Exeter study uncovers surprising trick that stops seagulls stealing food

New research from the University of Exeter suggests that shouting at seagulls could be the most effective way to stop them stealing your food.

The study, carried out by behavioural scientists at Exeter’s Centre for Ecology and Conservation, tested how herring gulls reacted to different human sounds. 

Researchers placed a closed Tupperware box of chips on the ground to attract a gull’s attention, then played one of three recordings: a man shouting “No, stay away, that’s my food”, the same phrase spoken calmly, or neutral robin birdsong.

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The team tested 61 gulls in nine coastal towns across Cornwall. Nearly half of the gulls exposed to the shouting voice flew away within a minute. 

Just 15 per cent of those hearing the calm speaking voice took flight, though many still backed off. In contrast, 70 per cent of gulls who heard the robin song stayed put beside the food throughout the experiment.

Dr Neeltje Boogert, who led the study, said the results show that gulls respond not just to volume but to the way words are spoken. 

“Urban gulls were more vigilant and pecked less at the food container when we played them a male voice,” she said. “Talking might stop them in their tracks, but shouting is more effective at making them fly away.”

All recordings were played at the same volume, suggesting gulls can detect the acoustic qualities of human speech rather than simply reacting to loudness. 

According to the researchers, this sensitivity has previously only been documented in animals domesticated by humans, such as dogs and horses.

The study also highlights non-harmful ways to deter gulls. Dr Boogert stressed that most gulls are not bold enough to steal food directly from people and that they remain a species of conservation concern. 

“What we don't want is people injuring them,” she said. “This experiment shows there are peaceful ways to deter them that don’t involve physical contact.”

The findings are published in Biology Letters.