Emergency services urge public to leave Yorkshire coast seals alone after half-term disturbance concerns

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and Scarborough Coastguard are both urging residents and visitors to leave seals and their young undisturbed as they rest on the Yorkshire coast.

This renewed plea comes after a seal pup was washed onto a busy road in Scarborough last week, causing a temporary road closure as a BDMLR medic rescued the pup.

A number of seals have been spotted hauling onto Yorkshire coast beaches, however the public have been urged to leave them undisturbed. Photo credit: Scarborough Coastguard (L) and Gemma Thompson (R).

placeholder image — A number of seals have been spotted hauling onto Yorkshire coast beaches, however the public have been urged to leave them undisturbed. Photo credit: Scarborough Coastguard (L) and Gemma Thompson (R).

The BDMLR have issued advice following a busy half-term on the Yorkshire coast.

A BDMLR spokesperson said: “With half-term underway we've seen an increase in reports of disturbance to resting seal pups this week, including here across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

“We’ve received several reports of protective barriers being moved or broken so that people could approach and touch a resting seal, despite signage asking for space to be given.

“Seal pups haul out on our beaches to rest and recover — and disturbance can force them back into the sea before they’re ready.

“It’s vital that we all respect local wildlife and the measures put in place to protect them. Small actions, like keeping your distance, can have a big impact for that animal.”

Seal pup rescued from middle of road in Scarborough after causing traffic detour

Scarborough Coastguard have also urged the public to respect the seals as they rest.

Scarborough Coastguard spokesperson said: “We’re lucky to share our coastline with seals. “Here in Scarborough we have regular visits from seals on our beaches, but it’s important to remember that they are wild, protected animals and need space to rest safely.

“Seals often come onto beaches to rest, warm up, or care for their pups. If disturbed, they may panic and return to the water too soon, which can lead to exhaustion, injury, or abandonment of pups.”

The coastguard have said, if you see a seal on the beach:

Keep at least 50 metres away
Keep dogs on leads and under control
Stay quiet and calm
Use a camera zoom or binoculars if you want a closer look
Do NOT touch, feed, or approach them
Do NOT allow dogs or children to approach
Do NOT try to move them

If a seal is injured, tangled, or in immediate danger, contact trained help such as the BDMLR or RSPCA. It is recommended that members of the public does not attempt to help directly — as they could put themselves and the seal at risk.