Exeter Study: Shouting Deters Herring Gulls from Food

Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered that shouting at European herring gulls effectively deters the birds from approaching human food, offering a simple, non-violent strategy for beachgoers frustrated by seaside snack thefts. The study, conducted across nine towns along Cornwall's southwest coast in England, tested 61 gulls and found that a raised voice prompted nearly half of them to fly away within a minute, far more than calmer speech or neutral birdsong.

The experiment involved placing a closed Tupperware container filled with french fries on the ground in areas frequented by the birds. Once a gull approached and began pecking at the box, researchers played one of three audio recordings at the same volume: a male voice shouting, "No, stay away, that's my food"; the same phrase spoken calmly; or the song of a robin as a control. The recordings came from five male volunteers who provided both versions of the phrase.

Results showed clear differences in the gulls' responses. About 50 percent of those hearing the shouting fled immediately, while only 15 percent exposed to the calm voice took flight; the rest walked away but remained vigilant. In contrast, 70...