the harbour area of a Cornish resort.

Holidaymakers have complained to officials about being dive-bombed by gulls trying to grab food.

Now, St Ives Town Council is considering bringing back hawks after the idea had some success during a trial in April last year.

Councillor Bill Fry said other options were also being considered to deal with the problem.

"It's difficult to find one system that's totally effective"
Bill Fry, St Ives Town Council

Council leaders hired a bird handler to patrol the area with a hawk, which was believed to have scared some of the gulls away in April 2007.

Mr Fry said there was a reduction in the number of seagulls when the hawk trial took place, but there was a concern the gulls could become used to the hawks and ignore them.

"One theory we're talking about this time is introducing the hawks at different times, which would hopefully disrupt the gulls," he told BBC News.

"Other methods have been mooted, like having covered areas, but that would detract from the harbour.

"It's difficult to find one system that's totally effective."

Mr Fry said the hawk proposal is likely to be put before the council in the New Year.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Cornwall County Council: St Ives Town Council
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