Scientists Can’t Agree on Why Seagulls Are Appearing Drunk and Disoriented in the U.K.

Seagulls along the U.K. coastline are beginning to appear drunk and disoriented, prompting ornithologists and wildlife charities to warn the public. Experts are split as to the cause of this phenomenon but seem to agree on one thing — it’s about flying ants.

According to a report from Metro on Wednesday, July 8, seasonal flying ants have emerged in larger numbers this year due to excessive heatwaves. As a result, seagulls are feeding on them in high numbers. A potential consequence of their feeding frenzy may be taking in too much formic acid — a defence mechanism ants give off that’s toxic to birds. While it’s not having the desired effect to deter predators, scientists have hypothesized to be causing disorientation in the seagulls.

Vice reported on Thursday, July 17, that coastal towns like Lowestoft and Aldeburgh in Suffolk are seeing seagulls acting indifferent to people and oncoming vehicles. Experts have even warned people in the area to give the birds space.

However, no one is really sure what’s causing the behavior. According to a Tuesday, June 15 report from BBC’s Science Focus, black garden ants don’t produce that much formic acid, even if they are swarming in record numbers. Instead, some scientists believe that the seagulls are simply distracted by the abundant food and are therefore ignoring or not noticing threats the way they normally do.

Dr Viola Ross-Smith, from the British Trust for Ornithology, told Metro that they’d like to know for sure.

“You do see blankets of gulls walking in the road and staggering around on the pavement, getting in the way of cars,” Ross-Smith said. “Usually, they’re bold birds who don’t shy away from humans. I would really love for someone to test the theory and see if formic acid is making the gulls drunk.”