Two of the world’s 19 species of seals can be found in the UK. There are around 120,000 grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and over 30,000 common seals (Phoca vitulina), also known as harbour seals in our waters.
Although UK seal populations are healthy, sick or injured individuals can sometimes need a helping hand. But it’s important to remember that seeing a seal on land doesn’t mean the animal is in trouble.
Is it normal for seals to lay on the beach?
Seals often haul out onto land to rest or digest their food as part of their natural behaviour. This is more common after high tides or storms when they need to restore their energy. Never try to push a seal back into the sea. You could put yourself in danger and may harm the seal too.
Typically, seeing a seal out of the water along our coastline isn’t something you should worry about. But there are some signs that indicate the animal might need medical attention. Here’s what to look out for and what to do if you think a seal needs help.
What to do if you see a seal on land
Remember that seals are wild animals and they can be dangerous. An adult male grey seal can weigh up to 300kg and common seals grow up to 150kg. That’s heavier than an adult Rottweiler! They also have large teeth, teeming with bacteria, and can deliver a nasty bite.
If you see a seal along the coastline, give it plenty of space (at least 100 metres) and do not approach it. If you’re with a dog, make sure it is on the lead and keep your children away from the animal.
By getting too close, you could put yourself, your family, or the seal in danger. “If the seal is a young pup, mum might still be in the area,” says the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) on its website. “Unweaned seal pups depend on mum’s milk to build up their blubber reserves in order to survive, but she may abandon her pup if anyone has interfered.”
Watch from a distance and stay very quiet – making too much noise could scare the animals and cause a stampede back into the water. “Please stay calm, quiet, downwind and keep a low profile during your encounter so they don’t notice you,” says the BDMLR.
Spending time on land is an important way for seals to regain their energy. Any disturbance or stress can interfere with this. “If a seal is looking directly at you, it means it’s stopped its normal behaviour and is worrying about what you are doing,” adds the BDMLR. If the seal has noticed you, move away slowly and quietly so they can feel at ease again.
Signs a seal might be in trouble
While seeing seals on land along the coastline is normal, in some instances the animal might have a problem and need help. There are a few things that you should look out for.
When seals become entangled in fishing gear or stuck in frisbee rings, it can be fatal. Large, commercial fishing gear is easy to see but look out for thin line or nets, or injuries caused by the gear cutting into them.
Very young seals can sometimes get separated from their mother. If you see a very small seal (under a metre long) or an individual that still has fluffy white fur, it’s a young baby that hasn’t yet left its mum. The mother might be in the sea nearby and could abandon her pup if you come too close so keep your distance and look out for adult seals nearby. If you don’t see an adult after a long period of time, the baby might be alone and need BDMLR Medics to respond.
Seals store their energy in their thick blubber so they shouldn’t look thin. “Signs of malnutrition include visible ribs, hips and neck and perhaps a rather baggy, wrinkled skin,” says the BDMLR.
All seals have some parasite load, which they pick up from the fish they eat. But when this gets out of balance, or they catch another illness, they may need medical attention. “Signs of ill health include: coughing, sneezing or noisy, rapid breathing and possibly thick mucus coming from the nose, wounds or swellings, particularly on flippers, cloudy eyes, or thick mucus around them, or possibly one eye kept closed most of the time,” says the BDMLR.
What to do if a seal is in trouble
If you’ve seen any of these worrying signs, call the BDMLR on 01825 765546. They will ask you about what you’ve seen and give some advice about the best steps to take.
To help them assess the situation, it’s useful to have a few key pieces of information ready. First, check their website to see if you can identify whether it’s a grey or a common seal and make a note of any injuries or signs of illness. If you can, take a few photos and ask if it would be helpful to send these to their hotline operator.
If necessary, the BDMLR will send a trained Marine Mammal Medic to assist. If they need to respond, having an exact location is key in helping them find you quickly. Use what3words to direct them to your exact location.
It is very important that you don’t approach or try to handle the seal yourself as this could be very dangerous. Remain 100 metres away and ask other members of the public to stay at a distance too. Use a camera with a zoom, if you can, to get a better look.
How to become a Marine Mammal Medic
If you want to go a step further and become a Marine Mammal Medic yourself, you can join the BDMLR and go through a short training course to learn how to respond to sick and injured seals and cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises).
More UK marine wildlife
- "Unbelievable": rare killer whale encounter stuns wildlife watchers in Northumberland
- What's the most common jellyfish in Britain?
- This lethal predator is the most venomous in the ocean – and rising temperatures could drive them to the UK…
- Fierce battle between seal and enormous sea creature filmed in Dorset