What to do if you spot a baby seal on a beach

It's pupping season for the UK's seals, meaning that you might spot furry baby seals appearing along the coastlines.

But while it's great to keep an eye out for the seals, some people have been getting too involved or accidently putting them in harms way by scaring them.

The Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust say that you should not approach, touch or encourage a seal pup back into the sea.

Rescuers have warned that some tourists have thought that seals were in trouble when they see them on their own, and tried to 'save' them by throwing them back into the sea. Instead of helping, it's actually dangerous for the pups, who can't swim yet!

If you see a pup on it's own and think it might be in distress look to see if you can spot any injuries. You should back off out of sight and wait 30 minutes to see if you can spot it's mother.

If after 30 minutes you still haven't seen it's mother and are still concerned for it's welfare then get in touch with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue who can help.

Here are some top tips from Sue at the Cornwall Seal Group on how behave when you see a baby seal.

Ayshah also travelled down to the south coast to find out more about Grey seal pups in the UK.