Grey seal pups are born on UK beaches from October to January. Understanding their welfare needs and threats helps the public and conservationists provide appropriate protection.
Grey seal pups are highly vulnerable during their brief three-week nursing period. Human disturbance that causes maternal abandonment is the most preventable source of welfare harm during this period. Even well-intentioned approaches that are too close cause stress responses that disrupt feeding and can trigger permanent abandonment. Storm casualties represent welfare emergencies requiring rapid BDMLR response. Giving pups and mothers adequate space during the breeding season is the single most important welfare action available to members of the public visiting seal colonies.