Wildlife

Harbour Seal Welfare and Disturbance

Harbour seals resting on beaches and rocks are frequently disturbed by humans and dogs, causing welfare harm and pupping failure.

Key Facts

Harbour seals haul out to rest, thermoregulate, and give birth
Disturbance causes unnecessary energy expenditure and pupping abandonment
Maintaining 100 meter distance prevents most disturbance impacts
Pupping season from June to August requires particular care

Welfare Considerations

Seals repeatedly disturbed from haul-out sites expend energy in unnecessary escape responses, reducing time budgets for essential resting. Pups disturbed during the vulnerable early period may be permanently abandoned by mothers. Chronic disturbance at important haul-out sites reduces population-level welfare. Simple distance-keeping prevents most harm.

What You Can Do

Maintain at least 100 meters from hauled-out seals
Keep dogs on leads near seal haul-out sites
Observe seals from distance with binoculars rather than approaching
Support local seal disturbance monitoring programs