SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Center is issuing a warning to drive carefully around gulls in July and early August. 

This time of year, fledgling gulls are leaving their nests. These young gulls are the same size as their parents with one major difference: they are not yet able to fly. 

"This is a natural part of the fledgling process,” says Beth Brookhouser, Vice President of Marketing and Communications with SPCA Monterey County. “They are supposed to be out of the nest, on the ground, while their parents still tend to them while they learn to fly. Unfortunately, there's nothing natural about where they're landing, and every year hundreds are hit and killed by cars.”

The gulls lay their eggs in May, which hatch in June. Fledgling season follows from July to mid-August, a time when young seagulls gain their feathers and learn to fly. 

"Sadly, people are driving way too fast,” Brookhouser says. “Drivers expect these large birds, who they don't realize are babies, to fly away and they simply can't. We are issuing this alert asking people to slow down and give time for the gull babies to walk out of the way.” 

The most dangerous places for fledgling gulls in Monterey County are along Cannery Row, near CVS on Lighthouse in Pacific Grove, and in the Edgewood Shopping Center in Sand City, especially in front of and behind Target, PetSmart, and Lucky’s. 

"We strongly recommend slowing down and being compassionate for these birds,” says Brookhouser. “The fledgling season is brief, we can all slow down for a few weeks.”

The SPCA Wildlife Center is also rescuing nestling gulls, who have white and gray downy feathers with black spots. 

If you see an injured gull, or any other injured wild animal, please call the SPCA Wildlife Center at 831-264-5427 or visit www.spcamc.org/wildlife. 

The SPCA Wildlife Center is currently caring for 206 rescued wild patients. To donate to help rescued wildlife, please visit www.spcamc.org.