Seagulls are protected under the “Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918”. This means that it is illegal to capture, kill, or keep a seagull in your home (unless you have a special permit).

So, no: you cannot go into the Meijer parking lot, yoink a seagull from the flock, and take it home.

This PSA has been brought to you by an argument with my son during a grocery pick-up.

Thank you.

  • @WhereGrapesMayRule
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    559 months ago

    So unfair. Meanwhile, if a flock of seagulls picks you up and flies away with you, there are no legal consequences for them whatsoever.

    • @[email protected]
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      9 months ago

      Almost happened to me once, but then I ran. I ran so far away. I just ran, I ran all night and day.

      • @WhereGrapesMayRule
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        59 months ago

        It’s not so bad, really. From up here, Aurora borealis comes in view

    • SharkEatingBreakfastOP
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      9 months ago

      I understand that this is upsetting, as I know many Michigan residents who have lost loved ones in the Seagull Wars.

      However, seagull deterrents are legal, as long as it does not directly harm the birds themselves.

    • @psycho_driver
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      119 months ago

      So unfair. Meanwhile, if a flock of seagulls picks you up and flies away with you, there are no legal consequences for them whatsoever.

      A human would probably be too heavy for a flock of seagulls to fly away with. They’d be more likely to run so far away with you.

      • @BleakBluets
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        39 months ago

        A human would probably be too heavy for a flock of seagulls to fly away with.

        Perhaps too heavy for Herring Gulls, but they could be carried by Great Black-Backed Gulls.

        • @Seleni
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          29 months ago

          I really feel there’s a coconut joke in here somewhere

    • ivanafterall
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      99 months ago

      Not entirely true. In bird culture, that is considered a dick move.

      • @dumpsterlid
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        79 months ago

        Unless the seagulls pick you up in a giant ass peach with the intention of freeing you from an abusive parent.

    • @llamapants
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      69 months ago

      However, if A Flock of Seagulls picked you up and took off with you, there WOULD be legal consequences.

  • ivanafterall
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    89 months ago

    Well, I’d like to see anyone stop me, cuz my living room full of seagulls begs to differ.

  • @thantik
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    29 months ago

    Does this cover ducks at the park too? Because if so I think I’m in trouble.

    • SharkEatingBreakfastOP
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      19 months ago

      Wild ducks are also protected under this law.

      If they are domesticated ducks, then they are more than likely owned & you may have committed the crime of theft.

      If you find a domesticated duck at the park with conformation that it is not owned or was abandoned, go for it.

      Ducks are so messy, though… so unless you have an adequate outdoor space with a good water source, maybe rethink your duck-yoinking.

    • @Cruxifux
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      09 months ago

      No. It can’t. Alex Jones would never lie to me.