Wildlife

Seal Colony Disturbance and Pupping Season

Grey and common seals breed at specific haul-out sites, and disturbance during pupping season can cause pup abandonment and maternal separation.

Key Facts

Grey seals pup mainly from October to December in the UK
Common seals pup in June and July
Seal pups cannot swim for the first weeks of their life
Maternal bond disruption causes pup starvation if mother does not return
The UK grey seal population is approximately 40% of the world population

Welfare Considerations

Disturbance at seal pupping beaches during breeding season causes mothers to flee into the sea, abandoning pups that cannot follow. Even brief disturbance can result in permanent separation and pup death. Beach access restrictions during pupping season are essential welfare protection. Drones and dogs are particularly effective at causing disturbance and should be kept away from seal colonies entirely.

What You Can Do

Stay well back from seal colonies using binoculars to observe
Keep dogs on leads and away from seal beaches entirely
Report disturbance of seal colonies to Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme or BDMLR
Avoid flying drones near seal haul-out sites
Support Marine Conservation Zone designations protecting key seal breeding sites