Early seal pup season sparks disturbance warning

People are being urged to keep at least 300ft away from seals

Conservationists are raising the alarm as grey seal pups are born earlier than expected along the Cornish coast, coinciding with the summer holidays and increasing the risk of human disturbance.

Tamara Cooper, curator at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, at Gweek, said the shift in timing had become more pronounced over the past five to six years.

"Pups are usually born between September and October, but we're seeing them arrive earlier each year," she said.

"This year, we've already had reports of dozens of pups born in August." She added "it's too early to say" whether the shift in birthing was due to climate change.

Storms have washed some pups away from breeding areas, the sanctuary said

She said the overlap with school holidays meant beaches were busier than ever, which created a greater chance of disruption.

"There's simply not enough space for everyone," she said.

"Seal pups need quiet, secluded beaches to rest and bond with their mothers. When people or dogs get too close, it can cause stress or even lead to pups being abandoned."

The "distressing" effects of people walking near the animals was shown in a video of a seal stampede on a Cornish beach in 2023.

The sanctuary said it was also concerned about rough seas caused by the remnants of Hurricane Erin, which had washed some pups off their breeding beaches.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue previously said "because of climate change, more severe storms are happening more frequently and it's resulting in more casualties for us".

Grace Jones, conservation co-ordinator at the sanctuary, said seal pups may look abandoned, "but in most cases, their mother is nearby in the water, returning regularly to feed them".

"The best chance of survival for any pup is to remain with its mum, and that can only happen if people keep their distance," she said.

The sanctuary is urging the public to follow these guidelines:

• Keep your distance, stay at least 300ft (91m) away from any seal pup.

• Keep dogs on leads, Even friendly dogs can disturb seals or be at risk of infection.

• Call for help, Contact the Cornish Seal Sanctuary or British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) before taking any action. Do not approach or move the pup yourself.

Grey seals are the most common species found around Devon and Cornwall, while common seals are occasional visitors.