Seal pups often appear on Manx beaches at this time of the year and DAFF is urging walkers and beach users to keep clear, as approaching a seal pup may cause it to become abandoned.

It is normal for a seal pup to be left unattended for several hours while the mother hunts for food.  The mother may, however, be keeping an eye on her pup from the water; approaching, handling and picking up a seal pup may distress her and cause her to abandon her young.

Well-intentioned people often mistakenly wish to 'rescue' healthy pups because they are basking on the beach.

It takes time to accurately decide if a pup is abandoned so watch from a distance and seek advice.

If you come across a seal which you think may be sick, injured or genuinely abandoned, please
 
1.    Telephone for help and provide clear location details.
2.    Keep people and dogs away until help arrives.
3.    Watch from a distance.  Injured animals can bite.
4.    Do not chase the animal into the sea

Please be aware: seals are wild animals and can bite.  They also carry diseases which are transferable to humans and dogs. 

Never put yourself at risk of injury.  However, if you are bitten, seek medical advice as soon as possible as specialist antibiotic treatment will be necessary.

If the seal is alive and there is cause for concern, please contact the MSPCA on 851672.

If you discover a dead marine animal, please report it to DAFF's Marine Wildlife and Conservation Officers (Dr Fiona Gell and Laura Hanley) on 843109.  Please report incidents of harassment via the same telephone number or contact the Police Wildlife Crime officers, PC Ian Scott and PC Mark Kerruish, via Peel Police Station on 842208.