Yes, You Should Yell at Seagulls: Science Backs Your Instinct
If you’ve ever felt the urge to shout at a seagull eyeing your lunch, new research confirms you’re on the right track. A study published today in the journal Biology Letters demonstrates that shouting is a surprisingly effective method for deterring herring gulls from pilfering your food.
Researchers from the Center for Ecology and Conservation at the University of Exeter tested various methods of discouraging gulls from approaching a closed Tupperware container of chips. Their findings validate the common-sense notion that a firm vocal reprimand works better than simply talking.
“When trying to scare off a gull that’s trying to steal your food, talking might stop them in their tracks but shouting is more effective at making them fly away,” explained Neeltje Boogert, a researcher and co-author of the study, in a university statement.
The experiment involved 61 gulls from nine seaside towns in Cornwall. Researchers played one of three recordings as a gull approached the chips: a male voice shouting, “No, stay away, that’s my food”; the same voice speaking the same words; or the neutral birdsong of a robin.
The results were clear. Nearly half (approximately 49%) of the gulls that heard the shouting voice took flight within a minute. In contrast, only 15% of those who heard the speaking voice flew away, with the remainder exhibiting cautious behavior but remaining near the food. A significant 70% of gulls remained near the food throughout the experiment when exposed to robin song.
The team observed that urban gulls displayed increased vigilance and pecked less at the food container when exposed to a male voice, regardless of whether it was shouting or speaking. However, shouting prompted the gulls to fly away, while speaking only encouraged them to walk away, still perceiving a potential threat. Importantly, the difference in reaction wasn’t due to volume, as both the shouting and speaking recordings were played at the same level. This suggests gulls are sensitive to the acoustic properties of human voices.
“It seems that gulls pay attention to the way we say things, wich we don’t think has been seen before in any wild species, only in those domesticated species that have been bred around humans for generations, such as dogs, pigs and horses,” Boogert stated.
The researchers deliberately used recordings of five male voices, noting that “most crimes against wildlife are carried out by men.”
While the study might seem to offer justification for defending picnics with vocal force, the researchers emphasize a more peaceful intention. Boogert believes gulls have been unfairly vilified, stating, “most gulls aren’t bold enough to steal food from a person.” The study aims to demonstrate that physical violence is unnecessary, as gulls are a species of conservation concern.
“what we don’t wont is people injuring them,” Boogert said. ”This experiment shows there are peaceful ways to deter them that don’t involve physical contact.”
So,the next time a seagull sets its sights on your snack,remember the science: use your words – and don’t hesitate to yell.
