New soundtrack created to help stop seagulls stealing your food
Experts have been working on deterrents, as research suggest over 50% of people have fallen victim
Last updated 22nd Jul 2022
A report has shown over half of people across the UK have had their food stolen by seagulls.
The recent study has also shown 44% of people are concerned that eating outside may result in their food being stolen by a seagull.
A new soundtrack to deter seagulls in areas where swarms of seagulls are expected in the summer, to help beach goers protect their lunch and fish and chips.
It includes sounds of Hawk and Falcon calls to prevent them for wanting to swoop down nearby.
Other areas in the UK are seeing 'Chipwatch' zones in place to deter seagulls from going near the seaside.
Dr Madeleine Goumas, gull expert at the University of Exeter, said: "People want to eat their food on the beach and have a nice day out but there are obviously gulls around.
"They've got hungry chicks to feed as well at the moment so they're looking out for our pasties and ice creams because they're nice dense calorific foods.
"Don't give them the opportunity to swoop in over your shoulder. Don't just be looking down at your phone if you've got food there. You want to have a nice relaxing time at the beach so don't give them that opportunity to catch you unaware".
Why do the Gulls come for our food?
Gulls are what is known as "kleptoparasites".
Like a lot of other bird species, they take food from each other and from other species. Gulls are unusual in that they take food from humans too, as this is unlike other birds – making them the perfect threat to your lovely beach picnic!
Herring gulls live for an average of 12 years. In fact, the oldest recorded age for a herring gull is almost 33 years old – that’s many years of snack stealing.
There are seven commonly found gull species in the UK, with over 50 species of gulls in the world.
Dr Madeleine Goumas, gull expert from the University of Exeter said: "This is a great initiative to help the public enjoy their Summer holidays without the threat of unwanted birds, all whilst not being harmful to them.
"I partnered with Deliveroo to ensure the track was no harm to the seagulls and to use gull calls to ensure it is effective. Research supports the use of gull alarm calls for deterring gulls.
"This is the sound gulls make when they spot a predator, and it tells other gulls to keep away. We hope this track will allow people to eat their food in peace".