Wildlife

Wild Seal Colony Disturbance and Pupping Welfare

Human disturbance to grey and common seal colonies during pupping season causes pup abandonment, separation, and stress, with significant welfare consequences for dependent young.

Key Facts

Grey seal pups are entirely dependent on maternal contact for their first 3 weeks of life
Disturbance causing pup-mother separation results in pup starvation and death
Dogs off-lead are a major cause of disturbance at seal haul-out sites
UK grey seals give birth in autumn with beaches closed to human access in many reserves
Drone use near seal colonies is increasingly regulated due to disturbance impacts

Welfare Considerations

Disturbance of pupping seal colonies causes maternal abandonment and pup death. Visitor behaviour is the primary cause and can be addressed through education and enforcement.

What You Can Do

Keep dogs on leads near beaches where seals are present
Stay at least 100m from seal haul-out sites, especially during pupping season
Never approach or attempt to return a lone seal pup to the water
Report illegal disturbance of seal colonies to relevant wildlife authorities