Grey seals give birth on exposed beaches and headlands during autumn and winter, and human disturbance during pupping season causes pup abandonment and mortality.
Grey seal pups abandoned due to human disturbance face starvation over days to weeks - a severe welfare harm that is entirely preventable. Even well-intentioned close approaches during photography can cause panicked mothers to flee, breaking the nursing bond irreparably. Maintaining distance from pupping sites is essential welfare protection.