Authorities with the Marco Island Police Department are currently searching for a man who was seen abusing seagulls on South Beach. Witnesses say the unidentified man was with a group of people who used food to lure the birds in and laughed and cheered as the man took swings at the birds when they got close enough. At one point, the suspect was said to have hit two birds. One of the birds was able to fly away, but the second was captured. The suspect was said to have spread the bird’s wings apart and took photos with the bird before throwing it. That bird was later located and taken to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida for treatment, but it had to be euthanized. Other witnesses told authorities that they also saw the man using various objects such as his straw hat and a football to target the animals as well.
On Friday, 11/5/2021 on South Beach, this male was seen using a shovel to injure a seagull. If you can help us identify this individual please contact the Department at (239) 389-5050 and ask to speak with the detectives.#MarcoIsland #MIPD #BetterTogether #WeProtectParadise pic.twitter.com/kVhaxiFno9
— Marco Island PD (@MarcoIslandPD) November 8, 2021
If you have any information about this incident, you are asked to contact the Marco Island Police Department at (239) 389-5050 .