Common seal pups are frequently found alone and misidentified as abandoned; understanding when intervention is appropriate is critical for welfare outcomes.
The welfare of common seal pups is most threatened by inappropriate human intervention. Rescuing well-nourished, hydrated pups whose mothers are temporarily absent removes animals from successful natural development. Genuine orphans require specialist care that members of the public cannot provide. The welfare decision requires expert assessment. The correct response to a found pup is to observe from a distance of 100 metres or more for several hours before contacting BDMLR for advice. Intervention should follow expert guidance, not emotional response to finding an apparently vulnerable animal.