The Scottish SPCA is asking the public for information after a herring gull chick was found wandering near a pier, covered in bright pink paint.

Seagulls are known for their striking white color.

The Scottish SPCA is asking the public for information after a herring gull chick was found wandering near a pier, sadly covered in bright pink paint. It is currently believed the young gull was the victim of a prank.

The bird was captured by a senior inspector and taken to the National Wildlife Rescue Centre. Workers have attempted cleaning the gull, now named Blush and removing the bright paint, but thus far they’ve had no luck. The dye is stuck embedded in its feathers.

A spokesperson at the wildlife center stated “Although Blush's appearance may have raised a few laughs, we are very concerned that someone has done this to a defenseless creature. It's lucky that the dye had not gone into its eyes as this could have blinded him or at the least caused pain and discomfort.”

Blush cannot be released back into the wild yet, not until new feathers replace the pink ones. The Scottish SPCA is quick in pointing out that Blush could have easily died if left alone outside in the pink colored condition as the gull would have been constantly attacked by other birds.