(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
Dear:
Mayor Lucas Cleveland
Members of the Cobourg Town Council
Town of Cobourg
55 King Street West
Cobourg, ON K9A 2M2
Dear Mayor Cleveland and Members of the Town Council,
Subject: Addressing the Seagull Infestation at Victoria Park Beach
I am writing to express serious concerns about the growing seagull infestation at Victoria Park Beach and the associated health and safety risks, particularly for young children. As a resident of Cobourg, I value our beautiful waterfront as a community asset, but the current situation is undermining its appeal and safety.
The increasing presence of seagulls has led to significant amounts of excrement accumulating on the beach and surrounding areas. This not only creates an unsanitary and unpleasant environment but also poses health risks. Research has shown that seagull droppings can carry harmful bacteria, including E. coli and antibiotic-resistant strains, which can cause infections in the ears, eyes, nose, throat, and skin, as well as gastrointestinal illnesses if ingested. Young children, who frequently play in the sand and water, are especially vulnerable to these risks due to their developing immune systems and tendency to touch their faces or ingest small amounts of sand or water.[](https://www.wired.com/2011/09/seagulls-resistant-poop/)[](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/seagulls-are-carrying-a-dangerous-superbug-through-the-skies)
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit monitors beach water quality and notes that high E. coli levels, often linked to fecal contamination, can indicate the presence of other harmful microorganisms. While water testing occurs regularly, the visible accumulation of seagull excrement on the beach itself suggests an ongoing contamination risk that may not be fully addressed by water sampling alone. Additionally, seagulls have been known to carry multi-drug-resistant bacteria, which could exacerbate health risks for beachgoers.[](https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.cobourg.ca%2fen%2fparks-recreation-community%2fbeach-water-quality.aspx&c=E,1,BGn96MoX79-pOijxxT0ZrpwldGOPwY09qweeNwgtzNzsOUTU7DaZ90ub4WksxiZwsUgUtHJuMHfr8lEHAxcias6oX7xX_iHODNjXGFyBleyGifmGehTViHp3oJQ,&typo=1)[](https://www.wired.com/2011/09/seagulls-resistant-poop/)
Beyond health concerns, the seagull infestation detracts from the beach experience for residents and visitors alike. The mess created by droppings discourages families from enjoying the beach and may impact local tourism, which is vital to Cobourg’s economy. Other communities, such as Scarborough, UK, have implemented measures like signage to discourage feeding seagulls and even trialed egg and nest removal to control populations, citing public health and safety concerns. Westminster City Council has also used birds of prey to deter seagulls non-lethally, reducing mess and health risks.[](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-40861791.amp)[](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3207196/A-license-kill-Seaside-town-given-special-permission-eradicate-protected-seagulls-series-attacks-people-pets.html)[](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-60911505.amp)
I urge the Town of Cobourg to take proactive steps to address this issue. Potential measures could include:
1. **Public Education and Signage**: Install clear signage discouraging the feeding of seagulls, as this attracts more birds and exacerbates the problem. [](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-40861791.amp)
2. **Seagull Deterrents**: Explore non-lethal deterrents, such as birds of prey patrols or netting, as used in other municipalities. [](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-60911505.amp)
3. **Enhanced Cleaning Protocols**: Increase the frequency of beach cleaning to remove seagull excrement promptly, reducing health risks.
4. **Population Control Measures**: Consult with Natural England or similar authorities to explore legal options for managing seagull populations, such as egg and nest removal under strict guidelines. [](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3207196/A-license-kill-Seaside-town-given-special-permission-eradicate-protected-seagulls-series-attacks-people-pets.html)
5. **Health Monitoring**: Work with the local health unit to conduct targeted testing of sand and surfaces for bacterial contamination, ensuring a comprehensive approach to public safety.
Victoria Park Beach is a cornerstone of our community, and addressing the seagull infestation is essential to maintaining its appeal and ensuring it remains a safe space for families, especially young children. I respectfully request that this issue be discussed at the next council meeting and that a plan be developed to mitigate these concerns. I would appreciate an update on any actions taken or planned.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and your ongoing commitment to improving our community.
Sincerely
Andrew Samis
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
