Marine Animals

Wild Harbour Seal Pup Welfare

Harbour seal pups are born able to swim but depend on their mothers for nutrition, and their welfare is vulnerable to disturbance at pupping sites.

Key Facts

Harbour seals give birth in summer (June-July in UK waters)
Pups can swim at birth but nurse for 3-4 weeks on very rich milk
Cow-pup bonds are maintained by vocalisations and smell
Disturbance causes premature weaning or abandonment of pups
UK harbour seal numbers have declined significantly in some populations since the 1990s

Welfare Considerations

Harbour seal pups separated from their mothers by disturbance before weaning is complete face starvation and death. Summer disturbance at pupping sites - from boats, kayaks, and pedestrians - causes welfare harm disproportionate to the small number of people involved. Exclusion zones during pupping season directly protect pup welfare.

What You Can Do

Stay well back from harbour seal pupping sites in June and July
Keep dogs away from all seal haul-out sites year-round
Report disturbance of seals to SNH, Natural England, or RNLI