Fake Eyes on Takeaway Boxes Deter Seagull Thieves
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- Researchers Lisa Lock and Neeltje Boogert found that herring gulls in coastal Cornwall were slower to approach and less likely to peck at takeaway boxes with eyes on them compared to plain boxes placed two meters apart.
- A follow-up test with 30 gulls presented with the boxes three times each found roughly half never pecked at the eyed box, while the other half quickly approached — suggesting a sustained deterrent effect for birds that don't figure out the trick.
- A Botswana cattle study cited in the article found that 19 cattle were killed by lions or leopards during the trial period, but none of the dead had eyespots painted on their rumps; eyed cattle were also attacked less than those marked with crosses or left unmarked.
- Eye-like markings are already used commercially to keep starlings away from crops, seabirds from fishing nets, and raptors from airports, suggesting the new finding taps into an established pest-control approach.
- The research team plans to partner with food vendors to test eyed takeaway boxes in real-world settings, noting the approach deters only about half of gulls and may work best when paired with active deterrents like shouting.
- Human behavior shows a parallel effect: images of eyes have been linked to reduced bicycle theft, increased honesty in tests, and higher charitable donations, all by creating the impression of being watched.
Why it matters: A cheap, passive intervention — printed eyes on packaging — could cut food theft by herring gulls in tourist towns where rising urban-gull conflict frustrates vendors and beachgoers. The researchers concede it deters only about half of birds, making it a complement to active deterrents like shouting rather than a standalone fix.
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