By Keith Lokmagozyan & Mia Mendez

The seagulls at Granada Hills Charter (GHC) are unapologetically gluttonous. Hungry for not only our attention but also leftover lunch, the seagulls continue to make their appearance loud and clear. The incredibly annoying birds have been terrorizing GHC students all year long. Whether it is gap period, nutrition, lunch, or passing period, pretty much anything involving a high caloric intake, it is guaranteed they’ll be there. 

The low-flying birds have one objective, to steal food. It’s almost as if the seagulls know exactly when and where the food will be out. Unfortunately for students, after their heavy meals, the droppings begin. Although it’s less of a drop, more of a splat. Throughout the 30-minute lunch period, students are running, taking cover under hoodies and backpacks for fear of being covered in white slimy seagull excreta. 

However, some students view seagulls embracing their squawking and squatting as an invitation of respect, which is why they have yet to stop begging for food.

“I definitely have seen people leave out food for them,” senior Alexys Juniel said. “I just do it because I feel bad, like what if they’re not being fed anywhere else?”

But why are they so hungry? Research shows that seagulls mimic human food choices. The seagulls at GHC are adapting to their environment and their most obtainable prey happens to be Papa John’s Pizza and school hamburgers. Birds are known to study human behavior and apply their knowledge when committing their acts of winged robbery. 

Although we can admire their cleverness and opportunistic eating habits, they are not a big hit among many Highlanders. 

“I run in fear every time I see them flying over me,” senior Natthaon Jaladwatshalin said. “The seagulls make me feel as if I’m in constant chaos walking to class.” 

The invasion of seagulls brings up an important conversation surrounding the issue of littering and food waste. Since so many students leave trash and food around the campus, it serves as an invitation to the birds. Although many complain and express their disgust, the seagulls’ presence should serve as a wake-up call for students and staff to become more eco-conscious. At the end of the day, can we blame the seagulls for being so tempted?