Skegness Natureland is advising people to keep their distance from Seals on Skegness Beach
A seal hospital in Skegness is urging the public to maintain distance if they encounter a pup on the beach during festive walks. Skegness Natureland has seen an increase in activity this Christmas, as the Lincolnshire coast is currently amidst the grey seal pupping season.
Recently, the pup count at the Donna Nook coastal nature reserve reached 1,647. With pups starting to move out and separate from their mothers, it’s likely people will come across them. Unfortunately, some pups that become separated from their mothers in the North Sea often end up on Lincolnshire beaches fatigued, ill, and underweight.
Despite the hospital’s capacity being full, the team at Skegness Natureland emphasizes that a pup on the beach isn’t always a cause for concern. “We are aware of a couple of pups currently resting along our coast,” stated a spokesperson. They believe at least one of the pups is being cared for by its mother and request that people give them plenty of space—100 meters is recommended, but more is better. If you notice anyone disturbing the pup, please advise them to move away.
Often, the mother may be nearby in the sea, and approaching too closely might lead her to abandon the pup. Pups that have already separated from their mothers and appear well-fed are likely just resting, so it’s crucial to provide them peace and quiet to reduce stress.
Please ensure dogs are kept on a lead near them, as seals can transmit harmful pathogens, and no one wishes injury on either dogs or pups. With the hospital at capacity, Skegness Natureland advises anyone spotting a pup in urgent need to contact the British Divers Marine Life Rescue at 01825 765546, as they can’t accept more patients at present.
Even though it is winter, Skegness still gets a lot of visitors from Boston, Grimsby, Lincoln, Scunthorpe and further-a-field. Skegness Natureland want visitors to be aware of the seals on the beach.
Skegness Natureland on North Parade reopens to the public today (Friday) until December 31, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with last admissions at 3:30 p.m.
