Ocean City Visitor Cited for Capturing Gull on Video

Ocean City, MD - A social media video is why a Maryland man is now facing a wildlife charge. Maryland Natural Resources Police officers were made aware of the video after it started circulating online.

The video shows a man capturing a herring gull from his vehicle. Wildlife officers say the incident took place in Ocean City on August 16, 2026.

Herring gulls are a protected species under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This law makes it illegal to capture or possess protected migratory birds without a permit.

The video gained attention quickly after it was posted. That attention is what eventually caught the eye of Natural Resources Police.

On August 25, 2026, officers were able to identify the man seen in the video. He is a 26-year-old from Callaway, Maryland.

He was issued one citation for illegal possession of wild birds. That charge comes with a possible fine of up to $1,500.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act has been in place since 1918. It protects more than a thousand bird species found across the country, including many that are common along Maryland's coastline.

Herring gulls are a familiar sight in Ocean City and other parts of the Eastern Shore. They are often seen along the beach, near boardwalks, and around local marinas.

Wildlife officers rely on tips and reports from the public to help enforce protections like these. A viral video can be all it takes to start an investigation.

Cases like this one are a reminder that wild animals, even common ones, can be protected by law. Capturing or handling them without a permit can lead to real legal consequences.

Natural Resources Police continue to investigate reports of wildlife violations across the state. Anyone with information about a similar incident is encouraged to contact the agency directly.