DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE A SEAL ON THE BEACH?
Here is some information as I know a lot of people don’t know what to do if they find an animal stranded on the beach and it is usually dog walkers that find them.
If you find a whale porpoise or dolphin on the beach call BDMLR straight away (number below).
• If you come across a seal it is most likely just having a rest having had a big fish meal.
• You should never get to close and put your dog on a lead as seals have a nasty bite that can give you a bad infected wound. Also warn others as you wouldn’t believe how many people don’t see them and nearly step on them.
• Assess from a distance and see if it looks healthy it should look like a fat round ball, check it’s not caught in anything or has any wounds.
• If it appears fine you can leave it, however often they rest in awkward places full of dogs, if you are unsure in anyway even if you think it is healthy just give us a call at BDMLR and we will ask you to text us a picture with your phone. If you don’t have a camera phone, someone near you probably will then we will work out if a medic needs to come out to attend to the seal.
I hope this helps any questions you have fire away.
BDMLR call 01825 765546 (put this in your phone so you always have it)
This poster has some information for you, if you have anywhere to put it up feel free. http://www.bdmlr.org.uk/uploads/documents/resources/english_strandings_poster[A4].pdf
Anna and Freddie