Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Floodwall
Common Name:  Great Black-backed Gull aka Mr. You Gonna Eat That
Scientific Name: Larus marinus
Average Length: 25–31 in
Average Wingspan: 4 ft 11 in–5 ft 7 in
Average Weight: 1.7–5.1 lb

Quick Facts

• The Great Black-backed Gull is one of many bird species whose feathers were used for fashionable clothing in the 1800s.
• This is the largest gull in the world.
• They will investigate any small organism they encounter and will readily eat almost anything that they can swallow.
• Unlike most other Larus gulls, they are highly predatory and frequently hunt and kill any prey smaller than themselves.
• The breeding pair are devoted parents who both take shifts brooding the young, defending the nest and gathering food.

Have a picture of a wild critter? Send it to [email protected] and it might end up as a Critter of the Week.

Comet at Richmond SPCA

Age: 5 years, 1 month
Gender: Neutered Male
Color: Black / White
Size: L (dog size guide)
ID: 43349579

Adopt Comet at Richmond SPCA

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