Sick of seagulls stealing your chips? Stick googly EYES on your takeaway to keep swooping birds away, wacky study claims

Sick of seagulls stealing your chips? Stick googly EYES on your takeaway to keep swooping birds away, wacky study claims

A recent study suggests that placing googly eyes on takeaway food may deter seagulls from stealing it. Conducted by researchers at a university in the United Kingdom, the study indicates that the presence of fake eyes could reduce bird theft incidents in outdoor dining areas.

What happened

The study involved experiments where takeaway food was left unattended with and without googly eyes. The researchers observed the behavior of seagulls in various locations, including coastal areas and urban parks. Results showed a significant decrease in the number of seagulls approaching food items adorned with googly eyes compared to those without.

Why this is gaining attention

This research has garnered interest due to ongoing complaints about seagulls stealing food from beachgoers and outdoor diners. With increasing numbers of people dining outside, particularly during warmer months, effective methods to protect food are in demand. The unconventional approach of using googly eyes has sparked discussions among both researchers and the public.

What it means

The findings may have implications for urban planning and outdoor dining regulations. If further validated, this method could provide a simple and cost-effective solution for restaurants and cafes to minimize food theft by birds. Additionally, it raises questions about animal behavior and how visual cues can influence wildlife interactions with human activities.

Key questions

• Q: What is the situation?
  A: Researchers found that googly eyes on takeaway food can deter seagulls from stealing it.
• Q: Why is this important now?
  A: Increased outdoor dining has led to more complaints about seagull theft, prompting interest in effective deterrent methods.