Seal strangled to death by plastic beach toy

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust described seals as 'naturally inquisitive'

A wildlife charity has urged people not to leave beach toys behind after a seal was found dead with a plastic ring around its neck.

The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust said it had seen an increase in plastic waste on the county’s beaches.

Matthew Capper from the trust said it felt like “a failure” when the seal was found dead trapped in the ring.

He urged people to "act responsibly" and take their rubbish away with them.

Mr Capper said it was “always sad” when seals are found dead

According to the trust, seals are naturally inquisitive animals who often interact with plastic in the sea.

“A young seal might put their head through the ring and continue to grow and then get stuck,” Mr Capper said.

“We have been operating for 75 years and we have taken all this time to protect wildlife.

“So when something like this happens it feels like a failure,” he added.

Previously, a seal was discovered with a nylon fishing line around its neck at Donna Nook air weapons range

'Take more than you came with’

Mr Capper urged people to be more responsible when visiting the Lincolnshire coast.

“It is down to all of us to act responsibly and to think about plastic use,” he said.

“Take your rubbish away with you, but also pick up any other litter you see. Take more than what you came with,” he added.

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