Sundsvall Faces Growing Urban Bird Problems: Gulls and Pigeons Cause Infrastructure Damage

Sundsvall, Sweden, is experiencing a rise in issues with urban bird populations, particularly gulls and pigeons, which are increasingly disruptive and damaging to infrastructure. Recent observations have shown that gulls, when nesting, exhibit aggressive behaviors such as food theft from outdoor diners, causing frustration among both customers and businesses. Meanwhile, pigeons are contributing to structural damage, especially on Sundsvallsbron, where their corrosive droppings require extensive cleaning efforts by Trafikverket, costing approximately 12,000 kronor each time. The presence of droppings can lead to slip hazards, as well as compromising vehicle surfaces.

To combat these issues, experts suggest a range of preventative measures. According to Anders Brandin from Anticimex, modern urban design has inadvertently created favorable nesting environments for these birds, necessitating effective management strategies. Laws protecting wild birds in Sweden limit potential responses, emphasizing the need for non-harmful deterrents. For instance, bird scaring devices must comply with regulations to avoid legal infractions. Additionally, the use of birds of prey such as falcons has been noted as an effective natural solution in keeping pigeon populations down.

The overall trend indicates an increasing problem with urban birds in Swedish cities, leading to an uptick in calls for assistance in managing these disruptive populations, especially within Sundsvall.