Scream to Save Your Snacks! New Study Reveals How to Stop Seagull Food Thieves
Published: January 16, 2025 | Category: Travel & Science
Cornwall, UK – Forget carefully guarding your chips or waving your arms wildly. A surprising new discovery from the University of Exeter suggests the most effective way to deter those brazen seaside bandits – seagulls – is remarkably simple: a good, loud shout. This isn’t just anecdotal evidence; it’s science, and it’s making waves as breaking news for beachgoers everywhere. This story is optimized for Google News and SEO to ensure rapid indexing.
The Science of the Shout: How Does it Work?
Researchers at the University’s Center for Ecology and Conservation spent months observing herring gulls (Larus argentatus) in nine coastal towns across Cornwall, a region notorious for seagull-related snack attacks. The team, led by Dr. Neltje Bugert, conducted a fascinating experiment: presenting the gulls with French fries in closed containers and then playing three different sounds as the birds approached.
The sounds? A male voice shouting “No, stay away, that’s my food!”, the same phrase spoken calmly, and the song of a robin. The results were striking. Roughly half of the seagulls took flight within a minute when confronted with the loud shout, while only 15% reacted to the calmer tone. The robin’s song? A seagull paradise – 70% stayed put, seemingly unfazed.
“All the recordings were adjusted to the same volume, and the gulls responded to the way they said the sound, not the loudness,” explains Dr. Bugert. “Screams can be interpreted as a clear threat, and calm voices may indicate some level of alarm, but they don’t seem to have felt a sense of danger to the point of taking off.” This is a groundbreaking finding, as it’s the first scientific proof that wild birds can interpret the emotional intent behind human vocalizations.
Why Shouting Works: A Deeper Dive into Animal Communication
For years, scientists have known that domestic animals like dogs and horses are adept at reading human emotions through tone of voice. But extending this understanding to wild birds is a significant leap. It suggests a level of cognitive complexity in seagulls that wasn’t previously appreciated. The research team theorizes that the shout mimics the assertive vocalizations used within seagull colonies to establish dominance and defend resources. Essentially, you’re speaking their language – a language of warning and territoriality.
The study also deliberately used male voices, referencing data showing men are more likely to intervene with wild animals. This adds another layer to the fascinating interplay of behavior and perception at play.
Beyond Shouting: Other Peaceful Ways to Protect Your Picnic
While shouting proves surprisingly effective, researchers emphasize the importance of peaceful coexistence. Herring gulls are a protected species, and demonizing them isn’t the answer. Dr. Bugert stresses, “Rather than throwing things or chasing them, they can communicate their intentions just by using their voices.”
Interestingly, a 2019 study by the same University of Exeter team revealed another simple tactic: direct eye contact. Gulls were significantly slower to steal chips when people stared intently at them, and fewer attempted the theft altogether. So, a combination of a firm gaze and a well-timed shout might be your best defense against a hungry gull.
A Reminder: Seagulls are Just Trying to Survive
It’s easy to view seagulls as pests, especially when they’re eyeing your lunch. But it’s crucial to remember they’re simply adapting to their environment, which increasingly includes human settlements and readily available food sources. Only a small percentage of seagulls actively steal food from people, and most are not inherently aggressive. By understanding their behavior and employing these non-violent deterrents, we can enjoy the seaside without escalating conflicts.
This research offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of animal communication and provides a practical, surprisingly effective solution to a common summertime problem. So, next time you’re enjoying a seaside treat, remember: a loud “No!” might be all you need to keep those feathered thieves at bay. For more breaking news and in-depth science coverage, stay tuned to archyde.com.
Sources:
- Exeter.ac.uk: https://news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-environment-science-and-economy/shouting-at-seagulls-could-stop-them-stealing-your-food/
- Royalsocietypublishing: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2025.0394
