Sickly Seals

[Ian Bond]

I've been alerted to Alan Crossley's tweet about the seal pup at Seaton Snook.  Unfortunately I don't know how to reply to tweets so I hope its alright to post some information here based on our experience at INCA and what we recommend to our volunteer seal monitors.

If you do find what appears to be a distressed seal (or cetacean) then its recommended to phone the British Divers Marine Life Rescue helpline on 01825 765546 (office work hours).   Their out of hours contact number (evenings and weekends is 07787 433412).  They have a network of fairly locally based volunteers who usually come out and make an assessment of whether the animal needs to be rescued.

Often a seal will just be hauling out.  At this time of year the Harbour Seal pups are recently weaned so are likely to lose some condition and may haul out in some atypical locations while they learn what it is to be a seal.  (That said, the one that Alan photographed did seem fairly emaciated so probably would be worth getting BDMLR to check it out and definitely if it remains hauled out.) We recommend to the seal volunteers to contact BDMLR in the following circumstances:
•   The seal is obviously injured, emaciated or ill (eg coughing or nose and eyes streaming).
•   It is behaving oddly.  This one is difficult to judge, but a couple of key examples to bear in mind are:
-   if a seal is allowing people or dogs to get too close to it without trying to defend itself.
-   if it stays out of the water for 'too long', not making any attempt to go back into the water as the tide rises (in this case it might be ill).

Its best if the finder could contact BDMLR directly about distressed seals, as you have the relevant information and time may be of the essence, especially with tides.  However if you are aware of any rescues we would be keen to know at INCA so that we can include it in our annual seal reports.  Similarly if you have  other records of seals around Teesside ie dead seals, seals with tags, or counts of seals in particular locations, we would be interested to know so that we can form a fuller picture of the local seal population.  Please e-mail any such information to plover@inca.uk.com