Seagulls are protected under the “Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918”. This means that it is illegal to capture, kill, or keep a seagull in your home (unless you have a special permit).
So, no: you cannot go into the Meijer parking lot, yoink a seagull from the flock, and take it home.
This PSA has been brought to you by an argument with my son during a grocery pick-up.
Thank you.
Does this cover ducks at the park too? Because if so I think I’m in trouble.
Wild ducks are also protected under this law.
If they are domesticated ducks, then they are more than likely owned & you may have committed the crime of theft.
If you find a domesticated duck at the park with conformation that it is not owned or was abandoned, go for it.
Ducks are so messy, though… so unless you have an adequate outdoor space with a good water source, maybe rethink your duck-yoinking.