If you find a seal on a beach, watch it from a distance. Do not approach the animal. Seals regularly haul out on our coasts – it is part of their normal behaviour and, in fact, they spend more time out of the water, digesting their food and resting than in it. Therefore, finding a seal on the beach does not mean there is necessarily a problem and do not chase it into the sea as this may stop it from doing what it needs to do – rest. A healthy seal should be left alone.
Do not approach a seal, or allow children or dogs near it. Seals are wild animals and although they look cute, they will defend themselves aggressively if necessary.
After stormy weather and / or high tides, seals will haul out on beaches to rest and regain their strength. Many do not need first aid, but we will always try to find someone to check them out just in case.
However, if there is a problem, there are a number of things you may see:
If you see a seal that may be abandoned, thin, ill or injured, then call for advice and assistance:
BDMLR RESCUE HOTLINE:
01825 765546 (24hr)
or
RSPCA hotline (England & Wales): 0300 1234 999
SSPCA hotline (Scotland): 03000 999 999
You will receive further advice over the phone. If there is a problem with the animal, there are some important things you can do to help:
A whale, dolphin or porpoise on the beach is obviously not a usual phenomenon. These animals do not beach themselves under normal circumstances, and will require assistance. Please DO NOT return the animal to the sea as they may need treatment and or a period of recovery before they are fit enough to swim strongly. You may think you are doing the right thing, but it may not be.
If you find a stranded dolphin, porpoise or whale immediately call BDMLR’s Rescue Hotline.
BDMLR RESCUE HOTLINE:
01825 765546 (24hr)
or
RSPCA hotline (England & Wales): 0300 1234 999
SSPCA hotline (Scotland): 03000 999 999
You will receive further advice over the phone, but important things you can do to help are:
Should you find a dead dolphin or whale, the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP – covering England and Wales) and Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme (SMASS – covering Scotland) collects a wide range of data on each stranding found on UK shores. If you discover a dead animal, please contact the CSIP/SMASS hotline and give a description of the following where possible:
Digital images are extremely helpful to identify to species, as well as ascertaining whether the body may be suitable for post-mortem examination.
CSIP has produced a useful leaflet that can be downloaded by clicking here.
CSIP (England and Wales) hotline: 0800 6520333. Callers are given a number of options to ensure they reach the correct department. You can also use this number to contact BDMLR as there is an option for live animal strandings that transfers directly to us.
SMASS (Scotland) hotline: 07979 245893.