Wildlife

Grey Seal Pup Welfare During the UK Pupping Season

Grey seals give birth on UK beaches and islands in autumn, with pup welfare dependent on undisturbed beaches, adequate suckling time and protection from storm events.

Key Facts

Approximately 120000 grey seal pups are born annually in UK, around 40% of the world population
Pups are born in October-December at traditional pupping beaches
Mothers suckle pups for approximately three weeks before abandoning them to fast and moult
Grey seal pups lose approximately 40% of their body weight during the post-weaning fast
Storm events can cause mass pup mortality at exposed beach pupping sites

Welfare Considerations

Grey seal pup welfare depends on undisturbed suckling of rich milk from their mothers for the critical three-week nursing period. Human disturbance causes mothers to flee, abandoning pups prematurely. Premature weaning prevents adequate fat deposition for the post-weaning fast. Storm-driven surf can strand or injure pups on rocky beaches. Entanglement in marine debris causes injury and mortality to newly independent juveniles.

What You Can Do

Maintain at least 100m distance from seal pups on beaches
Keep dogs on leads near seal pupping beaches in autumn and winter
Report injured or distressed seal pups to BDMLR for rescue assessment
Do not approach or touch seal pups even if they appear abandoned
Reduce marine plastic waste that creates entanglement hazards for juvenile seals