Marine Wildlife

Grey Seal Pupping Season Welfare

UK grey seal pupping season from autumn to winter brings significant welfare considerations as seal pups face natural mortality risks compounded by human disturbance.

Key Facts

UK grey seal colonies host approximately 40% of the world's grey seal population
Pups are born white-coated and helpless, entirely dependent on mothers for 3 weeks
Human disturbance during pupping causes mothers to abandon pups, leading to starvation
Storm events cause significant pup mortality at exposed Atlantic coast colonies
Injured or abandoned pups can be successfully rehabilitated by experienced seal rescue centres

Welfare Considerations

Grey seal pups face natural mortality risks that are significantly worsened by human disturbance causing maternal abandonment. Maintaining appropriate exclusion zones during pupping season is one of the simplest and most effective welfare interventions available to the public.

What You Can Do

Stay at least 100m from grey seal pupping beaches during autumn and winter
Keep dogs on leads near seal colonies to prevent disturbance
Report abandoned or injured seal pups to British Divers Marine Life Rescue