Why You Can’t Just Rescue or Remove Seagulls in Maine Yourself

Let's be honest. In Maine, Seagulls don’t exactly have the best rep, right?

They’ve been called “rats of the sky” blamed for stealing your fries, dive-bombing you on the beach, and the noise, they are loud.

But this week, one Portland segull is reminding all of us that even these birds with the worst PR deserve a little respect.  

The team at Victoria Mansion shared on Facebook that a seagull became stranded on the roof of the historic home, nearly 70 feet in the air.

And then, a Facebook poster caught an endearing video of children chanting to "save the bird!"

The Portland Fire Department rushed over to help, but even with their tallest ladder and an extra-long pole, they couldn't safely reach the bird.

With power lines, stone walls, and no roof access, rescuing the gull turned out to be much harder than anyone expected!

Why You Can't Rescue Seagulls Yourself in Maine

It also got me thinking... did you know seagulls in Maine are actually protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918? 

That means it's illegal to intentionally harm them, disturb active nests, or collect their eggs without special permits. 

And despite their reputation, they're actually pretty remarkable birds. 

Seagulls are very intelligent. They've been observed using tools, dropping shellfish onto rocks to crack them open, and even remembering people who have fed or bothered them.

Some species can live for more than 20 years and often return to the same nesting areas year after year. 

Read More: Free Parking Returns To Route 1A Near Rye Beach 

So yes, they may occasionally swipe your fries when you're not looking. But they're also part of what makes a Maine summer feel like... Maine. 

Here's hoping this feathered rooftop resident gets the happy ending it's waiting for. Even the so-called "rats of the sky" deserve someone rooting for them once in a while.