Marine Animals

Wild Seal Pup Haul-out Welfare

Grey seal pups born on UK beaches are highly vulnerable to disturbance, and their welfare depends on undisturbed access to their mothers.

Key Facts

Grey seal pups are born white and cannot swim until they moult at around 3 weeks
Pups separated from mothers by disturbance cannot relocate them reliably
Cow-pup bonding depends on undisturbed early contact
Coastal paths, beaches, and boat access all bring people close to pupping sites
Cameras on sticks allow distant observation without disturbing pups and mothers

Welfare Considerations

Grey seal pups separated from their mothers by disturbance starve and usually die, as cows do not reliably adopt other pups. The welfare harm from disturbance at pupping sites is severe and immediate. Maintaining large exclusion zones around pupping beaches during the October-December season is essential.

What You Can Do

Stay well back from grey seal pupping beaches during October-December
Keep dogs away from all seal haul-out and pupping sites
Report disturbance of seals to Marine Conservation Society or the police