What is it in the presence of gulls that makes men angry and violent book open boat?

In the short story "The Open Boat" by Stephen Crane, the men became angry and violent while dealing with the relentless presence of gulls. The gulls constantly attacked the men, taking their only food item, a bit of chocolate. The incessant dive-bombing also caused severe lacerations on the captain's neck and left him severely injured. The men knew they were running out of time and felt increasingly desperate due to their hunger and vulnerability in the open sea. This combination of factors, along with the pain caused by the gulls' attacks, heightened their anger and violence as they fought to survive and protect what little they had.