Grey and common seal pups are born at different times of year and face threats from storms, disturbance, and entanglement. Understanding their welfare needs helps people respond appropriately.
Seal pup welfare is critically dependent on undisturbed nursing. Grey seal mothers fast completely during the 3-week nursing period and are highly sensitive to disturbance. Human approach during this period causes mothers to flee into the sea, abandoning dependent pups that cannot yet swim or feed themselves. Pups abandoned for more than a few days face starvation and hypothermia. Storm events can separate pups from mothers in rough weather. Well-meaning members of the public who approach pups to photograph or assist them may inadvertently cause the welfare harm they are trying to prevent.