Why Are There ‘Seagulls’ in Denver Walmart Parking Lots?

Why Are There ‘Seagulls’ in Denver Walmart Parking Lots?

It’s a common question among Denver residents: why are there “seagulls” in Walmart parking lots, even in the winter? The answer may surprise you – what people are actually seeing aren’t seagulls, but a variety of gulls that have adapted to urban environments like Denver. According to the National Audubon Society, seagulls are a misnomer, as gulls thrive in many different environments, including the Mile High City.

Gulls are opportunistic feeders, which means they’ll eat just about anything that’s available. Walmart parking lots are perfect for them because they offer an abundance of food scraps. Shoppers frequently drop food while walking to their cars, and parking lots are designed with wide-open spaces that allow gulls to keep an eye out for predators. Gulls will feed on fish, insects, small rodents, fruits, and of course, discarded food from humans, making parking lots prime hunting grounds.

The gulls in Denver are most likely ring-billed gulls, which are year-round residents. Unlike coastal seagulls, ring-billed gulls prefer inland areas like Colorado and have become quite accustomed to urban living. Similar to the city’s squirrels, these gulls have learned to thrive in places where food is readily available.

Reddit users have noticed the abundance of gulls in Walmart parking lots and have had a little fun with the phenomenon. One user even joked that Walmart had hired the gull to serve as a “security guard.” Others shared stories of seeing gulls around landfills and sod farms, as well as devouring anything tossed their way, including rotisserie chicken from Walmart. Some even commented that the birds resemble small flying dinosaurs, adding to their mystique.

So, while Denver may not be known for its seagulls, it certainly has a healthy population of gulls that have adapted well to the urban environment – especially in parking lots!