University of Exeter

Looking a Seagull in the Eye Might Stop It From Stealing Your Food | Eater

"Researchers at the university tested whether direct human gaze can deter herring gulls from stealing food. Using french fries as bait for 75 gulls (only 19 of which actually engaged), they found that birds receiving sustained eye contact delayed their approach—taking an average of 21 seconds to go for a fry versus 13 seconds when not stared at. The study concludes that staring can modestly postpone gull theft and serve as a simple, low-cost short-term deterrent, though it may not prevent an entire snack from being taken." - Brenna Houck