People warned not to disturb seals on beach

David McKennaBBC News
News imageCleethorpes Wildlife Rescue The beach at Cleethorpes with a seal inside a cordon in the foreground, with people and the pier behind.Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue
Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue urged people not to disturb seals on the beach

A wildlife rescue group has warned beach-goers not to disturb seals on the Lincolnshire coast.

The call, from Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue (CWR), follows reports of people crowding around a large grey seal on the town's beach on Boxing Day.

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."

In a social media post, a spokesperson added: "It's important to remember that these are wild animals.

"They are unpredictable, can move surprisingly fast, are incredibly strong, and have a nasty bite.

"This particular seal did not need intervention and as darkness fell headed back out [to sea]."

The group said people were advised to keep a safe distance, put dogs on leads and keep as quiet as possible.

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