Marine & Wildlife

Wild Grey Seal Pupping Season and Welfare

Grey seal pupping on UK beaches is a spectacular wildlife event, but seal pups face welfare risks from disturbance, storms and separation from mothers.

Key Facts

UK grey seals pup from October to January at key sites including Blakeney and the Farne Islands
Pups are born white-coated and cannot swim for 3-4 weeks while nursing
Mother-pup separation caused by disturbance can lead to starvation and death
Storms can cause significant pup mortality at exposed pupping beaches
The UK holds 40% of the global grey seal population, making welfare here globally significant

Welfare Considerations

Grey seal pupping is highly vulnerable to disturbance. Maintaining strict exclusion zones during the pupping season is essential to individual pup welfare and population success.

What You Can Do

Stay well back from grey seal pupping beaches and never approach pups
Report distressed or injured seal pups to British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Follow seasonal access restrictions at designated seal pupping sites