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Keep away from baby seals

by isleofman.com 5th October 2006
We're being advised to keep away from baby seals found on the Island's shoreline.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry it's now the main breeding season for grey seals, who produce fluffy, white pups.

While young pups are being fed by their mothers, they are left alone on the beach, and their mother goes into the sea.

DAFF says it's important to remember seal pups left on their own may not have been abandoned.

Kate Skinner reports:

(Text of attached audio)
The public is being asked to avoid disturbing the seals and to stay well back- its mother may be watching and could be frightened away.

It's also not a good idea to pick the seal up as it might feel threatened enough to give the handler a nasty bite, or to put it in the sea as it may not be ready to fend for itself.

Don't take a pup home either, or let your dog worry it.

If in doubt, call the MSPCA and officers will assess whether it's well fed and whether it would be best left for its mother to return, or whether it needs treatment.

Seals are protected under the Manx Wildlife Act, so intentionally disturbing or harming an animal is offence, which carries a fine of five thousand pounds.



Posted by isleofman.com
Thursday 5th, October 2006 01:33pm.

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