Skip to content

Give seal pups 'space', Wildlife Trust warns

News imagePA Media / Manx Wildlife Trust A grey seal pup with white fur is sitting in a pool of water.PA Media / Manx Wildlife Trust
The Manx Wildlife Trust is asking visitors to the Isle of Man to keep their distance from seals and their pups

People visiting the Isle of Man coastline have been warned not to disturb grey seals during pupping season, which runs from late August until mid-November.

The conservation charity Manx Wildlife Trust said it was important visitors gave the pups the "space and peace" they needed to prevent their frightened mothers from abandoning them.

The charity has advised dog walkers to make sure their pets are kept on a lead and away from the seals and their pups.

Even the friendliest dogs are said to cause seals "significant stress and disturbance".

The charity also said lone pups should be left alone because their mothers were often nearby or out at sea feeding.

The island's first grey seal pup of the season was spotted on 23 July this year, about a month earlier than usual.

Anyone concerned about an injured or abandoned pup is urged to contact Manx Wildlife Trust.

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.