Watch out for seals
Now that the first seal pups have started making an appearance along the North East coast, Northumberland Wildlife Trust is encouraging members of the public to be vigilant.
At just a few weeks old, the young pups head off to sea to prepare to live an independent life.However some will turn up on beaches along the coastline as they learn to swim and feed.
If you spot any young seals basking on the coastline on their own, do not panic. Just leave them alone. Their mother is probably close. Dog owners are asked to ensure that their animals are kept away from young seals.
Northumberland Wildlife Trust is also asking for help to monitor the number of dead seals. There is an apparent rise in numbers of deaths and the trust is working with other organisations to investigate the cause of seal deaths along the coast.
Some are shot, some are diseased and some are thought to die as a result of injuries caused by contact with ship propellers.
If anybody finds a dead seal, please contact Aurelie Bohan, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Living Seas Officer on: 0191 284 6884 or email her at Aurelie.bohan@northwt.org.uk with details of the exact location and, if possible, a digital photo. This will help establish the cause of death. Although post-mortem is more accurate, this method will be valuable and is cost effective in monitoring the issue.
Random reports of dead seals are helpful but we hope an increase in reporting rates will help to establish reasons for deaths.
Northumberland has an important breeding population of these animals. The county therefore has a role to play in conserving this species and it’s important that we know what is affecting that in both positive and negative ways.
Walking in Amble yesterday saw quite a large dead seal next to the harbour where yachts are moored looked like birds could have been pecking it looked quite bloody from tip of nose to head sad sight to see but I guess it happens
Hi Jacqueline, yes it is very sad to find dead seals on the beach. You can report them to the county council: Ring 0345 600 6400.
Information they will ask for:
name of beach or shore
location on the shore
any signs of injury or cause of death
state of decomposition
photographs if you have them
Thanks I don’t live in Northumberland so didnt know that, I did wonder what would happen to the poor thing I nearly took photograph but then decided not to as it didnt feel right thanks for the information will make a note of number hopefully wont need to use it. Best Wishes Jacqueline