Why are more seals being rescued?
More call outs may be a positive sign the seal population is increasing, rescuers say
- Published
Rescue charities say they have seen a big rise of seals needing help and care this winter.
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) say storms and human disturbance can cause pups to become confused and then separated from their mothers.
But, this might not be all bad.
According to the BDMLR, the number of rescues may be a positive sign that the population is increasing and that more people are reporting injured animals.
Record number of grey seals counted at Cumbrian nature reserve
- Published15 March 2025
First seal pups make early arrival at nature reserve
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Bad summer weather 'confuses' seals into thinking it's winter
- Published13 August 2023
What should you do if you sea a seal pup?
The RSPCA said the seal population was increasing and doing well
If you ever come across a seal on the beach, you should not touch it.
BDMLR volunteer Sarah Kennett says it's vital that people "stay at least 50m away from a lone pup" to avoid scaring them back into the water.
Sarah says touching a pup not only endangers the creature, but could be dangerous for humans too, as they are wild animals.
If you are worried about a pup or a seal, rescuers should be called instead.
How much do you know about seals?
In the UK there are two types of seal, common seals and grey seals
The scientific name for the grey atlantic seal is Halichoerus grypus - which means hook-nosed sea pig
Despite their name, commons seals are actually rarer than grey seals in the UK. The UK has around 162,000 grey seals and 42,900 common seals
Grey seals have a larger body and longer head than common seals
Common seals can swim almost immediately from birth, whereas grey seal pups are born fluffy which means they can't go into the water right away
