Why do seals come onto land?

Seals haul out on land to rest, digest their food, and regulate their body temperature.

What distance should I keep from seals on the beach?

It is recommended to observe seals from a distance of at least 100 meters (the length of a football pitch).

What happens if seals are disturbed on the beach?

Disturbing seals can cause them significant stress, deplete their energy reserves, and potentially lead to a decline in health or even death.

Home / Environment / Seals Need Space: Beachgoers Urged to Keep Distance

Seals Need Space: Beachgoers Urged to Keep Distance

16 Mar

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Summary

Seals haul out on land to rest, digest, and regulate body temperature.
Maintaining a 100m distance is recommended to avoid stressing seals.
Disturbing seals can lead to health decline and potential death.

Seals Need Space: Beachgoers Urged to Keep Distance

A marine wildlife charity is appealing to the public to give resting seals adequate space on the coast. Recent reports from Fraisthorpe beach in East Yorkshire detailed people approaching a juvenile seal, some with dogs.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) emphasizes the critical need for seals to have at least 100 meters of undisturbed space. Seals haul out on land for essential rest and recovery. Getting too close can cause them to flee prematurely or become defensive.

BDMLR warns that seals are wild animals and can bite if threatened. Forcing seals into the water before they are ready or causing them stress can deplete their valuable energy reserves. This is particularly dangerous for young seals, potentially leading to a decline in health.

Anyone concerned about a seal's welfare is advised to contact BDMLR for guidance. Similar pleas have been issued previously in areas like Cleethorpes and near Donna Nook Nature Reserve, where grey seal pups are a common sight.

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