July 2, 2009

ELMIRA -- It's not as bad as Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds,” but locals are noticing a lot more seagulls in Downtown Elmira.
     “I think if I closed my eyes, I'd think I was at the ocean or something,” said Sue Rosplock of West Elmira.
     Rosplock has lived in the area her whole life, and has never seen or heard so many seagulls.
     “I can see why people, at a passing glance, would be interested, but if you had to be subject to this everyday -- the noise and the mess – I could see where that would be a problem,” said Rosplock.
     It's a big problem for some downtown business owners, and they're going to their city leaders for help.
     “If I were someone coming to the city, I would feel concerned if I saw the birds or the calling cards they leave behind,” said Elmira city councilwoman Carol Mechalke.
     City officials say they've contacted the Department of Environmental Conservation about the issue, but they say taking care of the problem could take a very long time.
     “It can be done, it just requires federal and state permits, because they're a protected bird species,” said DEC regional wildlife manager, Mike Wasilco.
     The DEC says the seagulls population may be growing because nesting areas haven't been damaged by flooding in recent years, but there are things people can do to keep gulls away.  Don't feed them or leave garbage where the birds can get to it
     City council members have promised to keep on top of the situation -- not only to keep the streets cleaner, but also to prevent the spread of diseases seagulls carry.

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