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Ocean City Threatens Fines, Jail Time For Those Who Feed Seagulls

OCEAN CITY, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP)-- A New Jersey shore town is warning people not to feed the seagulls or any wildlife on the boardwalk.

Violators in Ocean City will face a fine of up to $500 and up to 90 days in jail.

Previously, police gave warnings. But the town has decided to crack down because the gulls are getting aggressive and diving for food.

"They've developed a taste for boardwalk food like some of the rest of us," Public Information Officer Doug Bergen told WCBS 880's Kelly Waldron. "Every time folks feed them, they get a little more aggressive, expecting that that's their source of food." 

Pizzeria owner Chuck Bangle tells The Press of Atlantic City he has given out 62 new slices of pizza in a week to customers who had slices stolen by gulls.

"Many of the complaints involve children," Mayor Jay Gillian said. "The city wants to be proactive before anybody gets hurt."

Ocean City is working with the Boardwalk Merchants Association and other groups to educate visitors.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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