Severely Injured Seagull

I can't even look at the full sized photos. Too distressing.

This seagull Landed on the 6th Avenue side of Williams (?) campground off of B street. I tossed it some ham before I really saw how badly it was injured. Something appeared to fall off or out of the wound after it ate.



I reported it to the Alaska Sealife Center but since it is still able to fly they can not help it. I asked about a gull I reported about 2 weeks ago that had a hole in the front of its neck with what looked like a fish fin or something sticking out. The rehab/rescue person thought that was the same bird I was reporting today, but I assured him it wasn't because there is no comparison between the severity of the injuries and the first reported gull had a small hole in the front of the neck not a gaping wound in the side.



However, after I got home and uploaded the photos I realized this may be the same gull. I can see that the damage is not just on the side but extends around to the front. It actually looks like possibly another gull or animal grabbed hold of the fleshy looking thing that was sticking out of its neck and yanked it out! I know that sounds unlikely , but the hole was so small and I kept thinking it looked like a part of a fish sticking out.

I wish the bird could be helped . I can not imagine that it is not suffering and I do not see how it can recover on its own.






Click on photos to view full size