If you've ever had your seaside chips snatched by a daring seagull, scientists may have finally discovered your best defence. According to groundbreaking research, the most effective way to protect your lunch isn't running away or sacrificing your sandwich – it's raising your voice.
The Chip Box Experiment
Researchers from the University of Exeter conducted an unusual experiment across nine seaside towns in Cornwall. They tested 61 herring gulls by placing a closed box of chips on the ground and playing different sounds.
The team used three types of recordings: a male voice shouting 'No, stay away, that's my food', the same voice speaking those words calmly, and the neutral birdsong of a robin. All recordings were adjusted to the same volume to ensure a fair comparison.
The results were striking. Nearly half (almost 50%) of gulls exposed to the shouting voice flew away within one minute. Only 15% of those hearing the calmly spoken words flew off, though most of the remainder walked away from the food, still sensing some danger.
Why Shouting Makes Gulls Fly Away
Dr Neeltje Boogert from the University of Exeter's Centre for Ecology and Conservation explained the crucial difference. 'The gulls were more likely to fly away at the shouting and more likely to walk away at the speaking,' she noted.
This suggests that gulls can detect subtle differences in human vocal patterns, not just volume. 'It seems that gulls pay attention to the way we say things,' Dr Boogert revealed. This ability has previously only been observed in domesticated animals like dogs, pigs and horses – not wild species.
In contrast, the experiment showed that 70% of gulls exposed to robin song stayed near the food throughout the test period, completely unbothered by the friendly chirping.
A Peaceful Solution for Conservation
The research team emphasised that physical violence against gulls is unnecessary and undesirable. Herring gulls are a species of conservation concern in the UK, and most aren't bold enough to steal directly from people.
'What we do not want is people injuring them,' Dr Boogert stressed. 'This experiment shows there are peaceful ways to deter them that don't involve physical contact.'
So next time you're enjoying fish and chips by the coast and spot a feathered thief circling, remember that a firm shout might be all it takes to save your lunch while keeping both you and the gulls safe.
