Plea after dogs seen disturbing resting seal
BBCA marine wildlife charity has urged beachgoers not to disturb resting seals following reports of people getting too close to one on the East Yorkshire coast.
On Sunday, several people – some with dogs – were seen around a juvenile seal, which did not have any obvious signs of injury, on Fraisthorpe beach, near Bridlington, in East Yorkshire.
British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), which specialises in the rescue and protection of marine wildlife, said it was "extremely important" seals were given plenty of space.
It recommended a distance of at least 328ft (100m) - roughly the length of a football pitch - and for dog owners to keep their pets on a lead.
A spokesperson for the charity said seals regularly "haul out" on land to rest, digest, regulate their body temperature and, in the case of young animals, simply to recover and build energy, adding that getting too close to one could result in "significant stress".
They added: "Seals may feel threatened and either flee into the water before they are ready, or become defensive in an attempt to be left alone.
"Seals are wild animals with powerful jaws and sharp teeth, and they can bite if they feel cornered or frightened.
"For both animal welfare and public safety, it is always best to observe from a distance and move on, to allow the seal to rest undisturbed."
BDMLR warned that a seal bite to a dog, or vice versa, would likely result in veterinary care being required.
The spokesperson said repeated disturbance could also cause seals to use up their "valuable energy reserves", which in young animals especially could lead to a decline in health, potentially resulting in the need for rescue or even death.
Anyone concerned about a seal's condition is invited to contact the British Divers Marine Life Rescue for advice via its 24-hour hotline.
Seal sightings are common on beaches along the North Sea coast, including in Lincolnshire.
Cleethorpes Wildlife Charity previously issued a similar plea after reports of people crowding around a large grey seal on the town's beach on Boxing Day 2024.
At the time, the group said approaching the animals put both people and the seal at risk.
It said: "Seals use the beach to rest, often between tides and in most cases they just need to be left to rest."
Hundreds of visitors also flock to see the grey seal pups that are born at Donna Nook Nature Reserve, near Louth, each year.
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