An interesting problem has left the city of Tromsø, Norway, searching for solutions. This issue has been compared to the rat infestation in Paris, but these “rats” in Tromsø can fly, and are known as seagulls.
A shortage of nesting areas for seagulls in the area has caused downtown Tromsø to be flooded with seagulls. It has become problematic in recent years and has left business owners and citizens very frustrated. Not only do the seagulls leave the city landscape covered in droppings, they also are quite noisy and have a habit of stealing people’s food. Political editor of Nordlys news, Skjalg Fjellheim, believes the city looks like a bird mountain and says it is “self-harm for Tromsø’s reputation.” In a recent study, 42.6% of respondents agreed that the birds are a “very big problem.” Furthermore, 70% of those questioned think there needs to be measures implemented to reduce the number of seagulls in the city.
Although the majority agree that the seagull population in the city center needs to be reduced, it is not that simple. A couple different ideas have been tested to reduce the disturbance of seagulls. For example, a few bird hotels have been constructed outside of the city to allow the seagulls to nest elsewhere. Additionally, some business owners have tried putting spikes on the facades of their building to deter seagulls from nesting. However, these solutions don’t seem to be helping quite enough, so more research and brainstorming will be done. An added layer of complexity is that the seagulls who breed in Tromsø are threatened species so one must be mindful with how they are handled.
The mayor of Tromsø is interested in setting up a group to make some short and long-term decisions regarding the seagulls. Although they sound like a nuisance to the city, it seems many are hopeful that they can learn to coexist peacefully.