Ring-Billed Gull Shot In Chest With Dart Recovering From Injuries

SOUTH KINGSTON, RI – A Ring-billed gull shot with a dart is recovering from its injuries, according to the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island.

Workers at the wildlife clinic said they first learned about the bird from people in the community who spotted the gull with a “dart stuck in her chest.” However, treating the bird was no easy task since it managed to evade rehabbers for months.

According to wildlife clinic staff, the injured gull was originally spotted in Charleston but had been hanging around the University of Rhode Island for the last several weeks. Volunteers were finally able to capture her Tuesday.

A volunteer veterinarian and rehabilitator with the association, Dr. Chi Chan, removed the dart from the gull under anesthesia.

“We do expect her to make a full recovery,” wrote the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island on its official Facebook page this week.

Ring-billed gulls, as well as all species of gulls, are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and it is illegal to harm or harass them. The association says this gull's case will be reported to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for follow-up.