Researchers recommend eye contact and shouting loudly

Scientifically proven

A look is said to repel seagulls

Seagulls are true professional thieves – at least when it comes to food. But researchers have discovered two simple tricks that can keep muggers away.

Anyone who’s vacationed on the North Sea or the Baltic Sea knows the problem: As soon as you sit down on a bench with a fresh fish sandwich, a seagull flies by — and snatches it as it passes by. Therefore, birds are considered a real pest, especially in tourist-rich areas. But there are two simple ways to prevent this.

Researchers from the University of Exeter have studied the behavior of herring gulls in coastal towns in Cornwall. The focus is on one question: How do animals behave when people offer them food – and look at the animal or ignore it? French fries are served as a lure.

The results: In the first five minutes, nearly two-thirds of the 74 seagulls restrained themselves and did not steal the fries — regardless of whether they were stared at or not. But when they feel they are being watched, their behavior becomes more hesitant. Although 36 percent of the unobserved birds dared to approach the fries, only 26 percent did so when they made eye contact. The animals also need more time before approaching the food.

While this trick reduces the chance of being cheated out of your food, travelers shouldn’t feel safe. Because some herring gulls just seem to be quiet. It is sometimes reported that the seagulls work together: one seagull screams loudly – while another comes up from behind and steals bread. This is also in accordance with the results of the study: seagulls specifically use the shock effect to obtain food.

In another study, also from the UK, behavioral researchers at the University of Exeter found that shouting also helped fend off seagull thieves. For their experiment, they attracted seagulls with fish and chips. As soon as the animals approached, they played various recorded sounds: a male voice shouting: “No, get out of there, that’s my food, that’s my cake!”, a male voice saying the same thing quietly and a robin singing.

The result: Almost half (10) of the 21 seagulls that were screamed at flew away and the other three fled. More than a third (8) of the people were still standing. When the seagulls were approached, only three of the 20 gulls flew. Half (10) away. A third (seven) are still standing. The seagulls were not at all impressed by the robin’s song. Of the 20 seagulls, only three flew. Just like many left. The majority (14) remained standing.

“Gulls were more likely to fly away when someone shouted and more likely to flee when someone spoke,” said researcher Neeltje Boogert, who summarized the results. “So if you want to scare away a seagull that is trying to steal your food, talking may be enough to stop it, but screaming is much more effective at making it fly away.”