A SEAGULL unable to fly due to being covered in cooking oil has been rescued from Rhyl beach by RSPCA Cymru.

The greater black-backed gull was spotted on Rhyl beach on Monday morning and was unable to get itself off the ground.

RSPCA inspector Andy Broadbent said: “The gull was covered in some kind of cooking fat and was soaked in sea water and would have died from either exposure or drowning as the oil had removed the feathers’ waterproof coating and the bird was waterlogged.

“The gull was huge as it was a black backed gull – which is the largest species of gull there is – and it is quite unusual to pick one up.

“The bird was caught safely and has been taken to RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre where he will be washed and cleaned up after his ordeal.

“The gull didn’t appear to be injured or sick, so should hopefully make a full recovery and be released back into the wild.”

Mr Broadbent urged anyone who might find an animal in distress to call the RSPCA helpline on 0300 1234999.

For more information on what to do if you find a wild animal you think needs help, go online at www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injuredanimals.

The RSPCA is advising members of public not to attempt to handle these kinds of birds due to the risk to their safety.