Wildlife Welfare

Wild Grey Seal Pupping Season Welfare

Grey seal pupping season brings welfare risks from human disturbance that can cause pup abandonment and mother-pup separation.

Key Facts

UK grey seals pup from October to December with major colonies at Donna Nook and Blakeney Point
Mothers suckle pups for approximately 3 weeks during which disturbance can cause separation
Pups depend entirely on their mothers during the suckling period and cannot self-feed
Permitted visitor access at managed sites allows observation without disturbance
Drone use near seal colonies is restricted due to disturbance effects

Welfare Considerations

Grey seal pup welfare during the pupping season is acutely sensitive to human disturbance. Even brief disturbance separating mothers from pups can result in pup death. Maintaining appropriate distances and respecting coastal access restrictions is critical during this period.

What You Can Do

Observe grey seals from designated viewing areas during pupping season
Keep dogs on leads near seal colonies to prevent disturbance
Report injured or abandoned seal pups to BDMLR rather than attempting intervention yourself