In Estonia, local authorities have proposed an unusual method to deter aggressive seagulls: wearing pom-pom hats. The suggestion emerged after reports of increased seagull attacks in coastal towns, particularly during nesting season.
According to Estonian media reports from May 2026, officials in Pärnu and other seaside areas recommended that residents and tourists wear hats with large pom-poms, theorizing that the moving, colorful object might confuse or startle the birds. However, no scientific studies have been conducted to verify this claim.
Seagulls in Estonia have become bolder in recent years, often snatching food from people's hands. The pom-pom hat idea is one of several non-lethal methods being explored, alongside signs advising against feeding the birds and using netting in public spaces.
Wildlife experts caution that while the hats might provide a temporary distraction, they are unlikely to be a long-term solution. The Estonian Environmental Board has not officially endorsed the practice, and ornithologists recommend maintaining eye contact with the birds and keeping food covered as more reliable strategies.
