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muriel_volestrangler

(102,754 posts)

7. Maximum weight for a gull is 5.5 pounds; the dog weighed over 4 pounds

Reply to appalachiablue (Reply #5)

Tue Jul 23, 2019, 05:35 AM

Jul 2019

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-49070562

Frankly, I don't think this happened. I don't think a gull could pick up something over half its weight in its beak and then fly away. I suspect the partner failed to look after the dog in some way and made up the story about the gull.

Gulls may attack small animals, but carrying one that size away just doesn't seem feasible. As well as the required strength (in beak and flying muscles), there's the balance - the gull would topple forward.

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Seagull Carries Away Dog from Garden in Devon, England [View all] appalachiablue Jul 2019 OP

It would be devastating. Important to note one's pet's vulnerabilities, though. hlthe2b Jul 2019 #1

Major predators, those large birds, coyotes & fox in my area.. appalachiablue Jul 2019 #4

Omg, feel so bad for the family. Didn't know a seagull could do that. They have web feet. Fla Dem Jul 2019 #2

Surprising yes, I never heard of them going after a small dog. appalachiablue Jul 2019 #5

Maximum weight for a gull is 5.5 pounds; the dog weighed over 4 pounds muriel_volestrangler Jul 2019 #7

Thanks for the info., it's seeming more like a possible hoax appalachiablue Jul 2019 #8

The Last Hurrah view for the dog up on high must gave been quite the thrill... magicarpet Jul 2019 #3

When the buzzards are around my home (in a large town), my cat stays in the house. marble falls Jul 2019 #6