Grey seal pupping season.

Give pups space, disturbance is damaging, think seal and put pups first!

As you may be aware, the Grey seal pupping season has begun, again it is happening much earlier than in previous years and we are seeing a large number of pups in Devon and Cornwall across beaches and coves. It is important that collectively we minimise the impacts of disturbance by human activities during this crucial pupping period.

We are encouraging everyone to keep their distance and give seals space, observe them using binoculars or zoom camera. It might also mean that people need to find alternative beaches to visit whilst the seals pup.

It is also important that locations where seals are pupping are not advertised especially online, to avoid increasing disturbance as people flock to see the pups. Pups essentially need to get fat and put on 30 kg if they are to survive off their fat reserves as they learn to feed (foraging techniques/what to eat).

Impacts on the mums and pups are often invisible and delayed, disturbance can result in underweight pups which have a much lower probability of survival. Pups essentially need to get fat and put on 40 kg if they are to survive off their fat reserves as they learn to feed (hunting techniques/what to eat).

If anyone is concerned about a live seal then do not hesitate to contact British Divers Marine Life Rescue on 01825 765546 or The Seal Project on 07818 034668 who will send out a trained medic to assess the seal.

If you have seen or become aware of a seal being disturbed into the sea as a result of human activity or find a dead seal in your area then please get in touch with [email protected] to tell them what you have seen.

For more info visit Cornwall Seal Groups Website Here. As well as The Seal Project.