Latest news with #Boogert
Daily Record
29-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
Seagulls won't steal your food at beach if you wear this popular pattern
Greedy seagulls have been known to ruin beach days for many British tourists. With summer fast approaching, many people will already be making plans to head to the beach to enjoy some of the British seaside classics, like ice cream or fish and chips. However, nothing manages to spoil these treats quite like seagulls diving to steal your food. While seagulls may not be picky eaters, it turns out that it could be your outfit choice that deters them from stealing your food. Because wearing clothing with certain patterns might well mean you are left alone to enjoy your ice cream cone or poke of chips, says one expert. Speaking to Dojo, a card payment provider, Dr Neeltje Boogert, a research fellow in behavioural ecology, explained that seagulls and other animals are put off by certain patterns. Dr Boogert said: "Many animals find highly contrasting patterns aversive, like zebra stripes or wasp/bee patterns. "So there's a chance they might initially be less keen to snatch ice creams, with alternating white (or yellow) and black stripes. " Gulls learn about food from people, and they're super generalist foragers, so anything that people eat, gulls will eat as well. "Although it should be noted that they're less keen on vegetables." Dr Boogert's top tips to protect your food from seagulls Keep your eye on any gulls around you Gulls find the human gaze aversive and are less likely to approach your food when you're staring them down. Block and obstruct seagulls when eating Eat underneath a parasol, umbrella, roof, or narrowly-spaced bunting, or with your back against a wall. Gulls need an easy or unobstructed approach and escape route if they're going to steal your food. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. They will approach from behind, which is blocked when you're standing against a wall, and they're not comfortable flying underneath roofs or bunting. Never leave a bag unzipped Cover your food and zip up bags as they're very familiar with grocery bags, crisp packets, and pastry bags, and they will rifle through your bags if unattended. Do not feed the gulls Human food is bad for their health, and feeding encourages stealing. Dojo also advises business owners to be aware of these seagull deterrent tips, as seagulls flocking to cafes or restaurants can discourage customers from purchasing, especially seaside cafes that serve food. Business owners should not feed seagulls and should also discourage patrons from doing so. They should also avoid leaving food outside and provide bins that close to minimise the risk of attracting seagulls. Ensuring food waste is disposed of properly, and that customers do not feed the birds will not only keep premises tidy, but also help deter seagulls from gathering nearby. It was revealed last year that Aberdeen is reportedly home to the UK's worst seagulls described as "another level of psychotic" and "out for blood." The country's most aggressive seagulls, dubbed 'XL Gullies', were terrorising residents by stealing food, launching attacks and even shoplifting, with one resident branding them as 'hyper aggressive'.
Daily Record
08-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Wearing one thing could be key to stopping seagulls from stealing your food
As summer approaches, many of us will be heading to the beach to enjoy some classic seaside snacks - but seagulls can often ruin the fun. As the mercury rises and the prospect of summer holidays draws closer, many folks are gearing up to hit the beach and savour some seaside staples such as ice cream or fish and chips. But nothing can spoil a perfect summer's day out quite like greedy seagulls looking to pilfer your tasty treats. To aid beach visitors in protecting their grub, and to prevent local businesses from dealing with upset customers, specialists at Dojo have consulted with seagull experts. Dr Neeltje Boogert, a research fellow in behavioural ecology at the University of Exeter, delivered key advice on keeping your grub safe from gulls during the summer across the UK. Dr Boogert said: "Gulls learn about food from people, and they're super generalist foragers, so anything that people eat, gulls will eat as well. Although it should be noted that they're less keen on vegetables." Though these birds aren't fussy about their food, your fashion might just play a role in fending off the feathered foes. According to Dr Boogert: "Many animals find highly contrasting patterns aversive, like zebra stripes or wasp/bee patterns. "So there's a chance they might initially be less keen to snatch ice creams, with alternating white or yellow and black stripes." Last month, the Daily Record reported how high street shops were refused permission to cull dive-bombing seagulls and told to give customers umbrellas instead by a Scottish Government agency. Businesses in Inverness and Nairn claimed that they're being tormented by the birds because NatureScot will not grant licences to control them. When challenged on their rules the body said people would have to 'find ways to live with gulls' and insisted the creatures are a 'species of conservation concern' in Scotland. NatureScot changed the rules last year to make it harder to obtain a gull control licence despite the legislation on the issue remaining the same. Dr Boogert provided her best tips to stop seagulls from making off with your snacks, as reported by Devon Live. Keep your eye on any gulls around you "Gulls find the human gaze aversive and are less likely to approach your food when you're staring them down." Block and obstruct seagulls when eating "Eat underneath a parasol, umbrella, roof, or narrowly-spaced bunting, or with your back against a wall. Gulls need an easy or unobstructed approach and escape route if they're going to steal your food. They will approach from behind, which is blocked when you're standing against a wall, and they're not comfortable flying underneath roofs or bunting." Never leave your bag open "Cover your food and zip up bags as they're very familiar with grocery bags, crisp packets, and pasty bags, and they will rifle through your bags if unattended." Avoid feeding the gulls! "Human food is bad for their health, and feeding encourages stealing." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
