Wildlife

Grey Seal Welfare at Haul-Out Sites

Grey seals haul out on beaches and sandbanks for breeding, moulting, and rest, and face welfare threats from human disturbance and dog interaction.

Key Facts

UK holds over 40 percent of the world population of grey seals
Breeding season is October to December with pups born on beaches
White-coated pups are unable to swim until moulted at 3-4 weeks
Disturbance causes mothers to abandon pups and enter sea prematurely
Donna Nook, Horsey, and Blakeney Point are major breeding colonies

Welfare Considerations

Human approach to seal pups on beaches causes abandonment and death from hypothermia and starvation. Dog attacks on seal pups are a recurring welfare problem at popular beaches. Disturbance at haul-out sites during moulting causes unnecessary energy expenditure. Marine litter including monofilament and rope entanglement causes severe injury.

What You Can Do

Stay at least 100 metres from seal haul-out sites
Keep dogs on leads on beaches near seal colonies
Remove fishing line and marine litter from beach environments
Donate to BDMLR seal rescue operations