Isle of Man: Conservation charity looking for 'seal sitters' to look after resting seal pups

A conservation charity on the Isle of Man is looking for 'seal sitters' to help at beaches across the island.

Recent pupping has meant there's been an increase of young Atlantic Grey Seals on the coastline.

Seal sitting is an important part of efforts to keep the animals safe and make sure their numbers continue to grow and thrive in the wild.

The Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) want volunteers to help out with the task - so what is seal sitting all about?

Why are seal sitters needed?

Atlantic Grey seals give birth between October and January - this is called the pupping season.

At this time of year, young seals may haul themselves onto beaches if sea conditions are rough or if they need to digest their food.

Marine wildlife officer Lara Howe said pups often end up on "less than suitable beaches" to rest, especially in really windy weather.

Seal sitting - what's involved?

The Manx Wildlife Trust says seal sitters would need to observe and monitor the seals - to make sure they're ok - and educate people coming onto the beach about the animals.

Lara says "seal sitters" usually stay with a seal until it returns to the sea or place signs nearby asking beach users to give the pup plenty of space.

Seals may look super cute but it's really important humans (and our dogs) give them space if we see them on the beach.

Not only can they sometimes be aggressive towards humans, but we might scare them.

The volunteer seal sitters will stay with an animal after it's been spotted to make sure it's not distressed or injured.