Pesky Pelicans
Published on 01 November 2021
After weeks of lockdowns, we are now back socialising and enjoying our outdoor spaces – one particular creature is happy to see us return to waterside picnics and that is the ever present and ever hungry pelican.
General Manager Community Sally Rice said pelicans can cause a bit of trouble if they see food laying around and decide they want it.
“While well-meaning people may be tempted to feed these wild animals, doing so can harm them, and also encourage their aggressive behaviour towards people enjoying a meal,” Ms Rice said.
“To help curb our pelicans’ new-found anti-social behaviour, we are asking residents and tourists to not feed them, both for public safety and the health and safety of the birds themselves.
“Pelicans are highly capable fish catchers and need to hunt for their own food – feeding these wild animals can make them dependant on humans which makes it harder for them to survive in the wild.”
Ms Rice said there were a few tips on what to do and not do if a Pelican comes into your personal space.
Do:
- Remove yourself and those in your care from the situation.
- Make yourself intimidating to the pelican by standing tall, making noise by clapping your hands and/or raising your voice in a determined manner at the bird, and if handy, use a towel or similar item and flap it towards the bird until the bird moves out of your personal space.
Don’t:
- Harm, touch or feed the Pelican in any way.
“We encourage you to take photographs and admire these wonderful creatures from a distance,” Ms Rice said.
“Pelicans are wild animals so please give them space and if possible, stay at least three metres from them at all times.”