Grey seals breed in increasingly visible coastal colonies in the UK. While the population has recovered well, pupping beaches are increasingly disturbed by humans, drones, and dogs, causing welfare impacts on mothers and pups.
Premature maternal separation caused by disturbance leaves pups unable to survive independently. Malnourished abandoned pups require costly rehabilitation and have lower survival rates post-release. Drones disturbing beaches cause mass stampedes that can crush and kill pups. Canine harassment causes repeated displacement that depletes the energy reserves of fasting lactating females. Human approach at beach colonies is the single most controllable welfare impact and requires targeted public education.