
Pelicans approaching swimming pools and showing limited fear of humans can be attributed to several key factors:
1. Habituation - Pelicans that live near human settlements gradually become accustomed to our presence and learn we're not typically threats.
2. Food association - They may associate humans with food opportunities, either from direct feeding or discarded scraps.
3. Water attraction - Swimming pools are visually similar to natural water bodies from above, potentially attracting pelicans looking for fishing spots.
4. Urban adaptation - Many wildlife species, pelicans included, have adapted to urban environments as their natural habitats shrink.
5. Curiosity - Pelicans are intelligent birds and may investigate novel features in their environment like swimming pools.
6. Mistaken identity - From a distance, the blue color and reflective surface of pools can resemble natural water bodies.
7. Drought conditions - During dry periods, pelicans may be more desperate for water sources and willing to take risks.
8. Bold individuals - Some individual pelicans may naturally have bolder personalities, making them more likely to approach human structures.
This behavior tends to be more common in areas where pelicans regularly interact with humans, such as coastal communities and tourist areas.